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Matthew 5:36 Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black.

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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Do not even say, &#8216;By my head!&#8217; for you can&#8217;t turn one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall you swear by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Nor shall you take an oath by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />&#8220;Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you are not able to make a single hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Neither should you swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, for thou canst not make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't swear by your own head. You cannot make one hair white or black. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, for thou canst not make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/5.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />And don't swear an oath by your head. After all, you cannot make one hair black or white.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Nor should you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not take an oath by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Neither should you swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can&#8217;t make one hair white or black. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />nor may you swear by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall you swear by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> nor by thy head mayest thou swear, because thou art not able one hair to make white or black;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Neither shouldst thou swear by thy head, for thou cant not make one hair white or black.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Neither shall you swear an oath by your own head, because you are not able to cause one hair to become white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Neither shall you swear by your own head, because you cannot create in it a single black or white hair.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Neither shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make in it a certain hair black or white.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />neither shall you swear by your head, for you can not make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Neither swear by thy head, because thou art unable to make one hair white or black.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />neither shalt thou swear by thy head, for thou canst not make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>neither swear by your head, because you can not make one hair white or black.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>for thou canst not make one hair <Fr><i>of it</i><FR> white or black:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/5-36.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1123" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Oaths and Vows</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">35</span>or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. <span class="reftext">36</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3383.htm" title="3383: m&#275;te (Conj) -- Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.">Nor</a> <a href="/greek/3660.htm" title="3660: omos&#275;s (V-ASA-2S) -- 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.">should you swear</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: t&#275; (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/2776.htm" title="2776: kephal&#275; (N-DFS) -- From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.">head,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">for</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynasai (V-PIM/P-2S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">you cannot</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poi&#275;sai (V-ANA) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">make</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: mian (Adj-AFS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">a single</a> <a href="/greek/2359.htm" title="2359: tricha (N-AFS) -- Hair (of the head or of animals). Genitive case trichos, etc. of uncertain derivation; hair.">hair</a> <a href="/greek/3022.htm" title="3022: leuk&#275;n (Adj-AFS) -- White, bright, brilliant. From luke; white.">white</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: &#275; (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/3189.htm" title="3189: melainan (Adj-AFS) -- Black. Apparently a primary word; black.">black.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">37</span>Simply let your &#8216;Yes&#8217; be &#8216;Yes,&#8217; and your &#8216;No,&#8217; &#8216;No.&#8217; Anything more comes from the evil one.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a></span><br />Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your &#8220;Yes&#8221; be yes, and your &#8220;No,&#8221; no, so that you will not fall under judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-22</a></span><br />Woe to you, blind guides! You say, &#8216;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.&#8217; / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? / And you say, &#8216;If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.&#8217; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-1.htm">Isaiah 66:1</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: &#8220;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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-49.htm">Acts 7:49</a></span><br />&#8216;Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:2-5</a></span><br />Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. / As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words. / When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-12.htm">Leviticus 19:12</a></span><br />You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21-23</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/50-14.htm">Psalm 50:14</a></span><br />Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/76-11.htm">Psalm 76:11</a></span><br />Make and fulfill your vows to the LORD your God; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to Him who is to be feared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-9.htm">Jeremiah 7:9-11</a></span><br />Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, / and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, &#8216;We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations&#8217;? / Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/8-17.htm">Zechariah 8:17</a></span><br />do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,&#8221; declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-17.htm">2 Corinthians 1:17-20</a></span><br />When I planned this, did I do it carelessly? Or do I make my plans by human standards, so as to say &#8220;Yes, yes&#8221; and also &#8220;No, no&#8221;? / But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not &#8220;Yes&#8221; and &#8220;No.&#8221; / For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not &#8220;Yes&#8221; and &#8220;No,&#8221; but in Him it has always been &#8220;Yes.&#8221; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16-18</a></span><br />Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. / So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. / Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-11.htm">Romans 14:11</a></span><br />It is written: &#8220;As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.&#8221;</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Neither shall you swear by your head, because you can not make one hair white or black.</p><p class="hdg">shalt.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-21</a></b></br> Woe unto you, <i>ye</i> 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! &#8230; </p><p class="hdg">because.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/6-27.htm">Matthew 6:27</a></b></br> Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/12-25.htm">Luke 12:25</a></b></br> And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Able</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-6.htm">Black</a> <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-8.htm">Head</a> <a href="/matthew/5-26.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/matthew/5-34.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/matthew/5-34.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-6.htm">White</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Able</a> <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Black</a> <a href="/matthew/6-17.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/matthew/6-17.htm">Head</a> <a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/matthew/14-7.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">White</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Jesus' sermon on the mount:</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">The Beattitudes;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">the salt of the earth;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">the light of the world.