24. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat--The proper rendering--as
in the older English translations, and perhaps our own as it came from
the translators' hands--evidently is, "strain out." It was the custom,
says TRENCH, of the stricter Jews to strain
their wine, vinegar, and
other potables through linen or gauze, lest unawares they should drink
down some little unclean insect therein and thus transgress
(Le 11:20, 23, 41, 42)
--just as the Buddhists do now in Ceylon and Hindustan--and to this
custom of theirs our Lord here refers.
and swallow a camel--the largest animal the Jews knew, as the "gnat"
was the smallest; both were by the law unclean.
JFB.
Outline
Jesus reproves the scribes and Pharisees. (1-12)
Crimes of the Pharisees. (13-33)
The guilt of Jerusalem. (34-39)
Painted Illustration of a Pharisee During the time of Jesus
Important Topics for Bible Study
Quick Reference Map
Map of Judea in the Time of Jesus
(Click to Enlarge)
Painted Illustration of a Scribe During the time of Jesus
Painted Illustration of a Rabbi During the time of Jesus
Ancient Customs
Geography
Jerusalem
Judaea
Matthew Resources
The New Testament