New Testament
Matthew 5:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No.' Anything beyond that comes from the evil one.
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But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
What Matthew 5:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in our speech. He teaches that our words should be straightforward and trustworthy. When we say 'yes,' it should mean yes, and when we say 'no,' it should mean no. Anything more complicated or deceptive can lead to misunderstandings and is influenced by evil. This teaching encourages us to avoid making promises or commitments that we cannot keep and to communicate clearly without manipulation or exaggeration. By being truthful in our words, we reflect the character of God, who is the ultimate source of truth. This principle applies not only to our personal interactions but also to our commitments in various aspects of life, including work and relationships. Jesus calls us to a higher standard of communication that fosters trust and clarity, steering clear of the confusion that can arise from vague or dishonest speech.
How to apply Matthew 5:37 to your life
To apply this teaching, strive to be clear and honest in your conversations. Avoid making vague promises or using ambiguous language. When you commit to something, ensure you can follow through. This builds trust in your relationships and reflects your integrity.
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 5:37 mean?
Matthew 5:37 teaches that our words should be honest and straightforward. When we say 'yes,' it should mean yes, and 'no' should mean no, emphasizing the importance of integrity in our communication.
What is the meaning of 'let your yes be yes' in Matthew 5:37?
'Let your yes be yes' means that when you agree to something, you should be truthful and reliable. It encourages clear and honest communication without ambiguity or deceit.
How can I apply Matthew 5:37 in my daily life?
To apply Matthew 5:37, focus on being clear and honest in your conversations. Avoid vague promises and ensure you can follow through on commitments to build trust in your relationships.
Why does Matthew 5:37 mention evil?
Matthew 5:37 mentions evil to highlight that anything beyond simple, honest communication can lead to misunderstandings and deception, which are influenced by negative intentions.
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