New Testament
Matthew 5:33
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Again, you've heard that it was said to those who lived long ago, 'Don't break your oaths, but fulfill the vows you've made to the Lord.'
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Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
What Matthew 5:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus refers to a common teaching from the past about the importance of keeping promises and oaths. He emphasizes that people should not only avoid breaking their vows but should also ensure that they fulfill their commitments made to God. This teaching highlights the seriousness of making promises and the expectation that individuals honor their word. The phrase 'don't break your oaths' serves as a reminder that integrity and honesty are crucial in our relationships with others and with God. Jesus is calling for a deeper understanding of truthfulness, suggesting that simply avoiding false oaths is not enough; one must also be committed to fulfilling their promises. This reflects a broader principle of living a life of integrity, where one's words and actions align with their commitments, especially those made in the presence of God.
How to apply Matthew 5:33 to your life
To apply this teaching, we should strive to be people of our word. When we make promises, whether to God or others, we must take them seriously and follow through. This builds trust and reflects our character as followers of Christ.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 5:33 mean?
Matthew 5:33 emphasizes the importance of keeping promises and oaths, reminding us that we should not only avoid breaking our vows but also fulfill our commitments made to God.
What is the meaning of oaths in Matthew 5:33?
In Matthew 5:33, oaths refer to solemn promises made to God or others. The verse teaches that fulfilling these promises is crucial for maintaining integrity and honesty.
How can I apply Matthew 5:33 in my life?
To apply Matthew 5:33, strive to be trustworthy by keeping your promises to both God and others, which helps build strong relationships based on integrity.
What themes are present in Matthew 5:33?
Key themes in Matthew 5:33 include integrity, honesty, commitment, and faithfulness, highlighting the importance of aligning our actions with our words.
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