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Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
34
But I say to you not to swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God:
14
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Jewish people are often characterized by their frequent tendency to invoke the created elements of the world in their oaths, a practice that is frequently criticized in their prophetic writings. When someone makes an oath, they either show love for or hold esteem towards the entity they invoke. The law commands us to take oaths only in the name of the Lord our God. However, the Jews have, at times, sworn by angels, by the city of Jerusalem, the temple, and even the elements of the world, thereby bestowing upon created beings and earthly matters a reverence that is due to God alone. Notably, the Saviour does not prohibit swearing by God's name but instead forbids oaths made by heaven and earth, Jerusalem, and one’s own head. This provision serves as a concession to their immaturity, similar to how God allowed sacrifices to be made to Him rather than to idols. Thus, while they are permitted to swear by God’s name, it is not meant to be a practice; rather, it is preferred to do so in the name of God rather than in the name of false deities. Ultimately, the truth of the Gospel discourages the act of swearing, as the essence of truth itself replaces the need for oaths."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"To further dissuade His audience from the practice of swearing oaths in God's name, the Savior declares, \\"Swear not by heaven, for the throne is God's; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.\\" In this proclamation, Christ draws upon the words of the prophets, demonstrating that He remains in harmony with the teachings of those who came before Him. The ancients frequently swore by heaven, earth, or Jerusalem, and the conclusion of the Gospel records a notable example of such common oaths. \\n\\nNotice why the Lord elevates the objects He mentions; He does so not because of their own inherent worth, but because of their significant connection to God according to our understanding. Given the prevalence of idolatry, Christ sought to ensure that these objects would not be seen as possessing independent value. Instead, He illuminated the divine glory associated with them. He did not say that heaven is good and magnificent, nor did He assert that the earth serves a valuable purpose; rather, He emphasized that heaven is the throne of God and that the earth serves as His footstool. Through this teaching, He guided His listeners to lift their praise to the Lord."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"It is not inherently sinful to make a true oath; however, since bearing false witness is a serious transgression, refraining from swearing altogether eliminates the risk of falsehood. Those who do choose to make an oath, even if it is truthful, put themselves at risk of swearing falsely. Therefore, our Lord Jesus Christ, in forbidding all forms of swearing, intended to safeguard you from this very peril, so that you might not be led astray along a treacherous path. You may argue that the Lord Himself swore. Indeed, He may take an oath without fear, as He is not susceptible to sin. Do not be misled by His example; for it is God alone who can rightly take an oath. When you swear, what do you invoke? You call upon God as your witness—He belongs to you and you belong to Him. However, as a human being, you can err in many matters, making it possible for you to testify to the truth while inadvertently conveying falsehood. A person can, sometimes unwillingly, break an oath, mistakenly believing that their affirmation is the truth, even when it is, in fact, a deception. Nevertheless, the sin of swearing in this context is less severe compared to the case where someone consciously swears to a falsehood, fully aware of their deceit. Thus, one who, following the command of the Savior, refrains entirely from swearing stands in a much safer position regarding this sin.\\n\\nIf someone urges you to swear, believing it will placate their concerns, and you take an oath to dispel their wrongful suspicions, your sin is far less than that of the one who pressured you into this situation. For the Lord stated, \\"Let your statement be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond that comes from evil\\" (Matt. 5:37). In addressing swearing, His intention was to instruct us that swearing often arises from a lack of trust. If you are coerced by another to take an oath, it originates from their distrust, not yours. This reflects a broader human flaw—we fail to perceive the true nature of our hearts. For if we could truly see into our own hearts, who would call upon us to swear? Who could compel us to do so if the intentions of others were also visible? Let these words be inscribed upon your hearts: he who forces another to swear, fully knowing they will testify falsely, is worse than a murderer. A murderer ends a physical life, but such a person destroys a soul—both that of the one who swears and their own. You are confident in the veracity of your claim while recognizing the falsehood of another's assertions; how then can you compel them to swear? In doing so, you lead them to commit a sin with a false oath and to their own ruin. What benefit do you derive from that? No, you bring about your own downfall by seeking to satisfy yourself at the expense of your brother’s integrity. Be vigilant against false oaths and heedless promises. The most effective means to avoid both of these vices is to eschew the habit of swearing altogether."