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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 5:34 But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne;</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/5-34.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/40_Mat_05_34.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 5:34 - Oaths and Vows" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne;" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/5-34.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/5-34.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 34</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm" title="Matthew 5:33">◄</a> Matthew 5:34 <a href="/matthew/5-35.htm" title="Matthew 5:35">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/5.htm">New International Version</a> But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God&#8217s throne; <a href="/nlt/matthew/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. <a href="/esv/matthew/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, <a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I say to you not to swear at all: neither by heaven, because it is the throne of God; <a href="/kjv/matthew/5.htm">King James Bible</a> But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: <a href="/nkjv/matthew/5.htm">New King James Version</a> But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; <a href="/nasb_/matthew/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But I say to you, take no oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, <a href="/nasb/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, <a href="/nasb77/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, <a href="/lsb/matthew/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, <a href="/amp/matthew/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But I say to you, do not make an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God; <a href="/csb/matthew/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But I tell you, don’t take an oath at all: either by heaven, because it is God’s throne; <a href="/hcsb/matthew/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But I tell you, don&#8217t take an oath at all: either by heaven, because it is God&#8217s throne; <a href="/asv/matthew/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God; <a href="/cev/matthew/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But I tell you not to swear by anything when you make a promise! Heaven is God's throne, so don't swear by heaven. <a href="/erv/matthew/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God; <a href="/gwt/matthew/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But I tell you don't swear an oath at all. Don't swear an oath by heaven, which is God's throne, <a href="/gnt/matthew/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> But now I tell you: do not use any vow when you make a promise. Do not swear by heaven, for it is God's throne; <a href="/isv/matthew/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> But I tell you not to swear at all, neither by heaven, because it is God's throne, <a href="/msb/matthew/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God?s throne; <a href="/net/matthew/5.htm">NET Bible</a> But I say to you, do not take oaths at all--not by heaven, because it is the throne of God, <a href="/nheb/matthew/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But I tell you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; <a href="/wbt/matthew/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But I say to you, Swear not at all: neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But I tell you not to swear at all; neither by Heaven, for it is God's throne; <a href="/web/matthew/5.htm">World English Bible</a> but I tell you, don’t swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but I say to you not to swear at all; neither by Heaven, because it is the throne of God, <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I say to you not to swear at all: neither by heaven, because it is the throne of God; <a href="/ylt/matthew/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> but I -- I say to you, not to swear at all; neither by the heaven, because it is the throne of God, <a href="/slt/matthew/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But I say to you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven, it is the throne of God:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But I say to you not to swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God: <a href="/cpdv/matthew/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But I say to you, do not swear an oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, <a href="/nabre/matthew/5.htm">New American Bible</a> But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But I say to you, never swear; neither by heaven, because it is God’s throne; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But I say to you, Do not swear at all, not by Heaven, for it is the throne of God<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But I say to you, Swear not at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; <a href="/godbey/matthew/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven, because it is the throne of God;<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But I say to thee, Swear not at all; neither by the heaven; for it is the throne of God: <a href="/mace/matthew/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is God's throne: <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But I tell you not to swear at all; neither by Heaven, for it is God's throne; <a href="/worrell/matthew/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>but I say to you, Swear not at all; neither by Heaven, because it is God's throne;<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>but I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/5-34.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1108" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Oaths and Vows</a> 33Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ 34<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/3660.htm" title="3660: omosai (V-ANA) -- A prolonged form of a primary, but obsolete omo, for which another prolonged form omoo is used in certain tenses; to swear, i.e. Take oath.">to swear</a> <a href="/greek/3654.htm" title="3654: holōs (Adv) -- Adverb from holos; completely, i.e. Altogether;, everywhere; not by any means.">at all:</a> <a href="/greek/3383.htm" title="3383: mēte (Conj) -- Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.">either</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">by</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranō (N-DMS) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">for</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">it is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God’s</a> <a href="/greek/2362.htm" title="2362: thronos (N-NMS) -- From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate.">throne;</a> 35or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a> Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment. <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-22</a> Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? / And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ ... <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7</a> You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain. <a href="/leviticus/19-12.htm">Leviticus 