Definition: And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 23:21. It's a pretty powerful and symbolic statement about the end times. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that those who swear by God’s temple – which represents God’s holy presence and order – are committing a serious sin. Let’s unpack it further: “Matthew 23” : This refers to the story of Jesus' judgment in the Book of Matthew. It’s about how he will reveal the truth about the world and its inhabitants. “Whoso shall swear by the temple…” : This is the key part. “Temple” means a sacred place, a dwelling for God, and a symbol of His presence. This phrase suggests that someone is making a vow or oath to uphold something very important – like religious truth or obedience. "...sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein." : This is where the significance lies. It means they are swearing an oath to themselves , but also to God (the one who created and governs everything). "Him that dwelleth therein" refers to God himself – He’s the one who dwells in this sacred space, and by swearing by him, they're acknowledging their responsibility to follow His will. What does it mean practically? Historically, this verse was interpreted as a warning about those who: Disobey God: It signifies someone who is rejecting or ignoring God’s commands and principles. Don't Honor the Law: It suggests a lack of respect for religious laws and traditions. Are Unworthy of God’s Presence: Essentially, it means they are not worthy of being in God’s presence and are actively causing trouble. Important Note: It's important to understand this verse within its context of the larger narrative of Jesus’ judgment. It's not just a condemnation of individuals; it’s about the state of those who are rejecting God’s truth. In short, "Whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein" is a powerful warning to live righteously and obey God's law. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to specific biblical stories or themes? Provide an analogy to help understand the concept?