What does Matthew 5:33 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 5:33 addresses the issue of making oaths and the importance of fulfilling them.

In this verse, Jesus refers to an Old Testament teaching that people should not break their oaths but should honor their commitments made to God. He emphasizes the gravity of making promises or swearing by God's name and reminds his audience of the expectation to follow through on their word.

Historical Context

This verse is a part of the Sermon on the Mount, which is a collection of teachings by Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5 through 7.

The historical context is the Jewish society of the first century AD, where making oaths was a common practice.

Oaths were often made by swearing on something holy or by God's name to guarantee the truth of one's word.

Jesus addresses and interprets the Mosaic Law for his followers, setting a higher standard for their conduct.

Theological Insights

There are various theological insights that can be drawn from this verse.

One point is that Jesus is seen as redefining and deepening the understanding of the Law.

Another aspect is the theological emphasis on the sanctity and seriousness of one's word, highlighting integrity and faithfulness as attributes aligned with the character of God.

This teaching underscores a move from legalism to a more profound inner morality.

Practical Applications

In today's context, the teaching can be seen to encourage individuals to be careful with the promises they make and ensure they are kept.

It speaks to the character of believers, suggesting that they should be known for their truthfulness without the need for oaths.

People should let their "yes" be "yes," and their "no," "no," as further explained in the succeeding verses.

Cross-References

• Numbers 30:2: "If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth."
• Deuteronomy 23:21: "When 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."
• 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 no, no; lest ye fall into condemnation."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text are significant:

• "forwear thyself" (επιορκησεις, perjure or swear falsely): Indicates making an oath one doesn't intend to keep or lying under oath.
• "perform" (αποδωσεις, give back/payment/fulfill): Refers to fulfilling or carrying out what has been promised.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the wider Greco-Roman world, oaths were also taken seriously, often accompanied by rituals or invoking deities as witnesses.

In comparison, Jesus' teaching simplifies the act and places the responsibility on the truthfulness and integrity of the individual, rather than the external ritual or vow itself.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on the practice of making oaths; however, psychology might provide insight into why people feel more bound to their word when an oath is made, addressing the role of social and psychological contracts in human behavior and the consequences of breaking them.

commentaries

Commentators generally recognize that Jesus is intensifying the Law's demands rather than abolishing them.

John Calvin comments that Jesus condemns the "frivolous subtleties" of those who thought it acceptable to deceive if they had not made an explicit oath.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary notes Jesus' focus on truthful speech and the Christian obligation to speak the truth in all situations.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes that the intent of Christ's teaching is to promote truth and sincerity without the need for oaths.