Lexical Summary epiorkeó: To swear falsely, to perjure oneself Original Word: ἐπιορκέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance perjure, swear falselyFrom epiorkos; to commit perjury -- forswear self. see GREEK epiorkos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epiorkos Definition to swear falsely NASB Translation make false vows (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1964: ἐπιορκέωἐπιορκέω, ἐπιόρκω: future ἐπιορκήσω, cf. Krüger, § 40, under the word, and § 39, 12, 4; (Veitch, under the word; Buttmann, 53 (46)); (ἐπίορκος, which see); to swear falsely, forswear oneself: Matthew 5:33. (Wis. 14:28; 1 Esdr. 1:46; by Greek writings from Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Word and Context The single New Testament appearance of Strong’s Greek 1964 occurs in Matthew 5:33, where Jesus addresses the practice of swearing oaths and explicitly warns, “Do not break your oath” (ἐπιορκήσεις). The term encapsulates the sin of violating a promise made before God, underlining the seriousness of truth-telling in covenant relationship. Old Testament Background to False Oaths The Torah repeatedly condemns perjury (Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23). A false oath profanes the divine name because every sworn statement invokes God as witness (Exodus 20:7). The prophets extend this ethic, rebuking Israel for combining worship with dishonesty (Jeremiah 7:9-10; Zechariah 8:17). Matthew 5:33 summarizes this legacy: “You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’” Jesus’ Teaching in Matthew 5:33 Jesus situates false oath-taking within the greater righteousness of the kingdom (Matthew 5:20). By moving from external compliance to inner integrity, He insists that disciples’ ordinary speech (“Yes, yes” or “No, no,” Matthew 5:37) must be so reliable that oaths become unnecessary. The prohibition against ἐπιορκέω therefore functions both negatively (do not swear falsely) and positively (speak truth from the heart, Psalm 15:2). Anything beyond straightforward honesty “comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37), exposing the spiritual roots of deception. Ethical and Theological Implications 1. Sanctity of God’s Name: Every deceitful oath drags God’s character into human falsehood, contradicting His nature as “the God of truth” (Isaiah 65:16). Ministry Applications • Personal discipleship: Encourage believers to eliminate exaggeration, half-truths, and casual “I swear” language, cultivating credibility without formal oath-swearing. Historical Interpretation Early church writers like Justin Martyr and Tertullian viewed Matthew 5:33 as prohibiting ordinary Christians from oath-taking, though they allowed legal oaths under compulsion. Reformers differed: Martin Luther accepted necessary civil oaths; the Anabaptists rejected them entirely, citing Christ’s words. Mainstream Protestantism today maintains that lawful oaths are permissible if truth and justice require them, but all traditions agree that perjury is sin. Related Scriptures Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Psalm 15:2-4; Jeremiah 7:9-10; Zechariah 8:16-17; Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12; Revelation 21:8. Conclusion Strong’s 1964 spotlights the gravity of violating sworn commitments. Jesus intensifies Old Testament teaching by rooting honesty in the transformed heart, directing His followers toward speech so dependable that no oath is needed. In personal life, church practice, and public witness, the avoidance of ἐπιορκέω remains an essential mark of authentic Christian character. Forms and Transliterations επιορκησεις επιορκήσεις ἐπιορκήσεις epiorkeseis epiorkēseis epiorkḗseisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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