},{"author-name":"Chromatius of Aquileia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a3df6d7a747a33b4f4a_Chromatius%20of%20Aquileia.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Through the grace of the teachings of the Gospel, the law bestowed by Moses attained its fullness. While the law instructs against making false oaths, the Gospel goes further by advising us against swearing altogether. Previously, the Holy Spirit cautioned against this through Solomon, stating, “Thou shalt not train thy mouth to swear” (Sir 23:8). Furthermore, it is noted: “For as a servant who is continually chastised is not delivered from his wounds, so also he who swears continually by the Holy Name will not be cleansed from sin” (Sir 23:10). Thus, it is clear we ought not to swear. Why should we engage in swearing at all, when we should not lie in the first place? Our words ought to be so truthful and filled with faith that they reflect the integrity of an oath. Consequently, the Lord not only prohibits us from swearing falsely but from swearing altogether, aiming that our speech consistently convey the truth—not just at the moment of making an oath. This serves to remind us, who are created to be truthful in all our expressions, that it is impossible to speak falsely while claiming to swear. \\n\\nThe purpose of swearing is to affirm truthfulness. Hence, God does not differentiate between an oath and our everyday speech; honesty should permeate both, as deceitfulness in any form invites divine judgment. As stated in Scripture: “The mouth that slanders kills the soul” (Prem. 1:11). Therefore, anyone who conveys truth does indeed affirm it, for it is said, “A faithful witness does not lie” (Proverbs 14:5)."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"If you belong to our community and identify yourself as a follower of the Good Shepherd, then cast aside the instincts of creatures and their ways, and adhere to the teachings of the Shepherd who instructs us not to make any oaths (Matthew 5:34). To refrain from swearing means to avoid demanding oaths. When you choose not to swear personally, you will not require an oath from others for two main reasons: the one asking may either be truthful or dishonest. If a person habitually speaks the truth, they undoubtedly do so without needing an oath. Conversely, if they are deceitful, their dishonesty persists even after an oath is taken. Therefore, in both scenarios, it is unnecessary to insist on oaths."},{"author-name":"Philotheus of Sinai","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":9,"exegesis-text":"Which commandment ultimately provides the principles for mental fortitude? Yet I tell you, do not take oaths at all, but let your word be simply yes or no (Matthew 5:34). Likewise, if anyone does not forsake all his possessions, he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:33). Additionally, strive to enter through the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13). Are these the guidelines for the mental aspect? Our adversary, seeking to turn this mental strength, much like a conqueror commanding troops, initially undermines it by sowing thoughts of indulgence and carelessness. Having stripped it of its inherent authority over other faculties and mocked it as if it were a drunken leader, he compels it to act upon its whims and desires, using impatience and craving as allies. These forces—craving and impatience—once they dominate the mental power, begin to misdirect all five senses, treating them as obedient servants for apparent transgressions. Consequently, this leads to sin and downfall. When the mind fails to restrain and govern the senses, the eyes wander out of curiosity, the ears eagerly listen to distractions, the sense of smell seeks indulgence, the mouth becomes insatiable, and the hands stretch out to grasp what is forbidden. This leads to injustice instead of righteousness, folly instead of understanding, impurity instead of purity, and cowardice instead of bravery. These four cardinal virtues—righteousness, understanding, purity, and bravery—are such that when they are robust and healthy within the soul, they effectively guide the three parts of the soul, enabling harmonious governance that keeps the senses from engaging with distractions. Thus, when the mind is tranquil, exercising control over other faculties in accordance with God and their submission, it gains the upper hand in the mental struggle. However, when through carelessness it allows confusion to arise among the other faculties, it becomes susceptible to the snares of the evil one and violates the Divine laws. Such transgressions lead to repentance or suffering in the life to come. Therefore, it is highly beneficial for the mind to remain vigilant; in doing so, it aligns itself with its natural purpose and becomes a true keeper of the Divine commandments."