16. Woe unto you, ye blind guides--Striking expression this of the
ruinous effects of erroneous teaching. Our Lord, here and in some
following verses, condemns the subtle distinctions they made as to the
sanctity of oaths--distinctions invented only to promote their own
avaricious purposes.
which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing--He has
incurred no debt.
but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple--meaning not
the gold that adorned the temple itself, but the Corban, set
apart for sacred uses (see on
Mt 15:5).
he is a debtor!--that is, it is no longer his own, even though the
necessities of the parent might require it. We know who the successors
of these men are.
but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty--It
should have been rendered, "he is a debtor," as in
Mt 23:16.
JFB.
Outline
Jesus reproves the scribes and Pharisees. (1-12)
Crimes of the Pharisees. (13-33)
The guilt of Jerusalem. (34-39)
Painted Illustration of a Pharisee During the time of Jesus
Important Topics for Bible Study
Quick Reference Map
Map of Judea in the Time of Jesus
(Click to Enlarge)
Painted Illustration of a Scribe During the time of Jesus
Painted Illustration of a Rabbi During the time of Jesus
Ancient Customs
Geography
Jerusalem
Judaea
Matthew Resources
The New Testament