## which is greater, the gift, or the altar that consecrates the gift? ##
Jesus uses this question to point out something they already know. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
## the gift ##
a sacrifice of an animal or ground grain brought to God before it had been laid on the altar. Once laid on the altar, it was an offering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])