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"I urge you not to make oaths in any form. Those who frequently swear may do so out of habit and risk breaking their promises, while those who never swear find themselves incapable of breaking an oath. Furthermore, refraining from swearing not only respects the honor of God but also elevates one’s integrity; the former approach reflects a flawed and limited wisdom, while the latter embodies a superior and perfect wisdom. To clarify that He does not prohibit oaths only in God's name, He mentions additional forms of oaths that the Jews would occasionally use. When someone swears by these, they are ultimately invoking God, who encompasses and governs all. All things derive their significance from God rather than from their own nature. Through the prophet, God declares, The heavens are my throne, the earth is my footstool (Isaiah 66:1), illustrating His omnipresence, just as He states, I do not fill the heavens and the earth with food (Jeremiah 23:24). David also proclaimed, The hail of the great King (Ps. 47:3)."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The Jewish people, having heard the Lord declare, \\"Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool,\\" began to make oaths in His name. However, the Lord, instructing them against this practice, does not caution, \\"Do not swear because the heavens are grand and the earth is beneficial.\\" Rather, He advises against swearing by these elements because they symbolize God's authority—heavens as His throne and the earth as His footstool—to prevent any opportunity for idolatry. In the past, those who swore by such elements regarded them as divine."},{"author-name":"Ignatij (Briantchaninow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ce37597540c9caa5df5_Ignatij%20(Briantchaninow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord prohibited the practice of taking oaths. The Church Fathers aptly note that a person who frequently resorts to oaths is often the least reliable, whereas someone who consistently speaks the truth, even without oaths, proves to be most trustworthy. By speaking truthfully, there is no need for oaths, as such practices violate the reverence owed to God and align with the purposes of Satan (Matthew 5:33-37)."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Avoid making any oaths. Do not engage in any of the practices of swearing that have been shown to exist; for all creation comes from God and is made sacred. Therefore, to swear by any of His creations is to invoke the Creator Himself, and to falsely swear using His name is to violate the sanctity of the oath. Do not swear by heaven. Heaven represents the unique dwelling place of God's presence, which is why it is referred to as the Throne of God (Is. 66:1); swearing by heaven equates to swearing by the one who reigns there, namely, God Himself (cf. Matt. 23:22)."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The instruction from Jesus to refrain from swearing has led to diverse interpretations throughout the early centuries of the Christian faith. In his letter to the Council, the Apostle James advises: \\"Above all, my brothers, do not swear, neither by heaven nor by earth nor any other oath, but let your word be 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no,' so that you may not fall under condemnation\\" (James 5:12). Interestingly, the Apostle Paul employed oaths in his letters, such as when he expressed in his epistle to the Romans: \\"For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times\\" (Rom. 1:9). Similarly, in his Second Epistle to the Corinthians, he proclaimed: \\"I call God as my witness, and I stake my life on it, that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth\\" (2 Cor. 1:23), and in Philippians, he stated: \\"God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus\\" (Phil. 1:8). St. Justin Martyr commented in his first Apology, elaborating on Christ’s teachings: “Regarding the prohibition of swearing, He instructs: ‘Do not swear at all! Let your word be simply ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Anything more than that comes from the evil one.’” \\n\\nSaint Irenaeus, in his treatise against heresies, argued that Christ did not nullify the commandments of the law but rather fulfilled and enriched them, referencing that the Lord said, “You shall not commit adultery,” and then expanded this by stating, “You shall not swear at all, but let your word be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’” Tertullian did not entirely dismiss oaths; however, he rejected swearing by demons, as seen in his Apologia: “We even take an oath to expel demons from individuals; yet we do not worship them, lest we attribute to them the honor due solely to the One God.” \\n\\nSt. Basil the Great, advising tax collectors not to compel taxpayers to take oaths, reiterated in a letter to the provincial governor that “Once individuals learn to disregard an oath, they perceive it as merely