Lexical Summary epiorkos: Perjurer, false swearer Original Word: ἐπίορκος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance perjurer From epi and horkos; on oath, i.e. (falsely) a forswearer -- perjured person. see GREEK epi see GREEK horkos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and horkos Definition sworn falsely, a perjurer NASB Translation perjurers (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1965: ἐπίορκοςἐπίορκος, ἐπιορκον (from ἐπί (which see D. 7) against, and ὅρκος); (masculine as a substantive) a false swearer, a perjurer: 1 Timothy 1:10. (From Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Concept Overview Strong’s Greek 1965 designates the deliberate act of swearing falsely—perjury. Scripture treats this sin as a direct assault on the character of the God who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2) and whose word is unfailingly true. Perjury shatters trust, cripples justice, and corrupts covenant relationships. Old Testament Foundations • Ninth Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). Judicial Setting in Ancient Israel Legal cases were typically settled on the testimony of witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6). A false oath placed the integrity of the courts, the welfare of the innocent, and the reputation of God in jeopardy. Judges were warned: “Acquit the innocent and condemn the guilty” (Deuteronomy 25:1), a task impossible if witnesses lied under oath. Prophetic Condemnation of False Oaths Zechariah 8:17: “Do not love perjury, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 7:9-10 catalogs perjury alongside theft, murder, adultery, and idolatry, demonstrating its gravity. Wisdom Literature Proverbs 14:5: “An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.” Wisdom celebrates reliability, warning that perjury brings sure judgment. Jesus’ Teaching on Oaths Matthew 5:33-37 shifts the focus from technical compliance to inner truthfulness: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” Christ does not undermine lawful oaths (see Matthew 26:63-64) but exposes the folly of devising loopholes that excuse deception. Kingdom righteousness is characterized by transparent integrity rather than oath-manipulation. Apostolic Emphasis and the Single New Testament Occurrence Paul includes “perjurers” among lawless offenders in 1 Timothy 1:10, pairing them with liars, slave traders, and other practices “contrary to sound doctrine.” The list mirrors the Decalogue: perjury violates both the third and ninth commandments. Paul thus affirms that the moral law remains a benchmark for conduct within the church and society. Theological Significance 1. Truth is rooted in God’s nature (Numbers 23:19; John 14:6). Perjury therefore constitutes rebellion against His character. Historical Background In the Greco-Roman world oaths invoked deities such as Zeus or the emperor. Perjury was legally punishable yet common. Early Christians, known for refusing frivolous oaths and for suffering martyrdom rather than lie, offered a stark contrast that commended the gospel (see Justin Martyr, First Apology 12). Pastoral and Ethical Implications • Church discipline: False testimony in a congregation can destroy reputations and unity; leaders must “hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience” (1 Timothy 3:9). Contemporary Significance Digital media has multiplied venues for false testimony. Christians bear witness by refusing to forward unverified claims, practicing transparency in business, and speaking truth in love on contentious social issues. Where cultural skepticism abounds, a reputation for unvarnished honesty adorns the gospel (Titus 2:10). Related Scripture Index Proverbs 12:17; 14:5; 19:5 Conclusion Perjury is more than a legal infraction; it is a spiritual offense against the God of truth. The single New Testament occurrence of Strong’s Greek 1965 in 1 Timothy 1:10 stands as a sober reminder that the gospel not only pardons sinners but also reforms them, producing a people whose word can be trusted because they serve the One who keeps every promise forever. Forms and Transliterations επιορκοις επιόρκοις ἐπιόρκοις επίορκος epiorkois epiórkoisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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