Matthew 5:34

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

أمّا أنا فَأقُولُ لَكُمْ: لا تَحلِفُوا مُطلَقاً.

What Does This Mean?

Jesus is saying that we shouldn't make oaths or swear by anything, including heaven because it belongs to God. The key message here is about honesty and truthfulness in our speech.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game with your friends, and someone asks if you'll definitely keep a promise. Jesus says not to use big words like 'I swear' or point to the sky because it's God's home. Instead, just say yes or no honestly!

Historical Background

This verse is from Matthew’s Gospel, written by an early Christian author around AD 80-90. The audience was likely Jewish Christians who were familiar with rabbinic teachings on oaths. Jesus is addressing a common practice of using various things to swear by.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, if you tell your friend you'll meet them at the mall, just say yes or no clearly without adding phrases like 'I promise' because people expect you to be honest anyway. It's about being trustworthy in everyday life.

Topics

• honesty
• speech
• truthfulness
• oaths
• promises
• integrity

Related Verses

• Exodus 20:7
• Numbers 30:2
• Ecclesiastes 5:4-6
• James 5:12
• Matthew 5:37

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus say not to swear at all?

Jesus emphasizes the importance of honesty. He suggests that our words should always be truthful without needing oaths, indicating a higher standard of integrity in daily life.

What does swearing by heaven mean?

Swearing by heaven means making an oath or promise while using heaven as a guarantee, often seen in ancient cultures to validate the seriousness and truthfulness of a statement.

How can I avoid breaking this commandment?

To follow Jesus’ advice, speak clearly and honestly without adding unnecessary oaths. When you say yes or no, mean it genuinely, reflecting your commitment to truthful communication.

Is there a difference between an oath and a promise?

An oath typically involves invoking something sacred as a witness, while a promise is a declaration of intent without religious invocation. Jesus’ teaching discourages both for emphasis on honesty in all speech.