Matthew 23:20

20 He, then, who takes an oath by the altar, takes it by the altar and by all things on it.

Matthew 23:20 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 23:20

Whosoever therefore shall swear by the altar,
&c.] Not that Christ allowed of swearing by the altar, or by the temple, or by heaven, or by any creature, animate or inanimate; for such swearing is elsewhere disapproved of by him, and forbid, but if a man did swear by the altar, he ought to know, and consider that he not only

sweareth by it,
but by all the gifts, and offerings that are brought, and laid upon it,

and by all things thereon;
whatever gifts and sacrifices are offered upon it; which, by being put there, become holy, as the altar itself: so that he that swears by the altar, swears also by the gifts of the altar; and consequently, according to their own traditions, such oaths must be binding.

Matthew 23:20 In-Context

18 And, Whoever takes an oath by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever takes an oath by the offering which is on it, he is responsible.

19 You blind ones: which is greater, the offering, or the altar which makes the offering holy

20 He, then, who takes an oath by the altar, takes it by the altar and by all things on it.

21 And he who takes an oath by the Temple, takes it by the Temple and by him whose house it is

22 And he who takes an oath by heaven, takes it by the seat of God, and by him who is seated on it.