a means to deceive” (Creations. Vol. 6). He stressed that “One who is bound by an oath for malicious intent must repent for their impulsiveness, but should not cling to deceit under the guise of reverence. Herod’s oath, which led him to murder the Prophet, does not justify oaths formed for wicked purposes.” \\n\\nSt. Gregory the Theologian reflected on the gravity of oaths, stating: “What is worse than an oath? For I contend there is nothing more grievous... if false oaths were harmless, swearing would be a matter of piety... False oaths represent a denial of God... they are wholly unnecessary for the moral individual.” While he acknowledged that, in dire situations, oaths might be necessary, Gregory cautioned: “Avoid the most dreadful oaths, especially those invoking God’s name. I wish oaths were entirely unnecessary; however, if oaths are demanded, let them be minimal.” He further argued, “A multitude of oaths does not guarantee trustworthiness; rather, they betray a lack of it... Do we not find instances where God Himself swears? The Scriptures affirm this. But what remains more perfect than God? It follows that even He should not need to take oaths.”\\n\\nSt. John Chrysostom, in his \\"Discourses on Statues,\\" challenged the Antiochians' frequent swearing, lamenting: “How often have we sworn in anger against those who wronged us, only to wish for reconciliation when our anger subsided? It is the devil who binds us with such oaths, ensuring that we remain enmeshed in unresolved conflicts.” He went on to emphasize the gravity of such sin, urging that even a good person, however esteemed, should be held accountable if they resort to swearing and urged: “Should anyone demand an oath from you, let the fear of God outweigh any coercion. If we withstand the commands of men, how much more the Divine?”\\n\\nAugustine observed: “Do not be misled by instances when the Lord swore, for only He can do so truthfully.” He recognized that calling upon God as witness, done out of reverent fear, is not inherently sinful, as he would also affirm his words by invoking God. \\n\\nAt the Fourth Ecumenical Council, it was determined that Egyptian bishops should oath an explanation for their delay in signing an important epistle. These various views from the Apostles and Church Fathers illustrate the complexity and contradictions surrounding the topic of oaths. \\n\\nThus, what stance should one adopt when faced with the necessity of an oath? Essentially, the Orthodox Church permits oaths when requested by the governing authorities, though it views them as sin within personal interactions. There are exceptions to judicial oaths, where witnesses who are unlikely to provide truthful testimony are often exempted, aligning with St. John Chrysostom’s advice to avoid compelling those lacking integrity to swear. \\n\\nJudges operate based on their understanding of evidence rather than the weight of testimony given under oath. While oaths have historically signified formal truth, this notion has diminished, warranting a reevaluation of their necessity in modern governance. The advancement towards reducing obligatory oath-taking reflects an understanding consistent with Christ's directives.\\n\\nIn essence, the call for honesty aligns closely with the command to avoid oaths, as true righteousness should render oaths unnecessary in the relationships between believers."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Amphiteatrov)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896e9b7a2ebaf99e4620a_Philaret%20(Amphiteatrov).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Here is an additional directive from the Gospel, imparted by the Savior to shield us from falsehood, to which the human heart, tainted by sin, is particularly susceptible. In the ancient covenant, it was expressly prohibited to breach an oath made before the Lord. The Savior Christ, endorsing this command, forbids every oath that lies within our control. It is essential to note that this restriction does not extend to oaths we take under civil law, such as pledging loyalty to the Sovereign, or when we are legally mandated to testify to the truth under oath. This, too, associates with the divine commandment of obedience to established authority. However, unwarranted oaths are prohibited, lacking significant, and often any, justification. They are forbidden because they contravene the eternal command of God: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” (Exodus 20:7). Such declarations and oaths diminish the reverence for God within us, subtly instilling the ability to deceive, which leads to disrespect for lawful oaths and, at times, their grievous breach. Consequently, the Savior, aiming to eradicate the root of this evil from our hearts, commands us not to swear by the sacred and awe-inspiring name of God, nor by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, a city held most sacred by the Jews as the capital of Israel; nor by our own head, which is a remarkable creation of God; for we cannot create even a single hair nor alter its color. To affirm the truth in all situations, Jesus Christ states that our speech should simply be 'yes' or 'no'; anything