Matthew 5:35

35 nor by earth, for it is the resting place for his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ¹

Matthew 5:35 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 5:35

Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool
That the Jews were wont to swear by the earth, is clear from the above mentioned instances; and is condemned by Christ for this reason, because the earth is God's "footstool", referring, as before, to ( Isaiah 66:1 ) on which he treads; and where he also manifests forth his glory, and is a considerable part of the work of his hands.

Neither by Jerusalem,
which the Jews used to swear by: such forms of vows as these are to be met with in their writings ^F17;

``as the altar, as the temple, (Mlvwryk) , "as Jerusalem";''

that is, by Jerusalem, I vow I will do this, or the other thing.

``R. Judah says, he that says Jerusalem (i.e. as Bartenora observes ^F18, without the note of comparison, as) says nothing.''

In the Gemara ^F19 it is,

``he that says as Jerusalem, does not say anything, till he has made his vow concerning a thing, which is offered up in Jerusalem.''

Dr. Lightfoot ^F20 has produced forms of vowing and swearing, which have not occurred to me.

``Jerusalem; (Mlvwryl) , "for", or "unto Jerusalem", which exactly answers to (eiv Ierosoluma) , here; and "by Jerusalem";''

The reason given for prohibiting this kind of oath, is;

for it is the city of the great king:
not of David, but of the King of kings, the Lord of hosts; who had his residence, and his worship, here; see ( Psalms 48:2 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 Misn. Nedarim, c. 1. sect. 3.
F18 In. ib.
F19 T. Bab. Nedarim, fol. 11. 1.
F20 In loc. ex Tosapht. in Nedarim, c. 1.

Matthew 5:35 In-Context

33 "You have also heard that people were told in the past, "Do not break your promise, but do what you have vowed to the Lord to do.'

34 But now I tell you: do not use any vow when you make a promise. Do not swear by heaven, for it is God's throne;

35 nor by earth, for it is the resting place for his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

36 Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black.

37 Just say "Yes' or "No' - anything else you say comes from the Evil One.

Cross References

• 1. 5.35 aIsaiah 66.1; bPsalms 48.2.