AA38
We are not to swear oaths.
Category: Godliness, Holiness & Righteousness
Type: Negative
Form: Explicit
Source dataset: New Testament
Uniqueness: Not unique
Classical commandment: No
New Covenant Literal Application
Applies to Person Categories: Not specified
Literal Application: Not specified
More explanation about New Covenant Literal Application
The New Covenant Literal Application Code (NCLA) is an interpretive guide used by the authors to indicate which person categories a mitzvah applies to, and at what level of literal compliance.
It combines person categories such as Jewish, K'rov Yisrael, and Gentile, together with male/female distinctions and an application level such as mandated, recommended, optional, or prohibited.
This code reflects the authors' interpretive opinion and is provided for prayerful consideration. On this page, the technical code is summarized into plain language to help new readers understand it more easily.
Bible references
Key NT Scriptures
- James 5:12
- Matthew 5:33-36
Supportive OT Scriptures
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Deuteronomy 6:13-15
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Deuteronomy 10:20
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Leviticus 5:21-23
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Leviticus 19:12
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Commentary
Rabbi Michael Rudolph
This is a particularly difficult Mitzvah to understand because the words of the Tanach seem to contradict those of the New Testament. Deuteronomy 10:20 states: “You are to fear ADONAI your God, serve him and swear by his name.” and Leviticus 19:12 states: “Do not swear by my name falsely,.” Both of these infer that swearing an oath is authorized so long as it is in God’s name and not sworn falsely. However, James 5:12, states: “Above all, brothers, stop swearing oaths- not "By heaven," not "By the earth," and not by any other formula;” which seems to preclude swearing oaths altogether. The issue is discussed more fully in Mitzvah #A9 in Volume #1 of this compilation but, since publishing that volume, I have come to believe that, among the various possible explanations, Dr. Daniel C. Juster’s opinion that follows is most likely correct, especially as to oaths required by public law.
Rabbi Daniel Juster
I am of the opinion that, in his "Sermon on the Mount," Yeshua preaches a higher standard for truth-telling and for verbalizing oaths than the one commonly practiced in his day; his exhortation is to return us to the standard that was always implied in the Torah . Yeshua is saying that our truthfulness as believers and our commitment to doing what we say we will do should have such integrity, that oaths become unnecessary among us. This would limit our oath-taking to public law contexts where it is required for testifying in court and for entering into certain contracts. As Yeshua-believers, we should become known for our trustworthiness.
Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective - Volume 3
Source and License
Based on The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective by Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster.
License: CC BY-ND 4.0 (Attribution required, NoDerivatives). CC BY-ND 4.0
Disclaimer: the original content is authored by Rabbi Michael Rudolph and Rabbi Daniel Juster; additional notes or implementation details on this website are not part of their original work and do not represent their views.
Record source: The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective - Volume 3
Copyright note: Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective - Volume 3