Matthew 5:37
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Original Language Analysis
ἔστω
be
G2077
ἔστω
be
Strong's:
G2077
Word #:
1 of 17
be thou; also ??????? <pronunciation strongs="es'-to-san"/>, third person of the same; let them be
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
communication
G3056
λόγος
communication
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
4 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περισσὸν
whatsoever is more
G4053
περισσὸν
whatsoever is more
Strong's:
G4053
Word #:
12 of 17
superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence
τούτων
than these
G5130
τούτων
than these
Strong's:
G5130
Word #:
13 of 17
of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
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.Colossians 4:6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.Colossians 3:9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;John 8:44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.Ephesians 4:25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.2 Thessalonians 3:3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.Matthew 13:19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.Matthew 13:38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;1 John 5:18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.Matthew 6:13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Historical Context
James 5:12 reinforces this teaching. Early Christians were known for honesty and refusing oaths, sometimes suffering legal consequences. Their refusal to swear by Caesar or pagan gods marked them as radically committed to truth and singular loyalty to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- Is your reputation for truthfulness such that your simple 'yes' or 'no' is completely trusted?
- How can Christians rebuild cultural trust in an age of widespread dishonesty and spin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Simple yes or no should suffice for honest people. Anything beyond this 'cometh of evil'—either from personal dishonesty requiring elaborate assurances, or from living in an evil world where people don't trust simple truth. Christians should be so consistently truthful that their simple word is trusted completely.