In the biblical context, oaths hold significant importance as solemn promises or affirmations, often invoking God as a witness to the truth of one's words or the fulfillment of one's commitments. Within the Jewish tradition, the taking of oaths is treated with great seriousness, and the Scriptures provide clear directives regarding the nature and integrity of such declarations.

The Mosaic Law explicitly forbids the taking of false oaths, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and the sanctity of one's word. In Leviticus 19:12, the Israelites are commanded: "You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD" . This directive underscores the gravity of invoking God's name in an oath, as doing so falsely would not only be deceitful but also a direct affront to the holiness of God.

The prohibition against false oaths is further reinforced in the Ten Commandments, where the third commandment states: "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain" (Exodus 20:7). This commandment highlights the broader principle of reverence for God's name, which extends to the truthful and sincere use of oaths.

In the wisdom literature, the book of Proverbs also addresses the issue of false oaths, linking them to the broader theme of integrity and honesty. Proverbs 12:22 declares, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight" . This verse reflects the divine preference for truthfulness and the moral obligation to uphold one's word.

The teachings of Jesus in the New Testament further illuminate the Jewish understanding of oaths. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of oaths, urging His followers to embody truthfulness in all their speech. Matthew 5:33-37 records His words: "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... Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one" . Here, Jesus emphasizes the ideal of straightforward honesty, suggesting that a person's integrity should be so evident that oaths become unnecessary.

Throughout the Scriptures, the prohibition against false oaths serves as a reminder of the ethical and spiritual responsibilities associated with one's words. The Jewish tradition, rooted in the Law and the Prophets, consistently upholds the principle that truthfulness is a reflection of one's relationship with God and a testament to the community's moral fabric.Leviticus 6:3
Or have found that which was lost, and lies concerning it, and swears falsely; in any of all these that a man does, sinning therein:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 8:17
And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, said the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Book 2
... ground of which he charges the Jews with ingratitude ... name of God, by perjury,
unnecessary oaths, and idolatrous ... whence it follows that we are forbidden to do ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/book 2.htm

From the Second to the Fourth Commandment
... all false, rash, unjust, and unnecessary oaths, blasphemy, cursing ... the law that God
gave to the Jews, the New ... 358 Q. What is forbidden by the Third Commandment? ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 32 from the second.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... Looking at the details of the paragraph, we find that oaths by heaven and by the
earth, by Jerusalem and by the head ... But the Jews were forbidden by law to ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 4.htm

The Third Commandment
... There is a threefold swearing forbidden: ... dice runs against them, run against God
in oaths and curses. ... who blaspheme Christ now in heaven, than the Jews did who ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 3 the third commandment.htm

After the Whole People had Been Freed from all Distress...
... after that vow and promise He had forbidden the sacrifice ... people, and not one, two,
or three oaths, but many ... oath [1612] entailed upon all the Jews the capture ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xiv after the whole.htm

Book 13 Footnotes
... The whole evidence, by the very oaths of both parties ... in such religious Jews, who
were utterly forbidden such arts ... laid up by Cleopatra and the Jews, see Antiq. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 13 footnotes.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... But all depends on how we take it or think of ... by illicit desire, the imagination
toying with a forbidden 15 idea ... who had been born and bred Jews would recollect ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

The Course of the World.
... and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort ... It is having respect of persons,
forbidden by Scripture ... man has to place himself under such solemn oaths to do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xii the course of.htm

Matt. v. 27, 28
... For such was the race of the Jews. ... as He had taken away all wrath, having forbidden
not murder ... forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xvii matt v 27.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... treats also on the subject of avoiding oaths, and on ... been profitable, He would not
have forbidden it. ... himself concerning the charges which the Jews had alleged ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm

Is it wrong to swear to God? | GotQuestions.org

Why does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus rebuke the scribes and Pharisees so harshly in Matthew 23:13 36? | GotQuestions.org

Oaths: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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