“Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.”– Matthew 5:35 (KJV)
“And don’t swear by the earth, because the earth is his footstool, and don’t swear by Jerusalem, for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.”– Matthew 5:35 (NLT)
“You don’t make a solemn oath by the land or by the city of the great King.”– Matthew 5:35 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 5:35 Mean?
In this verse, Jesus is teaching us about the importance of our words and the seriousness of oaths. Back in His time, people would swear by many things to prove their honesty. They thought that adding an oath gave their words more weight. However, Jesus tells us that we shouldn’t swear by the earth or even by Jerusalem. Why? Because these things do not belong to us; they belong to God. When we swear by something, we are trying to reinforce our trustworthiness but can end up misusing the name and authority of God. It’s like saying, “I promise!” but then not really meaning it. It’s better to simply speak truthfully all the time.
This teaching isn’t just about forbidding oaths; it’s about teaching us to live a life of integrity. Our words should be simple and honest. If we say “yes,” we mean “yes.” If we say “no,” we mean “no.” We are called to speak the truth in love and not complicate things by swearing by various things. Jesus wants us to be a reflection of God’s truth and love in everything we say and do.
Matthew 5:35 Explanation and Commentary
This verse is part of a larger teaching called the Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus addresses various aspects of life, including anger, lust, divorce, and our commitments to one another. Each part emphasizes the principles that should guide us as His followers. When we take a closer look at this specific verse, we see that it’s about more than just making oaths.
Jesus emphasizes that swearing by something doesn’t enhance the truthfulness of our statements. In fact, it could complicate our commitments. By mentioning Jerusalem, Jesus highlights the significance of that city, as it represents God’s presence and the heart of His people. When we invoke these names, we might think they have power, but in truth, all of creation belongs to God. He created the earth, and His glory is reflected in Jerusalem. Therefore, even using these as anchors does not validate our words; it can mislead others into thinking that we might not be truthful without them.
We could recall other scriptures that reinforce this idea. James 5:12 tells us, “Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.'” The consistency between Jesus’ teaching and that of James highlights an important Christian principle: our integrity is vital. God desires that our yes means yes and our no means no, not because of an oath, but simply because we aim to be honest people. Our words should carry weight and commitment on their own.
As we think about this, let’s reflect on how we communicate with others. When we are honest and forthright in our conversations, we build trust. On the other hand, the constant need to add oaths or promises can lead others to doubt our reliability. We have an opportunity to create a culture of truthfulness in our families, friendships, and community. Living a life where our word is our bond allows us to reflect God’s character and serve as a beacon of His truth in the world.
Context of Matthew 5:35
To understand Matthew 5:35, we need to look at it in the context of the entire Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was addressing a crowd of people eager to learn about righteousness. He had just explained various laws and how the Pharisees interpreted them. The Pharisees focused heavily on the external adherence to the law, often missing the heart of the matter. Jesus showed that true righteousness comes from within, not merely from external acts.
This gives us insight into why He addressed oaths next. The people were caught up in their practices, believing that by swearing by certain things, they were justifying their stories and promises. However, the heart of the matter was about authenticity. Jesus wanted His followers to understand that honesty wasn’t something that required additional words to validate it. Our words should be able to stand alone, with strength and integrity.
Looking at the broader context of Matthew 5, we see a pattern of Jesus calling us to a higher standard. Each commandment He discusses reveals the deeper intentions of the heart and not merely the actions. This verse fits perfectly within that teaching, showing us that when we live lives of integrity, we fulfill the law not just in form but in spirit. We need to live out the truth of our commitments in every area of life.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 5:35
When we analyze this verse, we can break it down into several key parts for clarity. The phrase “Nor by the earth” reminds us of the created order. God is in control of everything, from the smallest pebble to the vastest mountain. If we were to swear by the earth, we are mistakenly giving authority to something God created rather than God Himself.
The phrase “for it is his footstool” further emphasizes this idea. A footstool is an object of humility and not something we should invoke lightly. If God uses the earth as His footstool, how can we hold it in such high regard when making promises? Recognizing God’s majesty helps us remember that, regardless of what we may promise, it is God who holds all truth and authority.
Next, Jesus mentions Jerusalem, the city of the great King. Jerusalem was, and still is, central to the Jewish faith. It represents God’s presence among His people. However, Jesus is explaining that we cannot invoke the name of this revered place as a seal of our honesty. He challenges our tendency to lean on places or things of value instead of relying solely on truth itself. Here, the main lesson is that we must strive to be people of our word, reflecting the love and character of God in even our simplest discussions.
Lastly, we must remember the impact that our words have. Each time we speak, we have an opportunity to build others up with truth and transparency. Being a person of our word is more than an ideal; it’s a way of life that can influence those around us for the better. By living this way, we not only honor God with our commitments, but we also encourage others to consider the gravity of their own words.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 5:35
This verse carries vital lessons for us today. One of the primary takeaways is the importance of integrity in our communication. We should aim to be truthful in every situation, no matter how small. Rather than adding extra promises or oaths, we can cultivate a habit of being straightforward and trustworthy. Words carry significant weight, and when we commit to being honest, we can create a powerful ripple effect in our communities.
Another lesson revolves around the idea that we belong to a God who is absolute truth. Living in alignment with His truth means we are given the strength to stand by our words and commitments. Our relationship with God through faith enables us to bear witness to His character in all areas of our lives. We remind ourselves that we are not alone in this call to honesty; He empowers us to uphold it.
Furthermore, we find encouragement in knowing that every conversation can be an opportunity to reflect Christ. When our words align with our actions, we show the world the love and kindness of God. As we develop strong relationships built on trust, we foster community and connection that honors Him.
Final Thoughts
As we consider Matthew 5:35, let us remember the significance of our words and the importance of living with integrity. We are called to be people who express truth wholeheartedly, making a difference in our relationships and communities. By being dependable in our commitments, we reflect Christ’s love in action. It may take practice to create a culture of truthfulness in our lives, but it’s a worthy pursuit that holds the potential to transform hearts and minds.
We encourage you to explore more topics, like Matthew 11 or Genesis 18, to dive deeper into the teachings of the Word and grow in faith!