Matthew 5:33
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:
Original Language Analysis
Πάλιν
Again
G3825
Πάλιν
Again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 15
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποδώσεις
shalt perform
G591
ἀποδώσεις
shalt perform
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
9 of 15
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
unto the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
unto the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 23:21When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.Leviticus 19:12And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.Deuteronomy 23:23That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.Psalms 76:11Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.Exodus 20:7Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.Deuteronomy 5:11Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.Psalms 50:14Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
Historical Context
The Third Commandment prohibited taking God's name in vain. Jewish tradition developed elaborate rules about which oaths were binding. Some teachers said oaths 'by heaven' or 'by Jerusalem' were non-binding, creating loopholes for dishonesty.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we create 'loopholes' in our speech to justify dishonesty or exaggeration?
- What does the need for oaths reveal about human untrustworthiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus addresses oath-taking, which Jewish law regulated carefully. Oaths invoked God's name or substitutes to guarantee truthfulness. But the practice had become corrupted—people used lesser oaths they felt free to break while claiming only God-oaths were truly binding.