19:12</a> You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. <a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a> If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised. <a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21-23</a> If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4-5</a> When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. <a href="/isaiah/66-1.htm">Isaiah 66:1</a> This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be? <a href="/jeremiah/4-2.htm">Jeremiah 4:2</a> and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.” <a href="/zechariah/8-17.htm">Zechariah 8:17</a> do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-17.htm">2 Corinthians 1:17-20</a> When I planned this, did I do it carelessly? Or do I make my plans by human standards, so as to say “Yes, yes” and also “No, no”? / But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” / For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.” ... <a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16</a> Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Romans 9:1</a> I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit. <a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">1 Timothy 1:10</a> for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching <a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a> For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But I say to you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:Swear.<a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21-23</a> When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee… <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:2</a> All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.<a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a> But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.heaven.<a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-22</a> Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! … <a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a> For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.<a href="/isaiah/66-1.htm">Isaiah 66:1</a> Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/zephaniah/1-12.htm">Either</a> <a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">God's</a> <a href="/matthew/5-20.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Oaths</a> <a href="/malachi/3-3.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/matthew/2-22.htm">Throne</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Either</a> <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">God's</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/5-36.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/matthew/14-9.htm">Oaths</a> <a href="/matthew/15-29.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/matthew/5-36.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/matthew/19-28.htm">Throne</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 5</div>1. <a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Jesus' sermon on the mount:</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">The Beattitudes;</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">the salt of the earth;</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">the light of the world.</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">He came to fulfill the law.</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">What it is to kill;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">to commit adultery;</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">to swear.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">He exhorts to forgive wrong,</a> 43. <a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">to love our enemies;</a> 48. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">and to labor after perfection.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But I tell you not to swear at all: In this passage, Jesus is addressing the issue of oaths and the integrity of one's word. The cultural context of the time involved frequent swearing by various entities to assert truthfulness. Jesus emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity without the need for oaths. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical principle of truthfulness, as seen in passages like <a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a>, which echoes this command. The phrase "not to swear at all" suggests a radical departure from the common practices of the time, urging believers to let their "yes" be "yes" and their "no" be "no."either by heaven, Swearing by heaven was a common practice among the Jews, as it was considered a way to invoke a higher authority without directly using God's name. This reflects the cultural and religious practices of the time, where people sought to avoid using the divine name in vain, as instructed in the Ten Commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7</a>). By addressing this, Jesus points out that even swearing by heaven is inappropriate because it is still indirectly invoking God's authority.for it is God’s throne; This phrase highlights the sacredness of heaven, as it is described as God's throne. This imagery is consistent with Old Testament references, such as <a href="/isaiah/66.htm">Isaiah 66:1</a>, where God declares, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool." By emphasizing that heaven is God's throne, Jesus underscores the seriousness of invoking heaven in oaths, as it is directly associated with God's sovereign rule and presence. This teaching reinforces the idea that all oaths, regardless of what they are sworn by, ultimately relate back to God, and thus should be avoided to maintain the sanctity of one's word.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, which is a foundational teaching of Christian ethics and morality. 2. <a href="/topical/h/heaven.htm">Heaven</a> Mentioned as God's throne, emphasizing the sacredness and authority of God’s dwelling place. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> Implicitly referenced as the one whose throne is in heaven, underscoring His sovereignty and holiness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_speech.htm">Integrity in Speech</a> Jesus calls for honesty and integrity, suggesting that a simple "yes" or "no" should suffice without the need for oaths. <a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_god.htm">Reverence for God</a> By instructing not to swear by heaven, Jesus emphasizes the need to respect God's holiness and authority. <a href="/topical/s/simplicity_and_truthfulness.htm">Simplicity and Truthfulness</a> Encourages believers to live in such a way that their word is trustworthy without additional affirmations. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_rash_promises.htm">Avoiding Rash Promises</a> Highlights the importance of being thoughtful and sincere in commitments, reflecting a heart aligned with God's truth. <a href="/topical/l/living_out_the_kingdom_ethic.htm">Living Out the Kingdom Ethic</a> This teaching is part of the broader call to live according to the values of God's kingdom, characterized by authenticity and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 5</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_eastern_star_organization.htm">What is the Eastern Star organization?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'neither_do_i_condemn_you'_mean.htm">What does 'Heaven is God's throne' signify?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_ecclesiastes_and_matthew_align_on_vows.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 exhorts swift fulfillment of vows, yet Matthew 5:34–37 warns against making vows—how is this not a contradiction? </a> <a href="/q/is_freemasonry_compatible_with_christianity.htm">How does Freemasonry align with Christian beliefs?