Matthew 5:33 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus recalls the command against false oaths and the duty to keep vows made to God.
What Does Matthew 5:33 Mean?
Jesus takes up the matter of oaths and vows. His hearers had been taught not to swear falsely but to fulfill whatever oaths they made to the Lord -- promises sealed by invoking God's name.
Oaths were meant to bind people to truthfulness and faithfulness. Yet over time people devised elaborate ways to swear that seemed less binding, hedging their words. Jesus cites the old teaching to prepare for a deeper call: that his followers be so truthful that the whole machinery of oath-taking becomes unnecessary. God's people are to be known for plain, reliable honesty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 5:33
What does Matthew 5:33 mean?
Jesus recalls the command against false oaths and the duty to keep vows made to God.