Biblical law regulates vows and oaths because invoking God's name falsely profanes that name. Later discussions could distinguish formulas thought to be more or less binding.
Customs & Culture
Oaths and Swearing
An oath solemnly called upon God or another sacred reality to confirm truthfulness or bind a promise. Oaths therefore carried religious as well as legal weight.
Primary Scripture
Historical and Cultural Background
Biblical Examples
Jesus condemns manipulative distinctions among oaths and calls His disciples to such truthful speech that a simple yes or no is dependable.
Biblical Significance
The cultural background explains why Jesus mentions heaven, earth, Jerusalem, and one's head. He rejects attempts to create technical escape routes from honest speech.
Related Images
Common Misconceptions
Jesus' teaching should not be reduced to a catalog of forbidden words; its central concern is integrity and truthfulness.
Historical Setting and Evidence
Culture: Ancient Near Eastern, Israelite, Judean/Jewish, Greek/Hellenistic, Roman
Period: Patriarchal Period, Exodus and Wilderness, Conquest and Judges, United Monarchy, Divided Monarchy, Kingdom of Judah, Babylonian Exile, Persian Period, Hellenistic Period, Hasmonean Period, Roman / Second Temple Period, Apostolic / Early Church Period
Evidence: Well Attested
Interpretive Importance: Essential
Oaths and vows are extensively attested in biblical law and ancient legal practice.
Scripture References
Related Information
Sources
Leviticus 19; Numbers 30; Matthew 5; Matthew 23; James 5