Matthew 5:35

Translations

Modern

…or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Traditional

Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

Literal

…nor by the earth, because it is the footstool for His feet; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King.

Latin

…neque per terram, quia scabellum est pedum ejus: neque per Jerosolymam, quia civitas est magni regis:

Original

Greek

English

…or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Notes

Matthew 5:33–37

Jesus explains the Old Testament's teachings on oaths (Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2–4; Deuteronomy 23:21–23; Psalm 50:14; Zechariah 8:17).

The Pharisees had different levels of commitment for oaths. For example, oaths not mentioning God were less serious. Jesus teaches that everything connects to God. This includes heaven, earth, Jerusalem, my head (see also Matthew 23:16–22). So, breaking any oath disobeys God's command (see Exodus 20:7).

The main idea is to always be truthful. The teachings of Jesus make a disciple's simple "yes or no" as serious as an oath. Honest people do not need oaths (James 5:12).

Matthew 5:21–47

You have heard … But I tell you: Jesus contrasts his teachings to six misunderstandings of the law. Each example shows the surpassing righteousness of Jesus. Jesus reveals God's will, which contrasts with human traditions.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Biblical Law Faith and Good Deeds Vows to God

Events

Sermon on the Mountc. AD 28

Related verses

Psalm 48:2
Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King.
Revelation 21:10
And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,
Malachi 1:14
“But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations.
2 Chronicles 6:6
But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’
Revelation 21:2
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Psalm 99:5
Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool; He is holy!
Psalm 87:2
The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

Parallels

Numbers 30:1–16

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Discipline Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Jesus Christ Moses Oath Reward Sea of Galilee

Topics

Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Instruction in Religion Jerusalem: Oaths Taken in the Name of Judaism: The Religion of the Jews: To Make Room for the Gospel Law: Temporary Oath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take in the Name of Any Created Thing Profane Swearing of all Kinds is Desecration of God's Name and is Forbidden Religion: True Stool: Footstool of the Earth The Earth: God's Footstool

Matthew 5:35

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Parallels?