James 5:12

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — James addresses his brothers following an exhortation to endure trials like Job and immediately before instructions to pray or sing. He writes to believers navigating persecution and daily conflicts.

The words — ὀμνύετε (omnuete) means do swear, and μὴ (mē) means not. The phrase Πάντων (pantōn) translates to all things, framing the prohibition against invoking heaven, earth, or any other oath.

The thread — The text directly parallels Matthew 5:33, which warns against breaking vows, and Matthew 23:16, which condemns swearing by the temple or gold. It also aligns with 2 Corinthians 1:17, which questions making plans with casual “Yes, yes” responses.

Why it lands — The text commands believers to let their yes be yes and their no be no without invoking any oath. It demands straightforward speech to prevent falling under judgment.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Cross-references

Matthew 5:33 Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’
Matthew 23:16 Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’
2 Corinthians 1:17 When I planned this, did I do it carelessly? Or do I make my plans by human standards, so as to say “Yes, yes” and also “No, no”?
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
1 Corinthians 11:34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you come together it will not result in judgment. And when I come, I will give instructions about the remaining matters.
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.