New Testament
Matthew 23:17
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You blind fools! Which is greater — the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?
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Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
What Matthew 23:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses the religious leaders of His time, calling them 'blind fools' for their misplaced priorities. He challenges them to consider what is truly valuable: the gold or the temple that sanctifies it. The temple represents God's presence and holiness, while the gold is merely a material possession. By emphasizing the temple's significance, Jesus highlights that spiritual matters should take precedence over material wealth. The leaders were focused on the outward appearance of their faith and the rituals associated with the temple, but they failed to recognize the deeper meaning and purpose behind it. This verse serves as a reminder that true value lies in our relationship with God and the sacredness of His presence, rather than in earthly riches or possessions. It calls for a reevaluation of what we prioritize in our lives, urging us to seek spiritual depth over superficial wealth.
How to apply Matthew 23:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own values and priorities. Are we focusing too much on material possessions and neglecting our spiritual growth? We should strive to deepen our relationship with God and recognize the importance of His presence in our lives, rather than getting caught up in worldly concerns.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 23:17 mean?
Matthew 23:17 highlights Jesus' criticism of religious leaders for valuing material wealth over spiritual significance. He emphasizes that the temple, which represents God's presence, is far more important than the gold itself.
What is the meaning of 'blind fools' in Matthew 23:17?
In this verse, 'blind fools' refers to the religious leaders who fail to see the true value of spiritual matters. Jesus uses this term to point out their misguided priorities and lack of understanding.
How does Matthew 23:17 apply to our lives today?
Matthew 23:17 encourages us to evaluate our own priorities, urging us to focus on spiritual growth rather than material possessions. It reminds us that our relationship with God is more valuable than earthly riches.
What does the temple symbolize in Matthew 23:17?
In Matthew 23:17, the temple symbolizes God's presence and holiness. It signifies the importance of spiritual matters and the sacredness of faith over mere material wealth.
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