Definition: Woe unto you, [ye] blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 23:16. It's a really interesting and somewhat dramatic passage that points to something about how we think and what we value. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is criticizing people who are overly focused on rules and restrictions – especially when it comes to things like swearing or honoring sacred places. It suggests they're being self-righteous and perhaps even a little hypocritical. Let’s unpack the parts: “Matthew 23:16” : This is the verse itself – part of a larger story in the Bible about Jesus’ judgment of people after his resurrection. “Woe unto you, ye blind guides…” : Jesus is calling out to those who are acting like they know better than everyone else. He's using a word that means "woe" - sadness and misfortune. He calls them “blind guides” because they’re not seeing things clearly or understanding the truth. “which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple…” : This is the key part. Jesus is pointing out that people who swear a sacred oath (like swearing by a temple) are acting in a way that shows disrespect and lack of seriousness. The “temple” represents something very important – God’s presence, His authority, or perhaps even the sanctity of life. "...it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!” : This is where it gets really significant. Jesus is saying that people who really understand the importance of honoring God and his sacred places are more serious and valuable – they’re debtors . Here's what this means: “it is nothing”: They don't take oaths seriously; they’re not taking them seriously enough. "he is a debtor!” : This suggests that these people are being dishonest, perhaps in their own lives, or even potentially in their attitudes towards God and his word. It implies they aren't truly committed to following what is right. What it’s really saying: Jesus isn't necessarily criticizing them as individuals. He's highlighting a pattern of behavior – a lack of genuine devotion and respect. It’s about valuing the sacredness of things, and taking oaths seriously. It suggests that those who are too focused on rules and restrictions can be misguided. Important Context: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against hypocrisy – where people outwardly follow rules but don't genuinely live by them. It also speaks to the importance of humility and recognizing that we all need guidance and direction from God. In short, the verse warns against being overly concerned with rules and restrictions – especially when those rules are seen as being about disrespecting something truly sacred. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?