Oaths, human

Solemn, binding statements made in God's name. The OT forbids the making of oaths in the name of other gods and the NT suggests that it is best to refrain from making oaths.

Oaths are considered binding

Numbers 30:2 See also Deuteronomy 23:21; Matthew 23:16–22

If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.

Oaths to be taken only in God's name

Deuteronomy 6:13 See also Psalm 24:3–4; Jeremiah 12:16

Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name.

False oaths forbidden

Leviticus 19:12 See also Exodus 20:7 parallel Deuteronomy 5:11; Leviticus 6:3–5; Zechariah 5:3–4

You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.

Examples of oaths

In bearing witness

Exodus 22:11; Numbers 5:19; 1 Kings 8:31

In showing allegiance

2 Kings 11:4; Ecclesiastes 8:2; Jeremiah 38:16; Ezekiel 17:13

In covenants

Genesis 21:22–31, Genesis 26:26–31, Genesis 31:44–53; Joshua 9:3–21

As a curse

Joshua 6:26; Matthew 26:71–74 parallel Mark 14:70–71

As assurance that a promise will be kept

Genesis 14:22–23 See also Genesis 24:3–9, Genesis 24:37–41, Genesis 47:28–31, Genesis 50:24–25; Psalm 132:1–5

But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’

Unwise or thoughtless oaths

Genesis 25:33 See also Leviticus 5:4; Matthew 14:6–7 parallel Mark 6:22–23

“Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright.

Advice against taking oaths

James 5:12 See also Matthew 5:33–37

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.