Matthew 5 37

Matthew 5:37 kjv

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Matthew 5:37 nkjv

But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Matthew 5:37 niv

All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Matthew 5:37 esv

Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.

Matthew 5:37 nlt

Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 5 37 Meaning

Matthew 5:37 teaches that a disciple of Jesus should exhibit absolute integrity and straightforwardness in all their speech. Instead of relying on oaths to confirm their words, their simple "Yes" or "No" should be sufficient, reflecting a character rooted in truth and trustworthiness. Anything more than this direct affirmation or denial originates from a deceptive source, implying a lack of integrity, the presence of distrust, or even the influence of the evil one.

Matthew 5 37 Context

Matthew 5:37 is a crucial part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), specifically within a section (5:21-48) where Jesus deepens and reinterprets aspects of the Mosaic Law and traditional Jewish teaching. He presents a righteousness that goes beyond the external adherence of the Scribes and Pharisees, calling for a righteousness of the heart.

This verse follows Jesus' teaching on oaths (5:33-36). In Jewish society of that time, swearing by various created things (heaven, earth, Jerusalem, one's head) was common, sometimes used to avoid solemn commitments, as the sanctity of the oath was often nuanced based on what one swore by. Rabbinic tradition distinguished between binding and non-binding oaths. People often swore to add credibility to their words or, paradoxically, to find loopholes if they needed to break their word.

Jesus challenges this system, not by outright banning all forms of oath-taking (God Himself swears oaths, Heb 6:13), but by forbidding the casual and manipulative use of oaths in everyday discourse. His point is that reliance on oaths indicates a lack of inherent credibility. If a person's character is already known for truthfulness, their simple affirmation should suffice. The context reveals a polemic against the legalistic tendencies of the day that focused on external rituals and loopholes, rather than internal integrity and absolute truthfulness before God. Jesus calls His followers to such a level of truth that their word itself becomes a sacred bond, negating the need for any further endorsement.

Matthew 5 37 Word analysis

• But (δὲ - de): This conjunction introduces a contrast. It highlights a deviation from what "you have heard" (the traditional interpretation or practice regarding oaths) to what Jesus now commands. It sets up the antithesis of the prior teaching on oaths.
• let (ἔστω - estō): This is the third-person singular imperative form of "to be." It expresses a strong command or a firm declaration. It's not a suggestion but a requirement for the disciple's way of life.
• your speech (ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν - ho logos hymōn): "Logos" here refers to "word," "utterance," "statement," or "conversation." This isn't about formal legal oaths in a court, but the entire scope of a believer's ordinary communication, every day interactions. It emphasizes that all speech should be characterized by truth.
• be (ἔστω - estō): Repeated for emphasis. It reinforces the imperative, underscoring the necessity of what follows.
• 'Yes, Yes' (Ναὶ ναί - Nai nai): "Nai" is the simplest and most emphatic affirmative particle in Greek, meaning "truly," "yes indeed," or "certainly." The repetition ("Yes, Yes") intensifies the affirmation, signifying absolute sincerity, unwavering conviction, and unambiguous truthfulness. It means there is no equivocation, no hidden meaning, and no need for additional corroboration.
• or (ἢ - ē): A simple disjunctive conjunction, presenting an alternative.
• 'No, No' (Οὔ οὔ - Ou ou): "Ou" is the simplest and most absolute negative particle in Greek. The repetition ("No, No") mirrors the emphasis of "Yes, Yes," indicating absolute denial, finality, and unambiguous clarity.
• For whatever (τὸ δὲ περισσὸν - to de perisson): "To de perisson" literally means "the more," "the superfluous," or "what is in excess." This refers to anything that goes beyond the simple, clear, and sufficient "Yes" or "No"—meaning elaborate oaths, vows, or any kind of verbal addition used to reinforce or qualify a statement.
• is more than these (τούτων - toutōn): Referring to the simple "Yes" or "No." The contrast is stark between direct simplicity and complex augmentation.
• is from the evil one (ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ ἐστιν - ek tou ponērou estin): This is a powerful declaration. "Ponērou" can refer to "evil" (an abstract quality) or "the Evil One" (the devil, Satan). Given the New Testament context (e.g., John 8:44 where Satan is the "father of lies") and the nature of the abuse of oaths—which often involved deceit, evasion, or manipulation—interpreting "the Evil One" (Satan) is strongly implied. It means that such additions to speech, born from distrust or the desire to manipulate truth, originate from a realm antithetical to God's perfect truth and righteousness.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But let your speech be 'Yes, Yes,' or 'No, No,'": This entire phrase encapsulates Jesus' command for radical integrity. It means that the mere word of a believer, without any embellishment or oath, should carry absolute authority and trustworthiness because the person speaking it is inherently truthful. It calls for perfect transparency and reliability in daily discourse.
• "For whatever is more than these is from the evil one": This shocking declaration elevates the seemingly simple issue of speech to a spiritual battleground. Any attempt to bolster one's word through external means—indicating a lack of inner truth or an assumption of distrust—is linked directly to the influence of deceit, whose ultimate origin is the devil. This points to the high standard of honesty required from Jesus' followers, implying that any departure from absolute truth in speech opens a door to Satanic influence.

