Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Swearing, in the biblical context, refers to the act of making solemn declarations or oaths, often invoking the name of God as a witness to the truth of one's words or the sincerity of one's intentions. The Bible addresses the practice of swearing in various passages, providing guidance on its appropriate use and the spiritual implications of taking oaths.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, swearing an oath was a common practice, often used to affirm truthfulness or to make a binding promise. The Mosaic Law provided specific instructions regarding oaths. In Leviticus 19:12, the Israelites were commanded, "You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD." This directive underscores the seriousness of invoking God's name and the expectation of truthfulness and integrity. Deuteronomy 6:13 further instructs, "Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name." Here, swearing by God's name is permitted, but it is to be done with reverence and sincerity, reflecting a commitment to truth and faithfulness. New Testament Teachings The New Testament offers a more nuanced perspective on swearing. Jesus addresses the issue in the Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches, "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" (Matthew 5:34-35). Jesus emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in communication, suggesting that one's word should be sufficient without the need for oaths. James 5:12 echoes this sentiment, stating, "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." This instruction highlights the value of straightforward and truthful speech, avoiding the potential pitfalls of swearing oaths. Spiritual Implications Swearing, when done improperly or deceitfully, can lead to spiritual consequences. The misuse of oaths, particularly when invoking God's name, is seen as a form of taking the Lord's name in vain, which is explicitly prohibited in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:7). Such actions can damage one's relationship with God and others, undermining trust and credibility. The biblical teachings on swearing encourage believers to cultivate a character marked by honesty and integrity. By speaking truthfully and fulfilling promises without the need for oaths, Christians demonstrate their commitment to living in accordance with God's will and reflecting His nature in their interactions with others. Smith's Bible Dictionary Swearing[OATH] ATS Bible Dictionary SwearingSee OATH. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Swear.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FALSE SWEARING; FALSE WITNESSSWEARING swar'-ing. Greek 4945. sunomosia -- a swearing together, ie a conspiracy ... a swearing together, ie a conspiracy. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sunomosia Phonetic Spelling: (soon-o-mos-ee'-ah) Short Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4945.htm - 6k 3513. ne -- by (a particle of affirmation employed in oaths) Strong's Hebrew 423. alah -- an oath... curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. From 'alah; an imprecation -- curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. see HEBREW 'alah. 422, 423. alah. 424 > ... /hebrew/423.htm - 6k 7650. shaba -- to swear 422. alah -- to swear, curse Library The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing If the Swearing Law was to Order, that Instead of Kissing the ... Concerning Patience and Swearing. Song 19. Against Swearing and Cursing, and Taking God's Name in ... Song 19. Against Cursing, Swearing, and Taking God's Name in Vain. Against Rash and Vain Swearing. Is Then the Profaning of God's Name, by Swearing and Cursing, So ... Commendation of those who had Laid Aside the Practice of Swearing. ... Whether it is Lawful to Swear? Whether the Second Precept of the Decalogue is Fittingly Expressed ... Thesaurus Swearing (17 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FALSE SWEARING; FALSE WITNESS. See OATH; PERJURY; CRIMES. SWEARING. swar'-ing. See OATH; PERJURY; CRIMES; PUNISHMENTS. ... /s/swearing.htm - 12k Oath (286 Occurrences) Roofs (13 Occurrences) Murdering (5 Occurrences) Crimes (22 Occurrences) Crime (45 Occurrences) Lying (203 Occurrences) False. Swears (16 Occurrences) Bowing (35 Occurrences) Resources Should a Christian make a promise? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was John Chrysostom? | GotQuestions.org Swearing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Swearing (17 Occurrences)Hebrews 7:20 Hebrews 7:21 Hebrews 7:28 Leviticus 5:1 Leviticus 6:3 Psalms 63:11 Ecclesiastes 9:2 Isaiah 19:18 Isaiah 48:1 Isaiah 65:16 Jeremiah 5:2 Jeremiah 7:9 Jeremiah 23:10 Hosea 4:2 Hosea 10:4 Amos 8:14 Zephaniah 1:5 Subtopics Profane Swearing of all Kinds is Desecration of God's Name and is Forbidden Profane Swearing: Nations Visited For Profane Swearing: Punishment For Profane Swearing: Son of Israelitish Woman Profane Swearing: The Wicked: Addicted To Profane Swearing: The Wicked: Clothe Themselves With Profane Swearing: The Wicked: Love Profane Swearing: Woe Denounced Against Swearing Falsely: Blessedness of Abstaining From Swearing Falsely: False Witnesses Guilty of Swearing Falsely: Fraud often Leads To Swearing Falsely: Hateful to God Swearing Falsely: Saints Abstain From Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Addicted To Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Plead Excuses For Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Shall be Cut off For Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Shall be Judged on Account of Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Shall Have a Curse Upon Their Houses For Swearing Falsely: we should not Love Related Terms |