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Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
37
But let your speech be yea, yea: no, no: and that which is over and above these, is of evil.
11
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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 have a well-documented tendency to invoke the elements of creation in their oaths, a behavior often criticized by the prophets. When someone swears, they either revere or give honor to the being they invoke. The Scriptures instruct that oaths be made solely in the name of the Lord our God. However, the Jews, in their practice, made oaths by angels, the city of Jerusalem, the temple, and other elements of the world, thus attributing the respect and devotion meant for God to created beings and earthly matters. It is important to note that the Savior does not prohibit swearing in God's name, but rather forbids such oaths by heaven and earth, by Jerusalem, or by one's own head. This limitation can be seen as a concession, akin to treating them as children, allowing them to swear in God's name for the sake of true worship rather than idolatry. While it is preferable that oaths are made in God's name rather than invoking spirits, the Gospel teaches that swearing should be avoided altogether, as it leaves room for every untrustworthy statement (fidelis sermo) to take the place of a rightful oath."},{"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":"What does the addition of \\"her\\" and \\"nor\\" signify in the context? They denote an oath, not a breach of promise. It is widely recognized, without needing proof, that oaths stem from discontent and are more than mere superfluities; they are established by God, yet they often add unnecessary burdens. One might wonder: was the oath inherently wrong? And if so, why did the law permit it? The same question can be posed regarding marriage: why is what was once permissible now seen as unfaithfulness? The answer lies in the understanding that many norms were initially mild, considering the context of those who followed the law. It is incongruous to honor God through mere sacrifices, just as it is inappropriate for a philosopher to engage in empty talk. As virtues have evolved, the cessation of a marriage is now viewed as adultery, and vows are deemed to stem from resentment.\\n\\nIf the old laws regarding divorce and oaths had originated from evil, they would not have possessed such value and applicability. Conversely, if these regulations had not existed beforehand, Christ's teachings on them wouldn’t have been so readily embraced. Now that the necessity for these laws has diminished, do not seek their former strength. They served their purpose in their time, but present conditions call for new understandings. Their current interpretation serves as the highest honor to them; they would not have been so significant to us had they not prepared us for loftier commandments. Just as a child's reliance on nourishment from a nurse becomes less needed as they mature, so too must we transition from earlier laws to grasp greater truths.\\n\\nParents once found it essential to use suckling as nourishment for infants; however, when the time comes for children to grow, they may even ridicule those same practices. In some cases, they might taint the nursing source to encourage weaning, just as Christ indicated that swearing arises from resentment. He did not imply that the old law was the work of evil but sought to draw His audience away from past imperfections. He spoke specifically to His disciples. For the unrepentant Jews, who clung stubbornly to their sins, He made Jerusalem inaccessible, as if they were restrained by some bitterness. Yet, even with such obstacles, they continued to yearn for the city, prompting God to ultimately veil it from them, removing most of its inhabitants, mirroring how calves are separated from their mothers to break their dependence.\\n\\nIf the ancient laws had been inherently corrupt, they would have led people toward idolatry rather than away from it, contrary to what the devil intended. Rather, we see that the old laws served to direct the people toward truth. Regarding oaths within the covenant, they were legislated to prevent swearing by idols, as the prophet states, \\"Swear by the true God\\" (Jer. 4:2). Therefore, the ancient law of oaths extended great benefit to humanity as it aimed to redirect them toward more substantial truths.\\n\\nSo, are oaths wicked? Not inherently; they arise from human shortcomings. However, with the revelation of the highest wisdom, their nature becomes clearer. One may question how a single act can be perceived as both good and bad. Yet, it is evident in our lives: for instance, what is beneficial for an infant can later become harmful. Chewing food, suitable for infancy, becomes distasteful with maturity. The same is true for clothing; what is appropriate for a child may not be fitting for an adult. Consider it from a different angle—the same principles apply to adult responsibilities. If a youth is made to bear the burdens of adulthood prematurely, it leads to confusion and absurdity.