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.