Mat 5:33 | MHM | STEP | The Sermon on the Mount In this section, Jesus explains the true meaning of the third commandment about not taking the Lord ’s name in vain. He makes it clear that God takes this commandment seriously, and that we must be very careful with our words, especially when making promises or oaths. Jesus teaches that honesty and respect for God’s name should guide everything we say. v. 33 : Jesus reminds his listeners that the law says, You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn (Matthew 5:33 ). This commandment forbids perjury—breaking oaths or making false promises. Perjury is a serious sin because it is both disrespectful to God and unfair to other people (Psalm 24:4 ). When someone swears an oath, they call God as their witness. If they lie, they are inviting God’s judgment on themselves. Promises made before God must be kept, whether they are vows to God or promises made to other people (Numbers 30:2; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 ).

‏ Matthew 5:33

The Sermon on the Mount

In this section, Jesus explains the true meaning of the third commandment about not taking the Lord’s name in vain. He makes it clear that God takes this commandment seriously, and that we must be very careful with our words, especially when making promises or oaths. Jesus teaches that honesty and respect for God’s name should guide everything we say.

v. 33: Jesus reminds his listeners that the law says, You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn (Matthew 5:33 ^a). This commandment forbids perjury—breaking oaths or making false promises. Perjury is a serious sin because it is both disrespectful to God and unfair to other people (Psalm 24:4 ^b). When someone swears an oath, they call God as their witness. If they lie, they are inviting God’s judgment on themselves. Promises made before God must be kept, whether they are vows to God or promises made to other people (Numbers 30:2; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 ^c).