New Testament
Matthew 5:35
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
not by the earth, because it is his footstool; and not by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King.
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Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
What Matthew 5:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches about the seriousness of making oaths. He emphasizes that one should not swear by the earth or Jerusalem, as these are not ultimate authorities. The earth is merely God's footstool, and Jerusalem is significant because it is associated with God as the great King. By pointing this out, Jesus is highlighting that all things belong to God, and swearing by them does not add weight to our promises. Instead, our words should be trustworthy without needing to invoke anything greater. This teaching encourages integrity and honesty in our speech, urging us to be people of our word without needing to resort to oaths or swearing.
How to apply Matthew 5:35 to your life
We should strive to be honest in our everyday conversations, ensuring that our words are reliable without needing to make oaths. This means being truthful in our commitments and promises, reflecting the character of God in our interactions with others.
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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Jesus
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 5:35 mean?
Matthew 5:35 teaches that making oaths by earthly things like the earth or Jerusalem is unnecessary, as these are not ultimate authorities. Jesus emphasizes that all things belong to God, and our words should be trustworthy without needing to invoke anything greater.
What is the significance of the earth being called God's footstool in Matthew 5:35?
In Matthew 5:35, referring to the earth as God's footstool highlights God's supreme authority over all creation. It suggests that the earth is not a worthy basis for making oaths, as it is merely a part of God's dominion.
Why does Jesus mention Jerusalem in Matthew 5:35?
Jesus mentions Jerusalem in Matthew 5:35 because it is known as the city of the great King, representing God's presence and authority. By doing so, He underscores that even significant places should not be used as a basis for oaths.
What does Matthew 5:35 teach about honesty?
Matthew 5:35 teaches that we should be honest and trustworthy in our speech without needing to swear by anything. It encourages integrity in our commitments, reflecting the importance of being people of our word.
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