\\n\\nMoreover, even an act typically seen as evil can be righteous when contextually justified. Phinehas, who executed justice, gained righteousness (Num. 25). Although murder is commonly understood as evil, Phinehas' act was viewed as righteous, an irony that Scripture highlights (Ps. 105:31). Abraham also participated in acts perceived as horrific, such as child sacrifice, yet gained favor with God. Notably, Peter's actions, although contentious, were within a spiritual context (Acts 5:1ff.). Thus, we must not hastily judge any deed but carefully assess the circumstances surrounding it: the timing, reason, intention, and context, which are vital to discern truth.\\n\\nTo inherit the kingdom, it is essential to strive beyond the commandments of the Old Testament; a mere adherence to those standards leaves one outside the gates of salvation. The Lord's words resonate: \\"Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven\\" (Matthew 5:20). Yet, many, despite these warnings, neither advance nor uphold that ancient truth. They do not only fail to avoid oaths but willingly violate them; they entertain lustful glances and perpetrate grievous acts while disregarding the commandments, awaiting merely a day of reckoning for their misdeeds. This fate is reserved for those who end their lives in wickedness; their hope for salvation is lost, and they should anticipate only punishment.\\n\\nThose still living must engage in spiritual struggle to be crowned with victory. Do not falter; do not abandon your righteous intentions! The call to avoid oaths is not a burden. Consider: what effort does it take to abstain from swearing? Does it incur financial cost or extensive labor? If desired, it can be done easily. If one claims this habit is entrenched, it is possible to change it—it simply takes commitment. \\n\\nLook at figures among the Greeks who overcame speech impediments through diligent practice or those who shed disruptive habits with resolve. If the Scriptures do not persuade you, I will refer to examples among the Gentiles. The Lord urged the Jews, \\"Go to the isles of Hittim and to Kedar and see if a nation changes its gods\\" (Jeremiah 2:10, 11). He often pointed to nature, instructing, \\"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise\\" (Proverbs 6:6). Reflect on the philosophers of the Gentiles; their effort towards human approval should compel you to pursue heavenly gains with equal zeal.\\n\\nIf habit indeed holds power to mislead the vigilant, know this: just as easily can it be corrected. Establish safeguards in your life, such as support from a spouse or trusted friends, to aid in refraining from a negative habit. If you persist for just a short time, the new pattern will establish itself, and wholesome behavior will take root once again. If you falter, even if it occurs repeatedly, do not succumb to despair; rise and recommit, and you will ultimately prevail.\\n\\nThe breach of an oath carries significant consequences. If an oath can be rooted in evil, what judgment awaits the one who disregards it? Praise what I have shared, if you must; however, I seek your attentiveness and application far more than mere applause. Silence and reflection will honor my words; put them into practice, rather than merely commend them. The grave danger lies in commending with your mouths while failing to act, which incurs the worst punishment. \\n\\nThis is not a theatrical performance; this is a spiritual discipline. Strive to fulfill your commitments and demonstrate obedience through action. When I see genuine effort, I will be grateful; yet I confess my concern grows when no progress is evident. Despite my numerous exhortations to individuals, and my repeated encouragements within our gatherings, the lack of tangible growth brings distress. \\n\\nPaul experienced similar sorrow when his listeners remained stagnant in their understanding. He lamented that they should be teachers but needed to revisit the basics of faith (Hebrews 5:12). My grief is profound when I witness continued shortcomings, compelling me to bar unworthy individuals from participating in sacred worship, treating them as those unfit for fellowship. It is preferable to engage in humble prayer with a few righteous individuals than to gather a multitude of unruly souls.\\n\\nWealth and status have no true standing here; in light of eternity, they are transient illusions. The wealthy will not stand beside me in times of judgment when I must explain my lack of fervency in defending God's laws against disregard. To illustrate this, consider the legacy of Eli, the high priest, who, despite his personal righteousness, faced severe consequences for allowing divine laws to be neglected. If familial ties do not shield from accountability, how can we, unburdened by such ties, excuse our negligence?\\n\\nFor your own sake and mine, I urge you to embrace my counsel, shedding the habit of swearing. Begin here, and you will develop strength in pursuing other virtues, earning the everlasting rewards all believers may attain through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and dominion now and forever. Amen."},{"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":"Do not say: How can they have faith in me? - He responds that they will trust you if you consistently speak the truth and refrain from taking oaths, for nothing undermines one's credibility more than the act of swearing. Swearing, aside from affirmations and denials, is unnecessary and originates from the adversary. You may wonder if the law of Moses, which also permitted oaths, was not worse. Understand that during that era, swearing was not seen as negative; however, after Christ, it is considered improper, much like circumcision and Judaism as a whole. Just as it is suitable for an infant to nurse, it is inappropriate for a husband to do the same."