Strong's Lexicon epiorkeó: To swear falsely, to perjure oneself Original Word: ἐπιορκέω Word Origin: From the Greek prefix ἐπί (epi, meaning "upon" or "over") and ὅρκος (horkos, meaning "oath"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of false swearing is שָׁבַע (shaba, Strong's H7650), which means to swear or take an oath. Another related term is שֶׁקֶר (sheqer, Strong's H8267), meaning falsehood or deceit. Usage: The verb ἐπιορκέω refers to the act of swearing falsely or committing perjury. It involves making a promise or oath and then failing to uphold it, often with the implication of deceit or intentional falsehood. In a biblical context, it underscores the seriousness of making vows before God and the moral obligation to fulfill them. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek and Jewish cultures, oaths were considered sacred and binding. They were often made in the name of God or the gods, invoking divine witness to the truth of one's words. Breaking an oath was not only a legal offense but also a moral and spiritual failing. The Jewish law, as seen in the Old Testament, emphasized the importance of keeping one's word, especially when sworn before God (e.g., Numbers 30:2, Deuteronomy 23:21-23). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epiorkos Definition to swear falsely NASB Translation make false vows (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1964: ἐπιορκέωἐπιορκέω, ἐπιόρκω: future ἐπιορκήσω, cf. Krüger, § 40, under the word, and § 39, 12, 4; (Veitch, under the word; Buttmann, 53 (46)); (ἐπίορκος, which see); to swear falsely, forswear oneself: Matthew 5:33. (Wis. 14:28; 1 Esdr. 1:46; by Greek writings from Homer down.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance perjure, swear falselyFrom epiorkos; to commit perjury -- forswear self. see GREEK epiorkos Forms and Transliterations επιορκησεις επιορκήσεις ἐπιορκήσεις epiorkeseis epiorkēseis epiorkḗseisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |