Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the act of swearing by one's head was a common practice among the Jews, often used to affirm the truthfulness of a statement or promise. This practice, however, was met with censure in the Scriptures, as it reflected a misunderstanding of the nature of oaths and the sovereignty of God.The Jewish custom of swearing by one's head is addressed in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:33-37 , Jesus admonishes His followers against making oaths by anything other than God Himself, emphasizing the importance of simple and honest communication: "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." This passage highlights the futility and irreverence of swearing by one's head. Jesus points out that humans lack the power to control even the smallest aspects of their own bodies, such as the color of their hair. By swearing by their heads, individuals were inadvertently claiming authority and control that belonged solely to God. This practice was a reflection of a deeper issue: a failure to recognize God's ultimate sovereignty and the sacredness of truth. The Jewish tradition of swearing by one's head can be seen as part of a broader tendency to rely on external forms and rituals rather than the internal transformation of the heart. The prophets of the Old Testament frequently rebuked the Israelites for their reliance on outward religious practices while neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (cf. Micah 6:6-8; Isaiah 1:11-17). In the New Testament, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of integrity, one that transcends the need for oaths and elaborate promises. By instructing His disciples to let their "Yes" be "Yes" and their "No" be "No," Jesus emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and reliability in all aspects of life. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme that God desires truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6) and that His people should reflect His character in their words and actions. The censure of swearing by one's head serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and the call to live with integrity and honesty. It challenges believers to examine their own practices and to ensure that their words are consistent with their faith, trusting in God's power and authority rather than their own. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:36Neither shall you swear by your head, because you can not make one hair white or black. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Sayings of Jesus --His Ideas of a Divine Father and of a ... Article xii (V): of Repentance. Exposition of the Moral Law. On the Interpretation of Scripture part ii Resources What does Genesis 3:15 mean that “he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus had nowhere to lay His head? | GotQuestions.org What does INRI stand for? What was written on the sign nailed to the cross above Jesus' head? | GotQuestions.org Head: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Head in Grief: Sprinkled With Dust Head in Grief: The Hands Placed On Head of Criminals often Cut off Head of Enemies Slain in War, often Cut off Head of the Chief City of a Kingdom Head of the Leper Always Uncovered Head of Women Generally Covered in Public Head: (Anointed) of Joy and Prosperity Head: (Covered) of Defence and Protection Head: (Lifted Up) of Exaltation Head: (Lifted Up) of Joy and Confidence Head: (Made Bald) of Heavy Judgments Head: All the Other Members Necessary To Head: Bowed Down in Worshipping God Head: Bowed Down: As a Token of Respect Head: Derision Expressed by Shaking Head: Liable to Internal Disease Head: Nazarites Forbidden to Shave Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Crown Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Face Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Forehead Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Hair Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Scalp Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Skull Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Temples Head: Priests Forbidden to Shave Head: Put for the Whole Person Head: Shaven when Vows Were Taken Head: The Body Supported and Supplied By Head: The Jews Censured for Swearing By Head: The Uppermost and Chief Member of the Body Head: when Hoary With Age to be Respected Related Terms |
    |