},{"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":"Let your affirmation be a simple yes and your denial a simple no. This is the sole expression you should use for affirmation, without resorting to oaths. Any addition to this, he terms an oath. If oaths are of the adversary, then why was their use permitted in the ancient Law? This is because sacrifices of animals were also influenced by darkness and intertwined with idolatry; nevertheless, the Law permitted such practices in response to the frailty of the Israelites. Due to their insatiable desires, they were drawn to idolatry, and due to their mistrust, they relied on oaths. Thus, to prevent them from later offering sacrifices to false gods and swearing by them, the Law permitted sacrifices and oaths, always directing these acts toward God. However, the time would come when such practices would be rendered obsolete by a higher authority. Just as it is appropriate for young children to be nourished with milk, it is unnecessary for mature men; we accept milk for the young while restricting adults from it. What should we do if someone insists on an oath and demands it? Let the reverence for God take precedence over such compulsion, and choose to endure any hardship rather than violate God's commandment. Throughout every commandment, you are likely to face opposition and peril; if you do not regard God's commandment as paramount everywhere, all will remain void and unfulfilled for you. The Lord later remarked, 'The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force' (Matthew 11:12)."},{"author-name":"Gregorios Palamas","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bfc03f555204c307b7e_Gregorios%20Palamas.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":14,"exegesis-text":"He who refrains from making oaths should not simply respond with ‘yes’ or ‘no’; rather, he should express these affirmations in harmony with complete truth, ensuring that actions reflect words. In this way, ‘yes’ will truly signify ‘yes’ and ‘no’ will genuinely represent ‘no,’ in alignment with the teachings of the Gospel. Conversely, when words are detached from reality, and actions violate those words, then ‘yes’ becomes ‘no’ and ‘no’ turns into ‘yes.’ This contradiction originates from evil and represents a falsehood: for lies come from the enemy, the devil, the very source of deceit. Those who speak falsehoods draw closer to him, becoming part of his realm, and they have no share in the Spirit of Truth, preventing them from being members of Christ’s body. This is why the Apostle writes in his letter to the Ephesians: ‘Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, created according to God in truth and in the favor of the truth; put away falsehood, speak the truth every one to his own sincere heart: for we are one to another’ (Eph. 4:24-25). See also Matthew 6:23."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"God, in His love for humanity, desires that human virtues reflect honesty, righteousness, and a sanctified heart. He instructs us with these words: “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond that is from evil\\" (Matthew 5:37). He urges us to let the word ‘yes’ resonate in our minds and on our lips, as well as the word ‘no.’ Beyond these, it is the cunning and deceitful speech—representing falsehood and duplicity—that stems from wickedness. When your thoughts and words do not align, when you verbally affirm one thing while your actions betray another, or when you declare one thing but demonstrate its opposite, you partake in the fruits of malevolence, which are the devil's schemes. This echoes the warning from James, who states: “But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath. But let your yes be yes and your no be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation” (James 5:12). When your inner thoughts clash with what you express, when your commitments do not match your actions, you commit the sin of hypocrisy—you become a liar, a deceiver, and an opponent to the truth."},{"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":"Indeed, the affirmation or negation of what has been stated or done stands as a simple expression; however, this does not imply that a believer must always resort to these exact words in lieu of an oath. It signifies that one should plainly and directly affirm the truth or refute falsehood, consistently speaking truthfully and refraining from deceit (Theophylact). Beyond this, any assurance supported by a divine entity is rooted in wickedness; it derives from evil and unrighteousness. The source of all malevolence is the devil, hence such affirmations are from him (Chrysostom, Theophylact, Euthymius Zigabenus). When the Savior admonishes against swearing, He clearly does not prohibit legitimate oaths required in public or private matters, especially those taken in God's name. He Himself validated the oath in a judicial setting, responding to the high priest's declaration, \\"I adjure you by the living God,\\" with the words, \\"You have said,\\" as during that time the oath was a customary formalism in Jewish courts, which the accused acknowledged by affirming, \\"Amen, so be it, you have said\\" (Matthew 26:63-64). The Apostle Paul invokes God as a witness to affirm the veracity of his statements, which is indeed akin to an oath (Rom. 1:9; Rom. 9:1; 2 Cor. 1:23; 2 Cor. 2:17; Gal. 1:20; Phil. 1:8; 1 Thess. 