So then, whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by all the things that are on it.
Jesus explains the true meaning of an oath, showing that every oath is connected not to an isolated object, but to God’s presence, which makes that object holy. If someone swears by the altar, that oath also includes everything that is on the altar, because both are part of God’s service. Thus, Jesus explains that holiness is a whole, and it cannot be divided by saying, “this part matters, but the other does not.” The Pharisees tried to set different “levels” within oaths, thinking that some oaths are binding while others are not. Jesus exposes this false distinction and teaches that everything connected with God’s presence has the same holiness.