Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Perjury, in a biblical context, refers to the act of lying or making false statements under oath. It is a serious offense against truth and justice, condemned in both the Old and New Testaments. The act of perjury violates the commandment against bearing false witness and undermines the integrity of legal and communal relationships. Biblical References The prohibition against perjury is rooted in the Ten Commandments, specifically in the commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). This commandment underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity in all dealings, particularly in judicial settings. In Leviticus 19:12, the Israelites are instructed, "You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD" . This verse highlights the gravity of invoking God's name in false oaths, emphasizing that such actions are not only deceitful but also disrespectful to God. The book of Proverbs frequently addresses the issue of falsehood and deceit. Proverbs 19:5 states, "A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape" . This reflects the biblical principle that truth will ultimately prevail and that those who commit perjury will face divine justice. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus reinforces the importance of truthfulness in His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs, "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" (Matthew 5:34-35). Jesus emphasizes that one's word should be sufficient without the need for oaths, promoting a standard of honesty and integrity. The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of falsehood in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:25, he writes, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another" . This exhortation highlights the communal aspect of truthfulness, as deceit harms not only the individual but the entire body of believers. Moral and Ethical Implications Perjury is not merely a legal issue but a moral and ethical one. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's truth and righteousness. The Bible consistently calls believers to be people of integrity, whose words and actions reflect the character of God. The act of perjury is a direct contradiction to the call to live in truth and love. Consequences and Accountability The Bible warns of both temporal and eternal consequences for those who engage in perjury. In the legal context, perjury can lead to the miscarriage of justice, affecting the lives of individuals and communities. Spiritually, it separates individuals from God, as deceit is contrary to His nature. The biblical narrative encourages believers to seek forgiveness and restoration through repentance. The grace of God offers redemption for those who turn away from falsehood and embrace the truth. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) False testimony under oath.2. (v.) At common law, a willfully false statement in a fact material to the issue, made by a witness under oath in a competent judicial proceeding. By statute the penalties of perjury are imposed on the making of willfully false affirmations. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PERJURYpur'-ju-ri. Greek 1964. epiorkeo -- to swear falsely ... perjure, swear falsely. From epiorkos; to commit perjury -- forswear self. see GREEK epiorkos. (epiorkeseis) -- 1 Occurrence. 1963, 1964. epiorkeo. 1965 . ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1964.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7621. shebuah -- an oath, curse... Word Origin from sheba Definition an oath, curse NASB Word Usage curse (1), oath (25), oaths (1), perjury* (1), swear (1), sworn (1). curse, oath, sworn. ... /hebrew/7621.htm - 6k 8267. sheqer -- deception, disappointment, falsehood Library Whether it is Necessary for Perjury that the Statement Confirmed ... Whether all Perjury is Sinful? Of Perjury (Four Articles) Whether all Perjury is a Mortal Sin? Whether Treachery, Fraud, Falsehood, Perjury, Restlessness ... As to Your Charge of Perjury, Since You Refer Me to Your Book; and ... Peter Commits Perjury. Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ... You Chose a Bad Introducer. If You Will Take My Counsel, Both You ... He Has Endeavoured, Indeed, to Brand us with the Stain of this ... Thesaurus Perjury (3 Occurrences)... By statute the penalties of perjury are imposed on the making of willfully false affirmations. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PERJURY. pur'-ju-ri. ... /p/perjury.htm - 7k False. Permanent (19 Occurrences) Crimes (22 Occurrences) Crime (45 Occurrences) Oath (286 Occurrences) Witness (295 Occurrences) Wicked (476 Occurrences) Impiety (9 Occurrences) Forswear (1 Occurrence) 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 Concordance Perjury (3 Occurrences)Matthew 15:19 Jeremiah 7:9 Zechariah 8:17 Subtopics Perjury: General Scriptures Concerning Perjury: Peter, when he Denied Jesus With an Oath Perjury: Witnesses Against Naboth Related Terms |
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