Matthew 5:34-35
But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus isn't just saying "don't lie" when you swear, he's revealing that even swearing by seemingly insignificant things like heaven or earth is actually calling God himself into your words. He's calling us to a radical sincerity where our simple "yes" and "no" carry the full weight of truth because our lives reflect God's own integrity.
Jesus is continuing his Sermon on the Mount, addressing how his followers should live out God's law in a deeper way than mere outward observance. He's countering the common interpretations of the Law that allowed for casual or loophole-ridden oaths, explaining that oaths by heaven, earth, or Jerusalem were still considered binding by God. Jesus is pushing his listeners toward absolute truthfulness in all their speech.
Jesus tells us not to swear by heaven or earth. Why? What does this have to do with God?
Jesus is unpacking a deeper understanding of God's law. When people swore by heaven, they were implicitly swearing by God, who sits on the throne of heaven. Similarly, swearing by the earth acknowledged it as God's footstool.
Jesus says 'Swear not at all.' Does this mean any oath is wrong? Or is there a deeper principle at play?
Jesus isn't just forbidding specific phrases; He's addressing the underlying issue of insincerity and the abuse of God's name. The common oaths of His day were often a way to avoid true commitment or to offer a less binding promise.
Understand the original words
ouranos · Greek Noun
The realm of God's dwelling and the seat of His cosmic authority, often used to signify God’s transcendence.
thronos · Greek Noun
A seat of honor and royal dignity representing the authority, judgment, and majesty of a sovereign ruler.
gē · Greek Noun
The physical world and the land; in biblical imagery, it is the place of human habitation under God's dominion.
hypopodion · Greek Noun
A rest for the feet, symbolizing complete subjection and the vastness of God's presence over His creation.
Jesus’ teaching here is not a repeal of the Old Testament law against perjury, but a profound correction of how the Jews had twisted its application. They created loopholes by swearing by heaven or earth, avoiding God’s name directly but still invoking His authority. Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of integrity where their word is enough.
c. 1500 BC
Mosaic Law Established
The Law of Moses, including commandments against taking God's name in vain, is given to Israel, forming the foundation of their religious and ethical life.
c. 8th Century BC
Prophetic Warnings on Oaths
Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah warn against the misuse of oaths, highlighting God's judgment on those who swear falsely or lightly, even by heavenly or earthly things.
c. 1st Century AD
Jewish Oral Traditions on Oaths
Jewish leaders develop intricate rules and traditions regarding oaths, often distinguishing between swearing by God's name directly and swearing by other sacred things, which Jesus saw as a loophole for casual or insincere swearing.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Sermon on the Mount
Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, presenting His interpretation of the Law, including a teaching against taking oaths at all, emphasizing sincerity and truthfulness in everyday speech.
This passage directly echoes Jesus' teaching, reinforcing the idea that one's 'yes' should be 'yes' and their 'no' should be 'no,' implying that oaths are an unnecessary addition to simple, truthful speech.
Deuteronomy 6:13This Old Testament verse commands, 'It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear.' This provides a crucial context for Jesus' teaching, as he is refining the understanding of what it truly means to honor God's name, not abolishing the concept of oaths altogether.
Matthew 23:16-22In this passage, Jesus further elaborates on the same theme, exposing the faulty reasoning behind oaths made by heaven, earth, or Jerusalem, showing how these lesser things ultimately point back to God's authority and that swearing by them still involved His name.
Isaiah 66:1This verse, quoted by Jesus, describes heaven as God's throne and the earth as His footstool. It highlights the immensity and sovereignty of God, underscoring why taking oaths by these elements is essentially invoking God Himself and treating His creation irreverently if done lightly.
Malachi 1:7This prophetic passage condemns the priests for offering 'profane' food and vows, stating 'you say,
barnesMatthew 5:34: "But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:"
But I say unto you, Swear not at all - That is, in the manner which he proceeds to specify. Swear not in any of the common and profane ways customary at that time. By heaven; for it is God's throne - To swear by that was, if it meant anything, to swear by Him that sitteth thereon, Matthew 23:22. Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool - Swearing by that, therefore, is really swearing by God. Or pe…
calvinMatthew 5:33-37: "Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:"
- Again, ye have heard that it was said to the ancients, Thou shalt not perjure thyself: but thou shalt perform to the Lord what thou hast sworn. 34. But I charge you, swear not at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God: 35. Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool: nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King…
Jesus isn't just saying "don't lie" when you swear, he's revealing that even swearing by seemingly insignificant things like heaven or earth is actually calling God himself into your words. He's calling us to a radical sincerity where our simple "yes" and "no" carry the full weight of truth because our lives reflect God's own integrity.
Jesus is continuing his Sermon on the Mount, addressing how his followers should live out God's law in a deeper way than mere outward observance. He's countering the common interpretations of the Law that allowed for casual or loophole-ridden oaths, explaining that oaths by heaven, earth, or Jerusalem were still considered binding by God. Jesus is pushing his listeners toward absolute truthfulness in all their speech.
Jesus is continuing his Sermon on the Mount, addressing how his followers should live out God's law in a deeper way than mere outward observance. He's countering the common interpretations of the Law that allowed for casual or loophole-ridden oaths, explaining that oaths by heaven, earth, or Jerusalem were still considered binding by God. Jesus is pushing his listeners toward absolute truthfulness in all their speech.
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Hierosolyma · Greek Noun
The holy city of Israel, the location of the Temple, and the symbolic center of God's earthly dwelling and kingdom.
megas basileus · Greek Noun phrase
A title for God emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, power, and universal reign over all the nations.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's Epistles Written
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, uses solemn attestations and sometimes oath-like phrases, indicating a nuanced understanding and application of Jesus' teaching in practical ministry.
c. AD 62
Book of James Written
The Epistle of James reiterates Jesus' teaching, stating, 'Let your Yes be Yes and your No, No,' further emphasizing the importance of straightforward speech over reliance on oaths.
"But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King." — Jesus isn't just saying "don't lie" when you swear, he's revealing that even swearing by seemingly insignificant things like heaven or earth is actually calling God himself into your words. He's call…
