Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Purpose: An oath is a solemn promise or declaration, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one's future action or behavior. In biblical times, oaths were used to affirm truthfulness, establish covenants, and ensure the fulfillment of promises. They were considered binding and sacred, reflecting the seriousness with which truth and commitment were regarded. Old Testament Context: In the Old Testament, oaths were a common practice and were often made in the name of God, signifying their gravity and the divine witness to the promise. The Mosaic Law provided guidelines for making oaths, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling them. Leviticus 19:12 states, "You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD." This underscores the sanctity of God's name and the expectation of truthfulness. The patriarchs and leaders of Israel frequently used oaths. For example, Abraham made his servant swear an oath to find a wife for Isaac from his own people (Genesis 24:3). Similarly, Jacob and Laban made a covenant with an oath to ensure peace between them (Genesis 31:53). New Testament Context: In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of oaths in the Sermon on the Mount. He teaches a higher standard of truthfulness, suggesting that oaths should not be necessary for those who are honest in their speech. Matthew 5:33-37 records Jesus saying, "Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.' But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." James echoes this teaching in his epistle, advising believers to avoid swearing oaths and to be straightforward in their communication: "Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' so that you will not fall under judgment" (James 5:12). Theological Implications: Oaths in the Bible highlight the importance of truthfulness and integrity. They serve as a reminder of the believer's responsibility to uphold their word and reflect God's character in their dealings. The shift from the Old Testament practice of making oaths to the New Testament emphasis on straightforward honesty reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, calling believers to a life of authenticity and trustworthiness. Practical Application: For Christians today, the teachings on oaths encourage a lifestyle of honesty and integrity. While oaths may still be used in legal or formal settings, the underlying principle is that a believer's word should be reliable without the need for additional assurances. This aligns with the biblical call to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His truth in all aspects of life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of Oath.Greek 3513. ne -- by (a particle of affirmation employed in oaths) ... by (a particle of affirmation employed in oaths). Part of Speech: Particle, Disjunctive Particle Transliteration: ne Phonetic Spelling: (nay) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3513.htm - 6k 3727. horkos -- an oath 1845. exorkistes -- an exorcist Strong's Hebrew 7621. shebuah -- an oath, curse... Word Origin from sheba Definition an oath, curse NASB Word Usage curse (1), oath (25), oaths (1), perjury* (1), swear (1), sworn (1). curse, oath, sworn. ... /hebrew/7621.htm - 6k 7650. shaba -- to swear 422. alah -- to swear, curse Library Of Oaths (Ten Articles) Whether Oaths are Desirable and to be Used Frequently as Something ... The Canon Subjects to Penalties those who Take Heathen Oaths... The Dancing of Herodias. The Keeping of Oaths. What I Write, is not to Show that Christendom's Oaths... I do not Know, Moreover, How Celsus could Hear of the Elephants' ... In a Word, that which Calls For, and Requires Oaths among ... Our Friends Take it Amiss that I have Spoken of the Origenists as ... 'Swear not at All' Again, Secondly, "Ye have Heard," Says Our Lord, "That it Hath ... Thesaurus Oaths (49 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Oaths (49 Occurrences). ... Matthew 5:34 But I say to you, Take no oaths at all: not by the heaven, because it is the seat of God; (BBE). ... /o/oaths.htm - 21k Undertakings (20 Occurrences) Undertaking (30 Occurrences) Oath (286 Occurrences) Force (250 Occurrences) Reclining (25 Occurrences) Dinner (23 Occurrences) Curses (55 Occurrences) Although (167 Occurrences) Sad (73 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about keeping your vows / oaths? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did oaths involve putting a hand under someone's thigh (Genesis 24:9)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to let your yes be yes and your no be no? | GotQuestions.org Oaths: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Oaths (49 Occurrences)Matthew 5:33 Matthew 5:34 Matthew 14:9 Matthew 26:74 Mark 6:26 Mark 14:71 1 Timothy 1:10 Hebrews 6:16 James 5:12 Genesis 21:31 Genesis 26:31 Leviticus 23:38 Numbers 30:4 Numbers 30:5 Numbers 30:7 Numbers 30:11 Numbers 30:12 Numbers 30:14 Deuteronomy 6:13 Deuteronomy 10:20 Deuteronomy 12:11 Deuteronomy 12:26 Deuteronomy 29:21 Joshua 23:7 Job 22:27 Psalms 10:7 Proverbs 7:14 Proverbs 20:25 Proverbs 31:2 Ecclesiastes 9:2 Isaiah 19:18 Isaiah 48:1 Jeremiah 5:2 Jeremiah 5:7 Jeremiah 7:9 Jeremiah 11:15 Jeremiah 12:16 Jeremiah 44:25 Ezekiel 21:23 Hosea 10:4 Amos 8:14 Jonah 1:16 Jonah 2:9 Nahum 1:15 Habakkuk 3:9 Zephaniah 1:5 Zechariah 5:3 Zechariah 8:17 Malachi 3:5 Subtopics Oaths used for Binding to Performance of Any Particular Act Oaths used for Binding to Performance of Sacred Duties Oaths used for Confirming Covenants Oaths used for Deciding Controversies in Courts of Law Oaths used for Pledging Allegiance to Sovereigns Oaths: Custom of Swearing by the Life of the King Oaths: Expressions Used as As the Lord Liveth Oaths: Expressions Used as As Thy Soul Liveth Oaths: Expressions Used as Before God I Lie Not Oaths: Expressions Used As by the Fear of Isaac Oaths: Expressions Used As by the Lord Oaths: Expressions Used as God do So to Thee and More Also Oaths: Expressions Used as God do So to Thee, and More Also Oaths: Expressions Used as God is Witness Oaths: Expressions Used as I Call God for a Record Oaths: Expressions Used as I Charge You by the Lord Oaths: Expressions Used as The Lord do So to Me, and More Also Oaths: God Used, to Show the Immutability of his Counsel Oaths: Judicial from of Administering Oaths: Often Accompanied by Placing the Hand Under the Thigh of The Oaths: Often Accompanied by Raising up the Hand Oaths: Rash: The Jews Who Sought to Kill Paul Oaths: The Jews: Condemned for False Oaths: The Jews: Condemned for Profane Oaths: The Jews: Fell Into Many Errors Respecting Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take False Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take in the Name of Any Created Thing Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take Rash, or Unholy Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take, in Name of Idols Oaths: The Jews: Generally Respected the Obligation of Oaths: The Jews: Often Guilty of Falsely Taking Oaths: The Jews: Often Guilty of Rashly Taking Oaths: The Jews: To Take, in Truth, Judgment Oaths: The Jews: To Use God's Name Alone In Oaths: The Lawful Purpose of, Explained Oaths: To be Taken in Fear and Reverence Related Terms |