beyond this stems from the malevolent adversary of our salvation, the devil, known as the father of lies, who seeks to implant deceitful thoughts within us, gradually leading to the dreadful violation of oaths. The most treacherous tactic of the evil one is to persuade us that breaking Christ's commandments is trivial and to intimidate us with exaggerated threats for disobedience, thus deceiving us into suppressing the fear of God's judgment, which guards our souls. When he successfully removes this divine protector from a believer’s heart, he gains unimpeded access, plundering the treasures of grace, capturing the soul, and using the body as a tool of wickedness. We must diligently safeguard our hearts, which have been consecrated as the dwelling place of God Himself, so that our bodily senses may serve purely in fulfilling His commandments, guided by the wise instruction: “guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Let us consistently pray to our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, asking Him to protect our hearts with the saving reverence of His just judgment, to fill them with His love so that we may love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, strength, and thoughts (Matthew 22:37); and that, by living righteously according to His commandments, we may inherit eternal life. Amen."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"I urge you not to make any oaths, whether in the name of God or otherwise; do not swear in a manner that contradicts your conscience. Do not swear by heaven, for it is the seat of God; thus, to swear by heaven is essentially to invoke God Himself, who reigns upon that throne."},{"author-name":"Kochomski S.W.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Law of the Old Testament prohibited invoking God's name for trivial or deceitful purposes, particularly in false promises. The third commandment, encapsulated in the Hebrew term shaveh, which connotes both unnecessary and false, expressly forbids the irreverent use of God’s name as found in \\"thou shalt not take the name of thy Lord in vain\\" (Exodus 20:7) and prohibits its invocation for deceit. Jesus Christ further clarifies this commandment, emphasizing that swearing falsely by God's name is not permissible, a concept reflected in the Greek term, οὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις. In Jesus’ time, the Jewish people adhered to this injunction by avoiding oaths invoking God, instead swearing by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or even their heads, which led to false oaths nonetheless. Jesus instructs, \\"I say to you not to swear by any oath, neither by heaven, nor by earth, nor by Jerusalem...\\" The Greek term for \\"any\\" should not be construed as an absolute prohibition but rather as a directive not to swear under any circumstances by these created things. Though swearing by God's name does occur in the Old and New Testaments (see Rom. 1:9; 2 Cor. 1:23; Phlp. 1:8; 1 Thess. 2:5, 10; Rev. 10:6), in this context, Jesus' words should be understood as a strict avoidance of all oaths referencing heaven, earth, or Jerusalem. \\n\\nSome interpret this passage to dismiss the validity of oaths entirely, acknowledging a misunderstanding of the term σ῞λως, which does not imply an absolute negation. Instead, it conveys a sense of approximation or conditionality. The intent here indicates not swearing by heaven or earth, affirmatively. Christ reiterates the essence of the third commandment, which prohibits the casual or irreverent invocation of oaths but does not preclude the taking of oaths themselves when calling upon God as a witness to our commitments and as our aid in fulfilling them. Nevertheless, He explicitly forbids swearing by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or one's head. \\n\\nWhy is this significant? The Apostle notes that \\"Men swear by the highest things\\" (Hebrews 6:16), signifying that Jews customarily swore by these revered symbols as they were perceived to be close to the divine presence. Jesus reinforces this perspective by stating that heaven is God’s throne, the earth His footstool, and Jerusalem the city of the great King, highlighting that in these places, God's glory and sovereignty are intimately revealed. Even our heads, seemingly our own, fall under God's dominion and care. These references serve as profound symbols of divine majesty and goodness. However, swearing by such symbols often arose from a desire to avoid directly invoking God's name, leading to false or vain assurances. The Pharisaic practice employed a façade to adhere to the commandment, opting for oaths that seemingly bypassed the use of God’s name while still resulting in insincerity. Jesus condemns this Pharisaic subterfuge in His confrontation with the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:20-22), categorically rejecting the practice of swearing by the heavens and earth as a form of deceit. Instead of such empty oaths, the Lord instructs His followers to affirm their statements plainly, adding that such frivolous oaths are inspired by evil, namely the devil."}]}
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