And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

MATTHEW 23:22KJV
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Matthew 23:22 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:22 mean?

Matthew 23:22 says that anyone who swears by heaven is actually swearing by God’s throne and by God himself, who sits on that throne. The verse teaches that making an oath “by heaven” is not separate from making an oath by God, because heaven is closely connected to God’s presence and authority.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the crowds and his disciples, criticizing the religious leaders (the scribes and Pharisees) for their misleading teachings about oaths. Jesus points out that trying to avoid the seriousness of an oath by swearing “by heaven” instead of directly by God is meaningless, because heaven is God’s throne and cannot be separated from him. This is part of a larger section where Jesus exposes how the religious leaders have created complicated rules that miss the true intent of honoring God.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:22

  • θρόνος (thronos): This word means “throne” and refers specifically to God’s throne in heaven. By using this term, Jesus emphasizes the majesty and authority of God, showing that heaven is not just a place but the very seat of God’s rule.
  • καθήμενος (kathēmenos): This is the word for “the one sitting,” referring to God as the one who sits on the throne. The Greek highlights that God is actively present and reigning from heaven, not distant or uninvolved.
  • ἐν (en): This preposition means “in” or “by.” In this context, it shows the close connection between swearing “by heaven” and swearing “by the throne of God,” making it clear that there is no real separation between the two.

Why Matthew 23:22 matters

  • Matthew 23:22 clears up the mistaken idea that someone can avoid the seriousness of an oath by choosing the right words or by swearing by something other than God’s name.
  • The verse reveals Jesus’ emphasis on honesty and integrity, showing that all oaths ultimately involve God because everything is connected to him.
  • This teaching fits into Jesus’ broader criticism of religious hypocrisy, where outward actions and technicalities are used to avoid true faithfulness and reverence for God.

Where else these words appear

“thereon” Greek G1883 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • Matthew 27:37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
  • Luke 19:17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

“swear” Greek G3660 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Matthew 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
  • Hebrews 3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

“throne” Greek G2362 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Revelation 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
  • Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

“sitteth” Greek G2521 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Luke 5:17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
  • Revelation 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,