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Book of Matthew - Chapter 5 - Verse 34

5:34
But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

Meaning

When Jesus said, "Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne," He was teaching his followers about the importance of honesty and integrity. In this verse, Jesus is advising against taking oaths or making promises that involve swearing by something as sacred as heaven, as it is ultimately God's throne. By emphasizing the sanctity of heaven and God's presence there, Jesus is reminding his followers to let their yes be yes and their no be no, without the need for extravagant oaths or vows. The message behind this verse is that our words should always be genuine and truthful, reflecting the values of honesty and sincerity in our communication with others. It serves as a reminder to prioritize authenticity and righteousness in our words and actions, aligning ourselves with the teachings of Jesus and the will of God.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of honesty and integrity in their speech. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the idea that Christians should refrain from making oaths or swearing by anything, including heaven, as it is a symbol of God's throne. By discouraging the use of oaths, Jesus is reminding his followers that their words should be truthful and trustworthy without the need for additional guarantees. This verse underscores the significance of speaking with sincerity and integrity in all situations. The word study of "Swear not at all" highlights the Greek word used in this verse, which conveys the idea of making a solemn promise or oath. Understanding the context of this word provides insight into Jesus' message of honesty and simplicity in communication. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder for believers to uphold their commitment to truthfulness and avoid the need for unnecessary affirmations in their speech.

American Standard Version

but I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by the heaven, for it is the throne of God;
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