Keraia
Matthew 5

Matthew 5:36

Oaths and Vows · Matthew 5:33–37
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Translations

Modern
Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black.
Traditional
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
Literal
Nor may you swear by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black.
Latin
…neque per caput tuum juraveris, quia non potes unum capillum album facere, aut nigrum.

Original

Greek
English
Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black.

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

Parallels

Numbers 30:1–16

Glossary

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

Topics

Coffee Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Gray Hair Head: The Jews Censured for Swearing By Instruction in Religion 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 The Hair: Man Cannot Even Change the Colour Or