Matthew 23:21

Arabic 1978 (APD) (Kitaab al Vahd aj Jadid 1978)

Wa_l yaḥlif be_l maḥall al gudduus, yaḥlif beehu wa be_s saakin fiihu.

What Does This Mean?

Jesus is speaking in Matthew 23:21 and warns about the seriousness of swearing by the temple because it's not just the building, but God who dwells there. The key message is that anything sworn by the temple ultimately involves swearing by God.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a special toy box where your favorite toys live. If someone swears by that toy box, they're really promising something important because of how much it means to you and all the cool things inside. In this verse, Jesus is saying that when people swear by the temple, they’re actually swearing by God who lives there.

Historical Background

Matthew was written in the late first century AD, likely for Jewish Christians facing challenges from traditional Jewish leaders. The cultural setting reflects tensions between new Christian beliefs and established religious practices of the time.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, consider a situation where someone makes a promise 'by all that is holy.' This verse reminds us to take our promises seriously because they reflect on God if we associate them with something sacred like a church or temple.

Topics

• oaths
• promises
• sanctuary
• faithfulness
• worship
• God's presence

Related Verses

• Leviticus 5:4
• Ezekiel 20:39
• Matthew 5:34-36
• Hebrews 6:16
• Revelation 7:15

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is swearing by the temple significant?

Swearing by the temple is significant because it implies a commitment not just to a building, but to God who dwells there. This makes such an oath very serious and binding.

How does this verse apply to Christians today?

Christians today should be mindful of their promises and oaths, understanding that any association with sacred places or objects elevates the seriousness of those commitments in God's eyes.

What was Jesus trying to teach about making oaths?

Jesus teaches against making unnecessary oaths and emphasizes the importance and seriousness of one’s word without invoking extra significance from earthly things like the temple.

How does this relate to the broader message of Matthew?

This verse fits into Matthew's theme of authentic faith over external displays. It shows Jesus warning against hollow religious practices that do not reflect genuine piety or understanding.