Topical Encyclopedia Perjury, the act of lying or making false statements under oath, is a serious offense in biblical teaching, as it undermines justice and truth, which are foundational to God's character and His commandments. The Bible addresses the issue of perjury in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and integrity.Old Testament References 1. Exodus 20:16 · "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." This commandment, part of the Decalogue, explicitly prohibits giving false testimony, highlighting the importance of honesty in legal and personal relationships. 2. Leviticus 19:11-12 · "You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another. You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD." Here, lying and false swearing are condemned, linking perjury to the profanation of God's holy name. 3. Deuteronomy 19:16-19 · This passage outlines the procedure for dealing with a false witness: "If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. The judges must investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. You must purge the evil from among you." This underscores the gravity of perjury and its potential consequences. Wisdom Literature 4. Proverbs 6:16-19 · "There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers." A false witness is listed among the abominations, indicating the severity of perjury in God's eyes. 5. Proverbs 19:5 · "A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape." This proverb warns of the inevitable divine justice that awaits those who commit perjury. New Testament References 6. Matthew 5:33-37 · Jesus addresses the issue of oaths and truthfulness: "Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.' But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." Jesus emphasizes the importance of straightforward honesty, discouraging the need for oaths that could lead to perjury. 7. Acts 5:1-11 · The account of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a stark warning against deceit and falsehood. Although not a legal perjury, their lie to the Holy Spirit resulted in immediate divine judgment, illustrating the seriousness of lying to God. 8. Ephesians 4:25 · "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Paul exhorts believers to abandon falsehood, promoting truthfulness as essential to the unity and health of the Christian community. The biblical perspective on perjury is clear: it is a sin that disrupts justice, dishonors God, and harms community relationships. The Scriptures consistently call for truthfulness and integrity, reflecting God's own nature as the God of truth. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 6:2-7If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie to his neighbor in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or has deceived his neighbor; Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 19:12 Isaiah 48:1 Jeremiah 5:2 Jeremiah 7:9 Hosea 10:4 Zechariah 5:4 Zechariah 8:17 Malachi 3:5 Matthew 5:33 1 Timothy 1:9,10 Library Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... On the Roman Pontiff, and the Principal Titles which Are The Life of the Honourable Archibald Campbel Marquis of Argyle. What did Moses Write? The Letter of the Synod, Relative to Its Decisions: and the ... After the Whole People had Been Freed from all Distress... The Preface The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement Resources Why do Christians try to impose their values on others? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should a Christian do when convictions violate a tolerant society? | GotQuestions.org Perjury: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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