Matthew 5:35 Meaning and Explanation
“Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus says not to swear by earth or Jerusalem, for these too belong to God.
What Does Matthew 5:35 Mean?
Jesus continues dismantling the practice of selective oaths. The earth cannot be sworn by, for it is God's footstool; nor Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Each supposed alternative to God's name still belongs to God.
The lesson is that there is no way to swear that escapes God's presence, for the whole world is his. People cannot find some neutral thing to guarantee their words apart from him. Jesus exposes the futility of trying to layer credibility onto speech that should already be true. All things are bound up with God, so honesty before him is the only fitting way to speak.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 5:35
What does Matthew 5:35 mean?
Jesus says not to swear by earth or Jerusalem, for these too belong to God.