Topical Bible: Sweareth

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "sweareth" is an archaic form of the verb "swear," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. In biblical usage, to swear often means to make a solemn promise or to take an oath, invoking God as a witness to the truth of one's words or the sincerity of one's intentions. The act of swearing is treated with great seriousness in Scripture, reflecting the importance of truthfulness and the sacredness of God's name.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, swearing an oath was a common practice, often used to confirm a covenant or a promise. For example, in Genesis 21:23-24, Abraham swears an oath to Abimelech to deal truthfully with him: "Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the land where you reside as a foreigner the same kindness that I have shown to you." Abraham replied, "I swear it."

The Mosaic Law provided guidelines for swearing oaths, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling them. Leviticus 19:12 states, "You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD." This underscores the gravity of invoking God's name in an oath and the expectation of truthfulness.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of swearing oaths in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:33-37, He teaches, "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' teaching emphasizes the importance of integrity and truthfulness without the need for oaths. His instruction suggests that one's word should be sufficient, reflecting a life of honesty and reliability.

Theological Implications

The act of swearing, particularly by invoking God's name, carries significant theological implications. It reflects a recognition of God's omniscience and sovereignty, acknowledging Him as the ultimate witness to human actions and words. The Bible warns against the misuse of oaths, as seen in James 5:12: "Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' so that you will not fall under judgment."

Cultural and Historical Considerations

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, oaths were a common legal and social practice, often used to establish trust and resolve disputes. The biblical perspective on swearing reflects a broader cultural understanding while also setting a higher standard for the people of God. The emphasis on truthfulness and the avoidance of frivolous or deceitful oaths distinguishes the biblical ethic from surrounding cultures.

Practical Application

For believers today, the biblical teachings on swearing encourage a life of integrity and honesty. Christians are called to be people of their word, reflecting the character of God in their speech and actions. The avoidance of unnecessary oaths and the commitment to truthfulness in all circumstances serve as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Library

Discourse of Jesus against the Scribes and Pharisees.
... He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things
thereon. And he that sweareth by the temple, sweareth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/discourse of jesus against the.htm

And when Jesus Entered the Temple, they Brought unto Him Blind And ...
... because ye say, Whosoever sweareth by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth
by the gold that is in the temple, [47] shall be condemned. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xl and when jesus.htm

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and ...
... 20 He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things
thereon.21 And he that sweareth by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cx jesus last public discourse.htm

Tuesday --The Day of Controversy.
... He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things
thereon. And he that sweareth by the temple, sweareth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/tuesdaythe day of controversy.htm

Hebrews vi. 13-16
... So when He [the Son] sweareth the same oath, "Verily, verily, I say unto you," is
it not plain that it was because He could not swear by any greater? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xi hebrews vi 13-16.htm

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... of a good man. "As," saith he, "is the good, so is the sinner; and he that
sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.". In fine, even ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm

Psalm CX.
... For the man who sweareth, may swear truly or falsely: but he who sweareth
not, cannot swear falsely; for he sweareth not at all. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cx.htm

'The God of the Amen'
... 'THE GOD OF THE AMEN'. 'He who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself
in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the god of the amen.htm

Psalm XCV.
... Thou shouldest fear a man when he sweareth, lest he do somewhat on account of his
oath against his will: how much more shouldest thou fear God, when He sweareth ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcv.htm

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
... The meditation of which moved Tertullian to exclaim, "O how happy are we,
when God sweareth that he wills not our damnation! O what ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations against despair or doubting.htm

Thesaurus

Sweareth (34 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sweareth (34 Occurrences). ... Matthew 23:20 Whoso therefore
shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. ...
/s/sweareth.htm - 17k

Thereon (90 Occurrences)
... away. (KJV ASV). Matthew 23:20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth
by it, and by all things thereon. (KJV ASV). Matthew ...
/t/thereon.htm - 34k

Swears (16 Occurrences)
... Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honoureth them that
fear the LORD; he that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not; (See NAS RSV ...
/s/swears.htm - 11k

Swearing (17 Occurrences)

/s/swearing.htm - 12k

Swear (99 Occurrences)
... Psalms 24:4 He that hath blameless hands and a pure heart; who lifteth not up his
soul unto vanity, nor sweareth deceitfully: (Root in DBY RSV NIV). ...
/s/swear.htm - 39k

Add (135 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:35 And all the people come to cause David to eat bread while yet day,
and David sweareth, saying, 'Thus doth God to me, and thus He doth add, for ...
/a/add.htm - 39k

Voweth (8 Occurrences)
... Numbers 30:2 When a man voweth a vow unto Jehovah, or sweareth an oath to bind his
soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all ...
/v/voweth.htm - 8k

Lieth (135 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:3 Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth
falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: (KJV WBS ...
/l/lieth.htm - 36k

Guilt-offering (34 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:5 or all that concerning which he sweareth falsely, he hath even repaid
it in its principal, and its fifth he is adding to it; to him whose it 'is ...
/g/guilt-offering.htm - 17k