2:5; Heb. 6:16). Oaths were enjoined by the Law of Moses, yet the Lord did not annul these oaths (Ex. 22:11; Lev. 5:1; Num. 5:19; Deut. 29:12-14). However, oaths that are insincere, pharisaical, hypocritical, or trivial are rendered void."},{"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":"Let your affirmation be clear: YES, YES; NO, NO. Any frivolous oath, any fabricated vow concocted by the Pharisees, is indeed deceitful. Even those oaths that God commanded through Moses—swearing by My name—are permitted only because of humanity's tendency toward falsehood. These solemn oaths, uttered with respect as a form of prayer, exist solely to counteract the presence of lies and sin in the world. Until the days of deceit are over, such oaths may be necessary for preventing falsehood. This understanding aligns with the teachings of Christ, who advised not to swear at all. St. John Chrysostom articulates this by saying that one who lives according to the commandments of Christ earns respect from others and is not compelled to swear. It is a grave matter that a servant would not utter his master’s name without appropriate respect, yet we approach the name of the Lord of Hosts with such irreverence. Christ is merciful, forbidding us to swear by our own heads, yet we disregard the honor of the Lord by invoking Him so casually. You—mere dust, ashes, and smoke—bring the Lord into your certainties, compelling Him to serve as a guarantor. What audacity! If you had never spoken falsely, even a mere gesture would elicit greater trust than a thousand oaths.\\n\\nHowever, in matters of significant importance, the saints have not shunned oaths. For instance, the Venerable Ephraim the Syrian spoke in his final testament with solemnity, saying: \\"I, Ephraim, am nearing death and writing this farewell... I swear by Him who descended on Mount Sinai and spoke from the rock, by the One whose cry of Eloi shook all creation; I swear by Him who was betrayed by Judas and scourged in Jerusalem; I swear by the power of Him who bore the lantern and by the majesty of Him who spat—it is true that I have not separated from the Church.\\" \\n\\nThe holy martyrs Iamvlichus and Apollonius invoked God's name in their oaths, as did the monk Zosima, the Apostle Paul, and others. Oaths have also been utilized during the Ecumenical Councils (V and VI) and are prescribed for Orthodox Christians in critical situations when legitimate authority requires it; these oaths must be offered with solemnity and a resolute intent to uphold them."},{"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":"The Gospel imparts another command from our Saviour aimed at shielding us from falsehood, to which a heart tainted by sin is all too susceptible. The ancient law expressly prohibited breaking an oath made in the presence of the Lord. Affirming this law, Christ our Saviour disallows any oath that is within our power to control. It is essential to clarify that this prohibition does not extend to oaths mandated by civil authority, such as pledging loyalty to the Sovereign or being legally obliged to testify under oath. Such oaths align with the divine directive to respect established authority. However, frivolous oaths are forbidden, often made without substantial reason. These oaths contravene the eternal commandment of God: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain (Exodus 20:7). These kinds of vows and oaths diminish reverence for God within a person, subtly fostering a tendency towards deceit while also undermining the respect for legitimate oaths, potentially resulting in grave violations of them. Thus, desiring to eradicate the root of this evil from our hearts, the Saviour instructs us not to swear by the sacred and awe-inspiring name of God, nor by heaven—God’s throne, nor by the earth—His footstool, nor by Jerusalem—the holy city of the King of Israel, nor even by our own heads, for we cannot create a single strand of hair or alter its color. To uphold truth in all circumstances, Jesus emphasizes the simplicity of communication with \\"yes\\" or \\"no\\"; anything beyond these words is a ploy of the malevolent one—the devil, the father of lies, who seeks to sow deceit in our hearts, gradually leading us to the serious breach of oaths. The most insidious tactic of this evil spirit is convincing us that disobeying the commandments of Christ is trivial and that those who do face excessively harsh consequences. This deception is aimed at erasing the fear of God’s judgment from our hearts, a fear that safeguards our souls. Once the spirit succeeds in stripping away this divine protector, it can invadir our hearts unimpeded, plundering the treasures of grace and imprisoning our souls while using our bodies as instruments of wickedness. Therefore, it is crucial for us, dear brethren, to vigilantly guard our hearts, which are consecrated as the dwelling place of God, ensuring that our bodily senses operate solely as instruments for fulfilling His commandments, as the wise Proverb states: guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). We must continually pray to our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ to protect our hearts with the saving fear of His righteous judgment, to touch them with His love, and to help us love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, strength, and thoughts (Matthew 22:37). In walking blamelessly in the light of His commandments, may we become heirs of eternal life. Amen."