Matthew 5:34
But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
say
G3004
λέγω
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὅλως·
at all
G3654
ὅλως·
at all
Strong's:
G3654
Word #:
7 of 16
completely, i.e., altogether; (by analogy), everywhere; (negatively) not by any means
μήτε
neither
G3383
μήτε
neither
Strong's:
G3383
Word #:
8 of 16
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
11 of 16
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
θρόνος
throne
G2362
θρόνος
throne
Strong's:
G2362
Word #:
13 of 16
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
Cross References
James 5:12But 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.Isaiah 66:1Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?Ecclesiastes 9:2All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
Historical Context
Swearing 'by heaven' was a common Jewish practice meant to avoid directly using God's name. Jesus exposes this as false reasoning: heaven is God's throne, so invoking heaven invokes God. There's no neutral ground in God's universe.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate such consistent honesty that oaths become unnecessary?
- What does it mean that all reality is so connected to God that we can't speak without reference to Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus forbids oath-taking altogether among His disciples. Why? Because heaven is God's throne—you can't invoke it without invoking Him. All reality belongs to God, so every oath ultimately invokes Him whether intentionally or not. Better to simply be truthful always.