But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

MATTHEW 5:34KJV
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Matthew 5:34 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:34 mean?

Matthew 5:34 records Jesus telling his listeners not to swear oaths at all, including by heaven, because heaven is God's throne. Jesus is teaching that people should not make promises or guarantees by invoking something sacred or divine.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, addressing common practices of his day where people would make oaths to prove their honesty. By saying not to swear "by heaven," Jesus points out that even things people might think are less serious—like swearing by heaven instead of directly by God—still involve God, since heaven is described as God's throne. The focus is on honesty and integrity without needing to call on something greater to back up one’s word.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:34

  • ὀμνύω (omnyō, "Swear"): This word means to take an oath or make a solemn promise. Jesus’ instruction to "swear not at all" uses this word to address the act of invoking something sacred to guarantee truthfulness.
  • οὐρανός (ouranos, "heaven"): This is the Greek word for "heaven." Jesus singles out swearing by heaven, clarifying that it is not a loophole, since heaven is closely connected to God as his throne.
  • θρόνος (thronos, "throne"): This word means "throne," emphasizing the authority and majesty of God. By calling heaven God’s throne, Jesus reminds listeners that even indirect oaths still involve God’s presence and authority.

Why Matthew 5:34 matters

  • Matthew 5:34 corrects the idea that swearing by things other than God (like heaven) is less serious or somehow avoids involving God.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ broader teaching in the Sermon on the Mount about living with integrity and truthfulness, not relying on oaths to prove honesty.
  • This verse connects to the surrounding passage, where Jesus contrasts his teaching with traditional practices, urging a deeper, more sincere righteousness.

Where else these words appear

“all” Greek G3654 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

“neither” Greek G3383 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
  • Luke 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

“Swear” Greek G3660 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • 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 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • 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.