In biblical terms, a "swearer" refers to an individual who takes oaths or makes promises, often invoking God's name, and sometimes uses profane or irreverent language. The Bible addresses the act of swearing in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and the sanctity of God's name.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several references to swearing, particularly in the context of making oaths. In Leviticus 19:12 , God commands, "You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD." This verse underscores the seriousness of invoking God's name in oaths and the expectation of truthfulness and integrity.

The Third Commandment, found in Exodus 20:7 , states, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain." This commandment highlights the prohibition against using God's name carelessly or disrespectfully, which includes swearing falsely or frivolously.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of swearing in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:33-37 , He teaches, "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."

Jesus' teaching emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity without the need for oaths. His instruction to let one's "Yes" be "Yes" and "No" be "No" suggests that a person's word should be trustworthy without the necessity of invoking God's name or making elaborate promises.

Apostolic Guidance

The apostle James reiterates Jesus' teaching in James 5:12 : "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 warns against the potential judgment that comes from careless or deceitful swearing, urging believers to maintain straightforward and honest communication.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical perspective on swearing extends beyond the mere act of taking oaths. It encompasses the broader ethical implications of speech and the use of language. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This verse encourages believers to use their words constructively and to avoid language that is harmful or disrespectful.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

In biblical times, oaths were a common part of legal and personal transactions. They were often used to affirm truthfulness and to bind agreements. However, the misuse of oaths and the casual invocation of God's name led to the biblical admonitions against swearing falsely or unnecessarily.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on swearing emphasize the importance of truthfulness, integrity, and reverence for God's name. Believers are called to uphold these values in their speech and interactions, reflecting the character of God in their daily lives.1. (n.) One who swears; one who calls God to witness for the truth of his declaration.

2. (n.) A profane person; one who uses profane language.

7650. shaba -- to swear
... promised them by oath (1), put the under oath (1), put them under oath (1), solemn
(1), solemnly swear (1), strictly put (1), swear (40), swearer (1), swearing ...
/hebrew/7650.htm - 6k

If the Swearing Law was to Order, that Instead of Kissing the ...
... If the swearing law was to order, that instead of kissing the gospel-book, the swearer
should say, "In remembrance of, and in regard to the words of Christ ...
/.../address 171 0 0 if the swearing.htm

The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing
... But alas! what can he do? Public animadversions are so neglected amongst us, that
we seldom find a common swearer punished as the laws direct. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of profane.htm

Whether an Oath Has a Binding Force?
... since, in the oath that is about the past or present, this obligation affects, not
the thing that already has been or is, but the action of the swearer, in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an oath has a.htm

The Great Denial
... Peter was just the man likely to be a profane swearer in his youth"the headlong
man of temper, who likes to say a thing with as much emphasis and ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter iii the great denial.htm

Again on the Calamity of the City of Antioch. ...
... And when wings too are added, what further hope is there of safety? But on what
account doth it pull down the stones and the wood of the swearer's house? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xv again on the.htm

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... For which detriments accruing from this abuse to the public every vain swearer is
responsible; and he would do well to consider that he will never be able to ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ...
... aid him in this good method of "sowing the seed of the kingdom" with short and pithy
tracts, such as "A Word to the Drunkard," "A Word to the Swearer," to the ...
/.../chapter 4 from the close.htm

Directions to Church-Wardens, &C.
... knowledge, but also from common fame [3] ; so that if there be a common fame in
the parish of any one, that he lives incontinently, is a common swearer, or in ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/directions to church-wardens &c.htm

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... their hearts. We can now scarce speak with the vilest drunkard, or swearer,
or scoffer, but he hopes to be saved, for all this. O ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm

To the End and After
... instance of the sanctity attached in the ancient world to an oath sworn by one nation
to another, even though it was to the humiliation of the swearer.(472) So ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture vi to the end.htm

Swearer (1 Occurrence)
... declaration. 2. (n.) A profane person; one who uses profane language.
Multi-Version Concordance Swearer (1 Occurrence). Ecclesiastes ...
/s/swearer.htm - 7k

Oath (286 Occurrences)
... The Talmud gives additional rules, and lays down certain punishments for false swearing;
in the case of a thing found it states what the false swearer must pay ...
/o/oath.htm - 47k

Swearers (1 Occurrence)

/s/swearers.htm - 6k

Swear (99 Occurrences)

/s/swear.htm - 39k

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