Matthew 5:33

Sunday, 8 December 2024

“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ Matthew 5:33

“Again, you heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Not you shall perjure, and you shall render to the Lord your oaths’” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus spoke about divorce and the consequences of it. Now, He continues to cite references to the law and then provide stricter interpretations of them that must be considered for one to be right in God’s eyes. He begins the next such reference with, “Again, you heard that it was said to the ancients.”

As before, it is debated if the words should say “by the ancients” or “to the ancients.” The latter is probably correct, but either way, a point of law was conveyed long ago that had been taught and interpreted throughout the years.

Jesus is preparing to give an analysis of it from God’s perspective. First, however, He must state the precept. Therefore, He cites it, saying, “Not you shall perjure.”

The Greek word is found only here, epiorkeó. It signifies “upon oath.” Thus, it means to swear falsely and thus perjure. This is a point of law found in Leviticus 19:12 –

“And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.”

Because profaning the name of the Lord is tied in with swearing falsely in this verse, it then bears on the words of the third commandment as well –

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

When one makes an oath, he is swearing to the truth of a matter. However, to make an oath other than in the name of the Lord would be a form of idolatry. Jesus clarifies this later in Matthew –

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ 17 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 18 And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ 19 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 20 Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. 21 He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. 22 And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.” Matthew 23:16-22

One can see the severity of trifling with the making of oaths. To do so in anything less than the name of the Lord is to defile the name of the Lord. But to make an oath in His name and then to not uphold the oath likewise profanes His name. Understanding this, Jesus continues with, “and you shall render to the Lord your oaths.”

This idea was summed up by Moses with words found in Deuteronomy –

“That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.” Deuteronomy 23:23.

The law set forth a standard for the people. Their failure to meet that standard is evident throughout their history because they, as a nation, vowed to be obedient to the Lord, something that almost never took place in their recorded history.

Jesus will express His thoughts on the issue of making oaths in the next few verses.

Life application: God expects us to keep and perform the words of our mouths. But that must be taken in its proper light. If someone makes a vow to spend his life as a Buddhist monk but later hears the gospel and receives it, then it would be impossible to keep the vow and also honor the Lord through his new life in Christ.

Therefore, that vow cannot stand. This is true with any vow that has been made prior to coming to Christ that would contradict one’s new life in Christ. There has to be a priority in our lives, the highest of which is allegiance to God through our new lives in Christ.

If two women were to get married, something legal in society today, and one of them was to come to believe the gospel, she could not remain married to her partner and be obedient to Christ. The marriage must legally end and the new life in Christ must be the priority henceforth.

In Christ, all things are new. We will not be held accountable for keeping oaths that are contrary to our life in Christ. If they were, they were sinful to start with and all sin has been atoned for through receiving Him. Let us remember that Jesus must be where our eyes are fixed as we seek out God through this wonderful Savior!

Lord God, may our lives be wholly dedicated to following You. Old things are gone. Our previous lives are behind us. May we steadily strive for this higher calling to which we have been called. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.