Matthew 5:34 Meaning and Explanation
“But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus calls for such truthfulness that oaths become unnecessary, since heaven is God's throne.
What Does Matthew 5:34 Mean?
Jesus addresses the practice of swearing by various things to add weight to one's words. He cuts through the whole system: do not swear at all, not even by heaven, for heaven is God's throne and cannot be invoked apart from him.
The point is that every casual oath drags God in, since all creation is his. Rather than propping up our words with sacred guarantees, Jesus calls us to a transparent honesty that needs no such props. When truthfulness is simply who we are, elaborate oaths become pointless. God's people should be so dependable that their bare word can be trusted completely.
Matthew 5:34 in the Original Language
omnyo (ὀμνύω), 'swear' -- to take an oath, calling something greater to guarantee one's words.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 5:34
What does Matthew 5:34 mean?
Jesus calls for such truthfulness that oaths become unnecessary, since heaven is God's throne.