James 5:12
But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Original Language Analysis
Πρὸ
above
G4253
Πρὸ
above
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
1 of 32
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 32
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 32
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
μήτε
neither
G3383
μήτε
neither
Strong's:
G3383
Word #:
8 of 32
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανὸν
by heaven
G3772
οὐρανὸν
by heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
10 of 32
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
μήτε
neither
G3383
μήτε
neither
Strong's:
G3383
Word #:
11 of 32
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
by the earth
G1093
γῆν
by the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
13 of 32
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
μήτε
neither
G3383
μήτε
neither
Strong's:
G3383
Word #:
14 of 32
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
29 of 32
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἴς
into
G1519
εἴς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
30 of 32
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Jews used various oaths to evade accountability. Under persecution, some may have been tempted to swear falsely to avoid consequences. James reaffirms Christ's command.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you add unnecessary oaths or exaggerations?
- How can you practice simple, reliable speech?
- What systems ensure your commitments remain true?
Analysis & Commentary
But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Above all, do not swear—neither by heaven nor earth—but let your yes be yes and no be no, lest you fall under judgment. Integrity of speech replaces oath manipulation.
Reformed ethics prioritize truthful simplicity, echoing Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:33-37).