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(34) Swear not at all.--Not a few interpreters, and even whole Christian communities, as e.g. the Society of Friends, see in these words, and in <a href="/james/5-12.htm" title="But above all things, my brothers, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest you fall into condemnation.">James 5:12</a>, a formal prohibition of all oaths, either promissory or evidential, and look on the general practice of Christians, and the formal teaching of the Church of England in her Articles (Art. xxxix.), as simply an acquiescence in evil. The first impression made by the words is indeed so strongly in their favour that the scruples of such men ought to be dealt with (as English legislation has at last dealt with them) with great tenderness. Their conclusion is, however, it is believed, mistaken: (1) Because, were it true, then in this instance our Lord would be directly repealing part of the moral law given by Moses, instead of completing and expanding it, as in the case of the Sixth and Seventh Commandments. He would be destroying, not fulfilling. (2) Because our Lord himself answered, when He had before been silent, to a solemn formal adjuration (<a href="/context/matthew/26-63.htm" title="But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said to him, I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you be the Christ, the Son of God.">Matthew 26:63-64</a>), and St. Paul repeatedly uses such forms of attestation (<a href="/romans/1-9.htm" title="For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;">Romans 1:9</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-31.htm" title="I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our LORD, I die daily.">1Corinthians 15:31</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/1-23.htm" title="Moreover I call God for a record on my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet to Corinth.">2Corinthians 1:23</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-20.htm" title="Now the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I lie not.">Galatians 1:20</a>; <a href="/philippians/1-8.htm" title="For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.">Philippians 1:8</a>). (3) Because the context shows that the sin which our Lord condemned was the light use of oaths in common speech, and with no real thought as to their meaning. Such oaths practically involved irreverence, and were therefore inconsistent with the fear of God. The real purpose of an oath is to intensify that fear by bringing the thought of God's presence home to men at the very time they take them, and they are therefore rightly used when they attain that end. Practically, it must be admitted that the needless multiplication of oaths, both evidential and promissory, on trivial occasions, has tended, and still tends, to weaken awe and impair men's reverence for truth, and we may rejoice when their number is diminished. In an ideal Christian society no oaths would be needed, for every word would be spoken as by those who knew that the Eternal Judge was hearing them. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 34. - Swear not at all (cf. <a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a>). Yet, as St. Augustine points out, St. Paul took oaths in his writings (<a href="/2_corinthians/1-23.htm">2 Corinthians 1:23</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-31.htm">2 Corinthians 11:31</a>); and our Lord himself did not refuse to answer when put upon his oath (<a href="/matthew/26-63.htm">Matthew 26:63, 64</a>). He, that is to say, and St. Paul after him, accepted the fact that there are times when a solemn oath must be taken. How, then, can we explain this absolute prohibition here? In that our Lord is not here thinking at all of formal and solemn oaths, but of oaths as the outcome of impatience and exaggeration. The thoughtlessness of fervent asseveration is often betrayed into an oath. Such an oath, or even any asseveration that passes in spirit beyond "yea, yea," "nay, nay," has its origin ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ; cf. Chaucer, "Sweryng sodeynly without avysement is eek a gret synne" ('Parson's Tale,' § 'De Ira'). Martensen, however ('Ethics, Individual,' § 100), takes the prohibition of oaths as formally unconditional and total, in accordance with the highest ideal of what man will hereafter be and require, and he sees the limitation, which he allows is to be given to these words, in the present conditions of human society. We have an ideal duty towards God, but we have also a practical duty to those among whom we live, and the present state of human affairs permits and necessitates oaths. Hence it was that even Christ submitted to them. Neither by heaven, etc. Our Lord further defines what he means by an oath. It does not mean only an expression in which God's Name is mentioned, but any expression appealing to any object at all, whether this be supraterrestrial, terrestrial, national, or personal. Although God's Name is often omitted in such cases, from a feeling of reverence, its omission does not prevent the asseveration being an oath. Heaven; Revised Version, the heaven; for the thought is clearly not the immaterial transcendental heaven, the abode of bliss, but the physical heaven (cf. <a href="/matthew/6-26.htm">Matthew 6:26</a>, Revised Version). Heaven... footstool. Adapted from <a href="/isaiah/66-1.htm">Isaiah 66:1</a>, where it forms part of the glorious declaration that no material temple can contain God, that "the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands" as St. Stephen paraphrases it (<a href="/acts/7-48.htm">Acts 7:48</a>). The great King is seated enthroned in the heaven, with his feet touching the earth. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/5-34.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. to swear ὀμόσαι (omosai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3660.htm">Strong's 3660: </a> A prolonged form of a primary, but obsolete omo, for which another prolonged form omoo is used in certain tenses; to swear, i.e. Take oath. at all: ὅλως (holōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3654.htm">Strong's 3654: </a> Adverb from holos; completely, i.e. Altogether;, everywhere; not by any means. [either] μήτε (mēte) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even. by ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. heaven, οὐρανῷ (ouranō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. for ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. it is ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. God’s Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. throne; θρόνος (thronos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2362.htm">Strong's 2362: </a> From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/5-34.htm">Matthew 5:34 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/5-34.htm">Matthew 5:34 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/5-34.htm">Matthew 5:34 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/5-34.htm">Matthew 5:34 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/5-34.htm">Matthew 5:34 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/5-34.htm">Matthew 5:34 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/5-34.htm">Matthew 5:34 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/5-34.htm">Matthew 5:34 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/5-34.htm">Matthew 5:34 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/5-34.htm">Matthew 5:34 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/5-34.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 5:34 But I tell you don't swear at (Matt. 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