A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 23:24

"Ye blind guides, that strain out the gnat, and swallow the camel!" — Matthew 23:24 (ASV)

Strain out the gnat (διυλιζοντες τον κωνωπα). By filtering through (δια), not the "straining at" in swallowing so crudely suggested by the misprint in the A.V.

Swallow the camel (την δε καμηλον καταπινοντες). Gulping or drinking down the camel. An oriental hyperbole like that in 19:24. See also 5:29,30; 17:20; 21:21. Both insects and camels were ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 11:4,20,23,42). "He that kills a flea on the Sabbath is as guilty as if he killed a camel" (Jer. Shabb. 107).