Guilty (131 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 23:18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but
whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. (KJV WBS). ...
/g/guilty.htm - 39k

Resources

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Sweareth (34 Occurrences)

Matthew 23:18
And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
(KJV WBS)

Matthew 23:20
Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
(KJV ASV WBS)

Matthew 23:21
And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.
(KJV ASV WBS)

Matthew 23:22
And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
(KJV ASV WBS)

Genesis 24:9
And the servant putteth his hand under the thigh of Abraham his lord, and sweareth to him concerning this matter.
(YLT)

Genesis 25:33
and Jacob saith, 'Swear to me to-day:' and he sweareth to him, and selleth his birthright to Jacob;
(YLT)

Genesis 31:53
the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, doth judge between us -- the God of their father,' and Jacob sweareth by the Fear of his father Isaac.
(YLT)

Genesis 47:31
and he saith, 'Swear to me;' and he sweareth to him, and Israel boweth himself on the head of the bed.
(YLT)

Leviticus 5:4
Or when a person sweareth, speaking wrongfully with the lips to do evil, or to do good, even anything which man speaketh wrongfully with an oath, and it hath been hid from him; -- when he hath known then he hath been guilty of one of these;
(YLT)

Leviticus 6:3
Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:
(KJV DBY WBS)

Leviticus 6:5
or all that concerning which he sweareth falsely, he hath even repaid it in its principal, and its fifth he is adding to it; to him whose it 'is' he giveth it in the day of his guilt-offering.
(YLT)

Numbers 30:2
When a man voweth a vow unto Jehovah, or sweareth an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
(See JPS ASV)

Numbers 32:10
and the anger of Jehovah burneth in that day, and He sweareth, saying,
(YLT)

Deuteronomy 1:34
And Jehovah heareth the voice of your words, and is wroth, and sweareth, saying,
(YLT)

Deuteronomy 4:21
And Jehovah hath shewed himself wroth with me because of your words, and sweareth to my not passing over the Jordan, and to my not going in unto the good land which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee -- an inheritance;
(YLT)

Joshua 14:9
and Moses sweareth in that day, saying, If not -- the land on which thy foot hath trodden, to thee it is for inheritance, and to thy sons -- to the age, for thou hast been fully after Jehovah my God.
(YLT)

1 Samuel 19:6
And Saul hearkeneth to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul sweareth, 'Jehovah liveth -- he doth not die.'
(YLT)

1 Samuel 20:3
And David sweareth again, and saith, 'Thy father hath certainly known that I have found grace in thine eyes, and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved; and yet, Jehovah liveth, and thy soul liveth, but -- as a step between me and death.'
(YLT)

1 Samuel 24:22
And David sweareth to Saul, and Saul goeth unto his house, and David and his men have gone up unto the fortress.
(YLT)

1 Samuel 28:10
And Saul sweareth to her by Jehovah, saying, 'Jehovah liveth, punishment doth not meet thee for this thing.'
(YLT)

2 Samuel 3:35
And all the people come to cause David to eat bread while yet day, and David sweareth, saying, 'Thus doth God to me, and thus He doth add, for -- before the going in of the sun, I taste no bread or any other thing.'
(YLT)

2 Samuel 19:23
And the king saith unto Shimei, 'Thou dost not die;' and the king sweareth to him.
(YLT)

1 Kings 1:29
And the king sweareth and saith, 'Jehovah liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity;
(YLT)

1 Kings 2:23
And king Solomon sweareth by Jehovah, saying, 'Thus doth God to me, and thus He doth add -- surely against his soul hath Adonijah spoken this word;
(YLT)

2 Kings 25:24
and Gedaliah sweareth to them, and to their men, and saith to them, 'Be not afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans, dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it is good for you.'
(YLT)

Psalms 15:4
In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
(KJV JPS ASV WBS)

Psalms 24:4
He that hath blameless hands and a pure heart; who lifteth not up his soul unto vanity, nor sweareth deceitfully:
(DBY)

Psalms 63:11
But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Ecclesiastes 9:2
All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Isaiah 65:16
That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Jeremiah 38:16
And the king Zedekiah sweareth unto Jeremiah in secret, saying, 'Jehovah liveth, He who made for us this soul, I do not put thee to death, nor give thee unto the hand of these men who are seeking thy soul.'
(YLT)

Daniel 12:7
And I hear the one clothed in linen, who 'is' upon the waters of the flood, and he doth lift up his right hand and his left unto the heavens, and sweareth by Him who is living to the age, that, 'After a time, times, and a half, and at the completion of the scattering of the power of the holy people, finished are all these.'
(YLT)

Zechariah 5:3
Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Zechariah 5:4
I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.
(KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)

Subtopics

Sweareth

Related Terms

Oath (286 Occurrences)

Roofs (13 Occurrences)

Murdering (5 Occurrences)

Crimes (22 Occurrences)

Crime (45 Occurrences)

Lying (203 Occurrences)

False.

Swears (16 Occurrences)

Bowing (35 Occurrences)