John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 23:21
And whoso shall swear by the temple ,.... As we have before seen they used to do, and as appears from what the poet says F23 Martial. Epigr. l. 11. Ep. 60. : Ecce negas, jurasque mihi per templa tonantis Non credo: jura, verpe, per Anchialum. In which he intimates, that if the Jew swore by the temple, he would not believe him; as well he might not, since such an oath was accounted nothing; but bids him swear by Anchialus, that is, by אלוה חי , "Chi Eloah", or חי עליון ,... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 23:20
Whosoever therefore shall swear by the altar, .... Not that Christ allowed of swearing by the altar, or by the temple, or by heaven, or by any creature, animate or inanimate; for such swearing is elsewhere disapproved of by him, and forbid, but if a man did swear by the altar, he ought to know, and consider that he not only sweareth by it , but by all the gifts, and offerings that are brought, and laid upon it, and by all things thereon ; whatever gifts and sacrifices are offered... read more