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What the Bible Says About Swearing Falsely

Overview

The Bible addresses swearing falsely across 34 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Ezekiel, Leviticus and 1 Kings. Closely related themes include Oaths, Perjury, Oath and Babylon. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Saul, Shimei and Jonathan.

Key Bible verses about swearing falsely

Old Testament

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 16:59

For thus saith the Lord God; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant.

Ezekiel 17:13

And hath taken of the king’s seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:

Ezekiel 17:14

That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.

Ezekiel 17:15

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

Ezekiel 17:16

As I live, saith the Lord God, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.

Ezekiel 17:17

Neither shall Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company make for him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many persons:

Ezekiel 17:18

Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape.

Ezekiel 17:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord God; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

People in the Bible and swearing falsely

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying swearing falsely for yourself

  • Begin with Leviticus 6:2, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Ezekiel, Leviticus and 1 Kings each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Saul, Shimei and Jonathan and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Oaths, Perjury, Oath and Babylon.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about swearing falsely?

The Bible addresses swearing falsely across 34 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Ezekiel, Leviticus and 1 Kings. Closely related themes include Oaths, Perjury, Oath and Babylon. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Saul, Shimei and Jonathan.

How many Bible verses are about swearing falsely?

The Bible references swearing falsely in 34 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention swearing falsely?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Leviticus 6:2: “If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;”

Which people in the Bible are associated with swearing falsely?

Saul, Shimei and Jonathan.

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