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">He came to fulfill the law.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">What it is to kill;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">to commit adultery;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">to swear.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">He exhorts to forgive wrong,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">43. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">to love our enemies;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">48. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">and to labor after perfection.</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/matthew/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>Nor should you swear by your head</b><br>In the cultural context of the time, swearing by one's head was a common practice, signifying a personal guarantee or oath. This phrase highlights the human tendency to assert control over one's own life and circumstances. However, Jesus emphasizes the futility of such oaths, as humans lack ultimate authority over their own existence. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of humility and reliance on God, as seen in <a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-15</a>, where believers are reminded of the uncertainty of life and the need to submit to God's will.<p><b>for you cannot make a single hair white or black</b><br>This phrase underscores human limitations and the sovereignty of God. In biblical times, hair color was a natural process beyond human control, symbolizing the broader truth that humans cannot alter fundamental aspects of their being. This teaching is consistent with the biblical narrative that emphasizes God's omnipotence and the natural order He established. It also reflects the idea found in <a href="/matthew/6-27.htm">Matthew 6:27</a>, where Jesus questions the ability of individuals to add a single hour to their life by worrying, further illustrating the futility of human efforts apart from divine intervention.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sermon_on_the_mount.htm">The Sermon on the Mount</a></b><br>A significant event where Jesus taught His disciples and the gathered crowd about the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>The primary audience of Jesus' teachings, representing those who follow Him and seek to live according to His teachings.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a></b><br>The larger group of people present during the Sermon on the Mount, representing the broader audience of Jesus' message.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jewish_context.htm">The Jewish Context</a></b><br>The cultural and religious backdrop of Jesus' teachings, where oaths and vows were common practices.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_speech.htm">Integrity in Speech</a></b><br>Jesus calls us to be people of our word, where our "yes" means yes, and our "no" means no, without the need for additional assurances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_god's_sovereignty.htm">Acknowledging God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>By stating that we cannot change the color of a single hair, Jesus reminds us of our limitations and God's ultimate control over creation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_superficial_promises.htm">Avoiding Superficial Promises</a></b><br>The emphasis is on living truthfully and avoiding the need for oaths, which can often be used to manipulate or deceive.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a></b><br>Recognizing our inability to control even small aspects of life should lead us to trust in God's provision and plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_authentically.htm">Living Authentically</a></b><br>Our lives should reflect the truth of our words, demonstrating authenticity and reliability in all our interactions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_using_god's_name_as_a_curse_wrong.htm">Is swearing to God considered wrong?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_lifespan.htm">What does the Bible say about our lifespan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/swear_oaths__leviticus_vs._matthew.htm">Should we swear oaths? (Leviticus 19:12 vs. Matthew 5:34)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(36) <span class= "bld">By</span> <span class= "bld">thy head.</span>--This is apparently chosen as an extreme instance of a common oath in which men found no reference to God. Yet here, too, nothing but an implied reference to Him fits it to be an oath at all. He made us, and not we ourselves, and the hairs of our head are not only numbered, but are subject in all their changes to His laws, and not to our volition.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 36.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For thou canst not</span>, etc. As each of the other objects included a reference to God, so does also thy head. For even that recalls to mind the power of God, since every hair of it bears the stamp of his handiwork. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/5-36.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Nor</span><br /><span class="grk">&#956;&#942;&#964;&#949;</span> <span class="translit">(m&#275;te)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">should you swear</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8000;&#956;&#972;&#963;&#8131;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(omos&#275;s)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3660.htm">Strong's 3660: </a> </span><span class="str2">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">&#963;&#959;&#965;</span> <span class="translit">(sou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">head,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#949;&#966;&#945;&#955;&#8135;</span> <span class="translit">(kephal&#275;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2776.htm">Strong's 2776: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8005;&#964;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you cannot</span><br /><span class="grk">&#948;&#973;&#957;&#945;&#963;&#945;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(dynasai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">make</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#959;&#953;&#8134;&#963;&#945;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(poi&#275;sai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a single</span><br /><span class="grk">&#956;&#943;&#945;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(mian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> </span><span class="str2">One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hair</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#961;&#943;&#967;&#945;</span> <span class="translit">(tricha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2359.htm">Strong's 2359: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hair (of the head or of animals). Genitive case trichos, etc. of uncertain derivation; hair.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">white</span><br /><span class="grk">&#955;&#949;&#965;&#954;&#8052;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(leuk&#275;n)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3022.htm">Strong's 3022: </a> </span><span class="str2">White, bright, brilliant. From luke; white.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7970;</span> <span class="translit">(&#275;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">black.</span><br /><span class="grk">&#956;&#941;&#955;&#945;&#953;&#957;&#945;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(melainan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3189.htm">Strong's 3189: </a> </span><span class="str2">Black. Apparently a primary word; black.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/5-36.htm">Matthew 5:36 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/5-36.htm">Matthew 5:36 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/5-36.htm">Matthew 5:36 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/5-36.htm">Matthew 5:36 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/5-36.htm">Matthew 5:36 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/5-36.htm">Matthew 5:36 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/5-36.htm">Matthew 5:36 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/5-36.htm">Matthew 5:36 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/5-36.htm">Matthew 5:36 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/5-36.htm">Matthew 5:36 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/5-36.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 5:36 Neither shall you swear by your head (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/5-35.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 5:35"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:35" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/5-37.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 5:37"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:37" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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