Matthew 5:35
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Original Language Analysis
μήτε
Nor
G3383
μήτε
Nor
Strong's:
G3383
Word #:
1 of 19
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῇ
the earth
G1093
γῇ
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
4 of 19
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὑποπόδιόν
G5286
ὑποπόδιόν
Strong's:
G5286
Word #:
6 of 19
something under the feet, i.e., a foot-rest (figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μήτε
Nor
G3383
μήτε
Nor
Strong's:
G3383
Word #:
11 of 19
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
εἰς
by
G1519
εἰς
by
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
13 of 19
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πόλις
the city
G4172
πόλις
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
15 of 19
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 48:2Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.Revelation 21:10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,Psalms 99:5Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.Malachi 1:14But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.Revelation 21:2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.2 Chronicles 6:6But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.
Historical Context
Jerusalem was called 'the city of the great King' (Psalm 48:2). Jewish teachers allowed swearing by Jerusalem as less serious than swearing by God's name. Jesus says this distinction is false—Jerusalem is God's city, making such oaths as binding as any other.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's ownership of all things affect your speech and commitments?
- What areas of life do you treat as 'secular' or separate from God's authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus continues closing loopholes: earth is God's footstool, Jerusalem is God's city, even your own head (you can't make one hair change color by will alone). Everything belongs to God and reflects His authority. Therefore, speak truth always, not just when formally swearing.