},{"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 Mosaic Law prohibited swearing oaths in the name of God for trivial or deceptive purposes. The third commandment among the Ten Commandments, which derives its meaning from the Hebrew term shaveh, captures the essence of both unnecessary and deceptive use of God's name (as stated in ‘thou shalt not take the name of thy Lord in vain’, Exodus 20:7). This commandment thus disallows not only the frivolous invocation of God's name but also its use for deceit. Jesus Christ clarifies this commandment, indicating that swearing by God's name is prohibited when it is done to deceive, as denoted in the Greek phrase, οὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις. In response to this prohibition, the Jews during Christ's time avoided using God's name in vain, opting instead to swear by other entities such as heaven, earth, Jerusalem, and even their own heads; this practice often resulted in both falsehood and deception without invoking God's name directly. \\n\\nThe New Testament Law reaffirms this prohibition, stating, ‘I say to you, do not swear by any oath, neither by heaven, nor by earth, nor by Jerusalem...’. It is critical not to separate the Greek word for ‘any’ from the following examples or interpret it as implying an absolute prohibition since there are instances in both Testaments where swearing by God's name has been appropriate (see Rom. 1:9; 2 Cor. 1:23; Phil. 1:8; 1 Thess. 2:5, 10; Rev. 10:6). Thus, when framing His teachings within the context of swearing, the Lord’s words imply a complete renunciation of oaths: ‘by heaven, by earth, by Jerusalem, in any circumstance, do not swear’.\\n\\nThose who interpret this to mean a total rejection of oaths assume the Greek term σ῞λως refers broadly to all oaths. This understanding is echoed in certain Russian translations of the Gospel. The term ὅλως appears three times in the New Testament: 1) in 1 Cor. 5:1, suggesting a condition not reliant on the Corinthians' desires; see also Matt. 4:21, (2) in Matthew 6:7, possibly indicating a similar idea of ‘without’; and (3) in Matthew 15:20, conveying the thought that there would be no point in baptizing if there is no resurrection of the dead. In none of these contexts does ὅλως imply ‘in any way or at all’; rather, it suggests something like ‘as it were’ or ‘regardless’. \\n\\nThus, the speaker transitions from one question to another, leaving the significance of one point unclear while establishing another. In the same manner, in Matthew 5:33, it is indicated that what was forbidden to the ancients should still be forbidden, yet with a note of emphasis, ‘neither by heaven nor by earth’. In this light, the third commandment remains intact; it prohibits the misuse of oaths but does not eliminate the validity of calling upon God as a witness to our promises and as a guide for fulfilling them. However, Christ does indeed prohibit swearing by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or even one’s head. Why is this the case? As expressed in Hebrews 6:16, ‘Men swear by the highest things,’ which explains why Jews would refer to such signs near to the divine as objects of their oaths. The Lord affirms this understanding, indicating that heaven serves as God’s throne, earth as His footstool, and Jerusalem as the city of the great King; thus, in these places, God's presence is particularly revealed, reflecting His perfection and sovereignty.\\n\\nEven our own heads, despite seeming our own, are ultimately under God's authority and are of special concern to Him. These things symbolize divine majesty and goodness to the faithful believer. Yet, the practice of swearing by them originated in fear and served only to disguise the act of swearing falsely or frivolously rather than calling upon God's name directly. This Pharisaic evasion intended to bypass the third commandment resulted in oaths without using God's name, instead invoking heaven, earth, or Jerusalem in vain. The Lord condemns this hypocritical practice in His admonitions to the scribes and Pharisees, as seen in Matthew 23:20-22; this highlights how swearing by heaven and earth became an emblem of their deceitful religion (Matthew 23:37) and is thus categorically prohibited. \\n\\nTherefore, when the Lord commands that your word should be a straightforward affirmation or negation, He establishes a clear alternative to the misuse of oaths, cautioning against the hollow promises that arise from temptation, specifically from the influence of the evil one."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"But I tell you, do not swear at all. Rather, let your statements be simple: yes or no; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. The more powerful the oath, the greater the chance it may be broken, influenced by the deceiver who is the original father of lies. Other principles must apply within the kingdom of the New Testament and the foundation of all mutual relationships."}]}
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