Matthew 5 37 Bonus section

The seemingly absolute prohibition in Matthew 5:37 against any form of oath needs to be understood in the light of its immediate context (casual swearing in daily life) and broader Biblical teaching. It does not forbid solemn vows made before God (like marriage vows or ministerial ordinations), or oaths required in legal settings, where the intention is to appeal to God as witness for truth, as long as such oaths are spoken with utmost sincerity and kept faithfully. Even Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, on occasion invoked God as his witness (Rom 1:9, Gal 1:20, Phil 1:8). The key distinction lies in the heart and purpose: Jesus condemns oaths used casually to lend false weight, to manipulate, to evade truth, or where one's word needs an external validator because character is lacking.

Jesus' teaching prioritizes internal purity and transparent truthfulness over external ritual. A heart submitted to God should naturally produce words of unwavering integrity. This radical honesty is a mark of kingdom citizens, contrasting with a world riddled with deceit and mistrust. It builds community where trust is paramount and God's glory is reflected through blameless speech.

Matthew 5 37 Commentary

Matthew 5:37 serves as a profound ethical cornerstone in Jesus' teaching on discipleship. It calls for an intrinsic and unwavering commitment to truth that permeates every aspect of a believer's communication. Jesus bypasses the legalistic complexities and distinctions of oaths prevalent in His time, cutting to the heart of the matter: the speaker's character. If one truly walks in integrity, as a reflection of God's own truthfulness, their simple word should be as binding and trustworthy as any elaborate oath.

The emphasis on "Yes, Yes" and "No, No" isn't merely about brevity, but about radical sincerity and transparent clarity. It signifies an unwavering mind, a resolved will, and a consistent character where words are direct expressions of internal truth, without pretense or duplicity. The repeated affirmation or negation underlines the absence of hesitation, evasion, or ulterior motive.

The startling statement, "whatever is more than these is from the evil one," highlights the spiritual battle concerning truth. The very need to swear or add caveats often stems from a society where distrust is rampant, where people's words are suspect. It suggests a lack of personal integrity, the intention to deceive, or a lack of faith in the inherent truthfulness of another. These characteristics align with the nature of the devil, who is described as the "father of lies." Therefore, when we find ourselves needing to over-swear, or if our words lack credibility such that we constantly need to "vouch" for them, it exposes a spiritual brokenness or a societal flaw that originates from forces opposed to God's kingdom of truth and light.

This verse therefore isn't just about oaths but about the cultivation of a truly honest heart and a community built on mutual trust, where the simple word of a brother or sister in Christ is always deemed sufficient and reliable. It calls believers to embody such impeccable honesty that their very speech becomes a testimony to God's transforming power within them.

Examples:

• A Christian promises to meet someone at a specific time: their "Yes" should be enough. There is no need for "I swear on my mother's grave."
• When asked if they committed a fault, their "No" should be firm and trusted without needing additional affirmations.
• In business dealings, a believer's simple word should be as dependable as a signed contract, fostering trust rather than suspicion.