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What the Bible Says About Swearing, Profane

Overview

The Bible addresses swearing, profane across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Psalms and Leviticus. Closely related themes include Oaths, Oath, Malice and Adultery. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses, Elisha, Naaman and Gehazi.

Key Bible verses about swearing, profane

Old Testament

New Testament

Matthew

Matthew 5:34

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

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 5:36

Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

Matthew 23:16

Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

Matthew 23:21

And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

Matthew 23:22

And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

Matthew 26:74

Then began he to curse and to swear, saying,3754 I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

People in the Bible and swearing, profane

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying swearing, profane for yourself

  • Begin with Exodus 20:7, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Matthew, Psalms and Leviticus each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Moses, Elisha and Naaman and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Oaths, Oath, Malice and Adultery.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about swearing, profane?

The Bible addresses swearing, profane across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Psalms and Leviticus. Closely related themes include Oaths, Oath, Malice and Adultery. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Moses, Elisha, Naaman and Gehazi.

How many Bible verses are about swearing, profane?

The Bible references swearing, profane in 23 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention swearing, profane?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 20:7: “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”

Which people in the Bible are associated with swearing, profane?

Moses, Elisha, Naaman and Gehazi.

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