Matthew 5:35
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Matthew 5:35
Continuing the matter of oaths, Jesus adds: do not swear by the earth or by Jerusalem or by heaven, which are all part of creation and God’s handiwork. The idea is to avoid giving sacred weight to created things as if they were substitutes for truth. Jerusalem as the “city of the great King” underscores that the whole created order bears God’s presence and authority.
Theology centers on God’s sovereignty over all creation; nothing in creation should be treated as ultimate. When someone swears by heaven or by earth, they risk attributing authority to created things instead of to God alone. This emphasizes dependency on God’s fidelity rather than on crafted formulas.
Live with transparency, avoiding ceremonious language to make promises seem more binding. In professional settings, honor commitments with clear timelines rather than dramatic vows.
Cross-References: Psalm 24:1; Colossians 3:23; Ecclesiastes 5:2