Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about oaths?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that oaths are solemn appeals to God that must be truthful, reverent, and faithfully kept, while ordinary speech should be so honest that oaths are seldom needed. Jesus forbids manipulative and casual swearing in Matthew 5:33-37 and calls his people to simple integrity: let your yes be yes and your no be no. James 5:12 repeats this warning. Scripture nevertheless recognizes lawful vows and solemn affirmations, requiring believers to fulfill what they promise to the Lord (Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23). We must never use God's name falsely (Leviticus 19:12; Exodus 20:7), but, like Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:23, may invoke God truthfully when weighty circumstances require it.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 5:33-37

    [33] "Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, 'You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,' [34] but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; [35] nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. [36] Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black. [37] But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'no.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

  • James 5:12

    But above all things, my brothers, don't swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no," "no;" so that you don't fall into hypocrisy.

  • Numbers 30:2

    When a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

  • Deuteronomy 23:21-23

    [21] When you shall vow a vow to Yahweh your God, you shall not be slack to pay it: for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you. [22] But if you shall forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in you. [23] That which is gone out of your lips you shall observe and do; according as you have vowed to Yahweh your God, a freewill-offering, which you have promised with your mouth.

  • Leviticus 19:12

    "'You shall not swear by my name falsely, and profane the name of your God. I am Yahweh.

  • Matthew 23:16-22

    [16] "Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, 'Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obligated.' [17] You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? [18] 'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated.' [19] You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift? [20] He therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it, and by everything on it. [21] He who swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him who was living in it. [22] He who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him who sits on it.

  • Hebrews 6:16

    For men indeed swear by a greater one, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.

  • Exodus 20:7

    "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:23

    But I call God for a witness to my soul, that I didn't come to Corinth to spare you.

  • Psalms 15:4

    In whose eyes a vile man is despised, But who honors those who fear Yahweh; He who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn't change;

Study outline

Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

Showing the first 40 headings of this outline.

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about oaths and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about oaths