What does Matthew 5:35 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 5:35, taken from the King James Version of the Bible, is part of a larger discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount.

In this verse, Jesus advises against swearing by the earth because it is God’s footstool, or by Jerusalem because it is the city of the great King, which is generally understood to refer to God.

The verse, on a literal level, speaks to the practice of making oaths. In the ancient world, it was common for people to swear by something greater than themselves to add weight to their promises or statements.

However, Jesus challenges this practice, suggesting that everything belongs to God and is under His dominion, and therefore humans have no right to invoke such sacred things lightly.

On a deeper level, this verse highlights the holiness and sovereignty of God, and the respect that should be accorded to things associated with Him. It also serves as a reminder of the sacredness of creation and of places that have a special religious significance, such as Jerusalem.

Historical Context

Matthew 5:35 was written within the context of Jewish culture in First Century Palestine.

At that time, Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life, being the location of the Temple, the holiest site in Judaism.

The city was regarded with great reverence and played a central role in the spiritual and social lives of the Jewish people.

Swearing by the earth or by Jerusalem was a part of the customary practices of making oaths. These oaths were meant to invoke something greater than the human self to guarantee the truth of one's words.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints provide varied insights into Matthew 5:35.

From a Christian perspective, it underscores the belief in God's omnipotence and omnipresence, as it implies His dominion over all creation. It also reflects Jesus' call for sincerity in speech, wherein one's words should be reliable without the need for oaths.

Some theologians view this as part of Jesus’ teaching on living a life of integrity. According to this view, the emphasis is on letting one’s "yes" mean "yes," and "no" mean "no," as instructed in the following verses, without relying on oaths which can be manipulative or deceitful.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Matthew 5:35 can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to speak truthfully and with integrity, without resorting to the use of oaths or unnecessary swearing to bolster credibility.

It also invites believers to respect the sacred and to recognize the sovereignty of God in all things, leading to a more humble and devout way of life.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:34: "But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:"
• 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 nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."
• Isaiah 66:1: "Thus 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?"

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, key words to consider in Matthew 5:35 include "γῆν" (gēn) meaning "earth," and "Ἱεροσόλυμα" (Hierosolyma) meaning "Jerusalem." Additionally, "πόδα" (poda) refers to "foot" and in this context "footstool," indicating a place where one rests their feet, symbolically showing God’s sovereign control over the earth.

The phrase "μέγας Βασιλεύς" (megas Basileus) translates to "great King," a reference to God that underscores His majesty and authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, many ancient cultures swore by their gods or sacred entities to validate their oaths.

In Greek culture, for instance, one might swear by the gods of Olympus.

In the context of Judaism, which prohibits the vain use of God's name, swearing by the earth or Jerusalem could be seen as a method to avoid direct invocation of God while still making a serious commitment.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the reference to the earth as God's footstool does not align with contemporary understandings of the planet within the larger cosmos.

However, it can be seen metaphorically, expressing a theological idea rather than a literal physical description.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have explored Matthew 5:35.

For example, John Calvin emphasized the idea of God's lordship over all creation in his commentary on this verse.

He warns against frivolous oaths that may seem to honor God or sacred places but actually trivialize them.

Contemporary commentaries also often focus on the call for truthful communication and living a life of integrity without reliance on oaths.

They might point out Jesus’ radical re-interpretation of Jewish law, which moved beyond the literal text to the motivations and intentions of the heart.