Matthew 23:22

Hebrew Bible (DHNT) 1885 - Delitzsch's Hebrew New Testament

והנשבע בשמים נשבע בכסא אלהים ובישב עליו׃

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Matthew says that when someone swears by heaven, they are actually swearing by God's throne and by God himself. Jesus is speaking here about the seriousness of oaths.

Explained for Children

Imagine you promise to do something big, like cleaning your room for a whole week. If you make this promise while pointing up to the sky, it’s like saying 'I promise by the home where God sits and by God himself'. That makes the promise really important!

Historical Background

Matthew was written around AD 80-90. Jesus is speaking to his disciples and possibly a crowd, teaching about the importance of truthfulness in their oaths.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, if someone promises you something while emphasizing how serious they are by invoking heaven or God, it’s like saying 'I really mean it'. This verse helps us understand the weight behind such statements.

Topics

• oaths
• truthfulness
• God's sovereignty
• heaven
• promises
• seriousness of words

Related Verses

• Leviticus 19:12
• Ecclesiastes 5:4-6
• Matthew 5:33-37
• James 5:12
• Exodus 20:7

Recommended Reading

Commentary Matthew Commentaries → Get This Bible DHNT Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main lesson of this verse?

The main lesson is that when we make serious promises, especially invoking heaven or God's name, we are really promising by God himself and thus must be truthful.

How can this verse help in daily life decisions?

It reminds us of the importance of keeping our word and being careful about making oaths. It encourages honesty and integrity in all commitments.

Why is swearing by heaven equivalent to swearing by God?

In biblical times, heaven was seen as the dwelling place of God, so invoking it was a way of bringing God into one’s oath, emphasizing its seriousness.

What should be our attitude when we make promises or oaths?

We should approach making promises with sincerity and seriousness. It's important to think about the weight of our words and follow through on what we promise.