Matthew 23:18
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
And, Whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is guilty.
American King James Version (AKJV)
And, Whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is guilty.
American Standard Version (ASV)
And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, he is a debtor.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
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.
Webster's Revision
And whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
World English Bible
'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated?'
English Revised Version (ERV)
And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, he is a debtor.
Barnes's Matthew 23:18 Bible Commentary
The altar - The altar of burnt-offerings, in the court of the priests. See the notes at Matthew 21:12. It was made of brass, about 30 feet in length and breadth, and 15 feet in height, 2 Chronicles 4:1. On this altar were offered all the beasts and bloody oblations of the temple.
The gift that is upon it - The gift or offering made to God, so called because it was devoted or "given" to him. The gift upon this altar was always beasts and birds.
