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Mat_23:20-22. Οὖν ] inference from Mat_23:19; because the greater, from which the less (the accessorium), as being bound up with it, derives its sanctity, necessarily includes that less.
ὁ ὀμοσας … ὀμνύει ] The aorist participle represents the thing as already in the course of being done (Kühner, II. 1, p. 134, ad Xen. Mem. i. 1. 18): he who has proceeded to swear by the altar, swears (present), according to the point of view indicated by οὖν , not merely by the altar, but at the same time by all that is upon it as well.
Mat_23:21. No longer dependent on οὖν ; but two other examples of swearing are adduced independently of the former, in each of which even the highest of all, God Himself, is understood to be included. Accordingly we find the objects presented in a different relation to one another. Formerly the greater included the less, now the converse is the case. But though differing in this respect, there is in both instances a perfect agreement as to the sacred and binding character of the oaths.
κατοικήσαντι ] who made it his dwelling-place, took up his abode in it (after it was built). Comp. Jam_4:5; Luk_2:49.
Mat_23:22[10]]. Comp. on Mat_5:34.
[10] The opposite of ver. 22 occurs in Schevuoth, f. xxxv. 2 : “Quia praeter Deum, coeli et terrae creatorem, datur etiam ipsum coelum et terra, indubium esse debet, quod is, qui per coelum et terram jurat non per eum juret, qui illa creavit, sed per illas ipsas creaturas.”