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Matthew 5:34

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Matthew 5:34

Verse 34 of 48

Scripture focus

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:

Matthew 5:34 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 5:34

Theological / Devotional

But I say. See v. 22.

Swear not at all. Jesus refers not to judicial oaths (Matt. 26:64) but common Jewish oaths. Jews devised ways to avoid obligations under oath. Jesus condemns such casuistry (Matt. 23:16-22).

Jesus Himself answered under oath before Caiaphas (Matt. 26:63,64). Paul invoked God as witness (2 Cor. 1:23; 11:31; 1 Thess. 5:27). The Decalogue forbids perjury, not oaths (Ex. 20:7,16). Christians should be truthful so oaths are unnecessary (MB 67,68).

Neither by heaven. Rabbis claimed swearing by heaven or earth was less culpable than swearing by God’s name or attributes (Vol. I, p. 172; Mishnah Shebu‘oth 4.13). Jesus denied this.

By SdaBc