Matthew 5:37

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} let {G2077} your {G5216} communication {G3056} be {G2077}, Yea {G3483}, yea {G3483}; Nay {G3756}, nay {G3756}: for {G1161} whatsoever is more {G4053} than these {G5130} cometh {G2076} of {G1537} evil {G4190}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Just let your `Yes' be a simple `Yes,' and your `No' a simple `No'; anything more than this has its origin in evil.

Berean Standard Bible

Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.

American Standard Version

But let your speech be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: and whatsoever is more than these is of the evil one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:37, a pivotal declaration within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, calls believers to a radical commitment to unvarnished truthfulness in all their communication. It asserts that a Christian's simple affirmation ("Yes") or denial ("No") should be inherently trustworthy, eliminating any need for elaborate oaths or qualifiers. This verse underscores that any deviation from such straightforward honesty, implying a need for external validation, ultimately originates from a realm of spiritual brokenness or even the influence of evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jesus' profound exposition on the Mosaic Law, specifically as part of His teaching on oaths, which begins in [Matthew 5:33](/matthew/5-33 "Jesus' Teaching on Oaths"). Jesus systematically reinterprets and elevates the traditional understanding of the Law, moving beyond mere external compliance to address the internal disposition of the heart. Having previously addressed anger, lust, and divorce, Jesus now tackles the misuse of oaths, challenging the common practice of swearing by various entities (heaven, earth, Jerusalem) to lend weight to one's words. [Matthew 5:34-36](/matthew/5-34-36 "Jesus' Prohibition of Oaths") explicitly prohibits such swearing, setting the stage for verse 37, which offers the positive alternative: a life of such integrity that oaths become superfluous.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, swearing oaths was a common practice, deeply embedded in legal proceedings, business transactions, and everyday speech. While the Old Testament permitted and sometimes even commanded oaths (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Command to Swear by God's Name")), the practice had become corrupted by Jesus' time. People often used elaborate oaths to add credibility to their statements, or, conversely, to subtly evade responsibility by swearing by something they deemed less sacred. The Pharisees, for instance, had developed a complex system of oaths, distinguishing between binding and non-binding vows based on what was sworn by (cf. [Matthew 23:16-22](/matthew/23-16-22 "Jesus' Condemnation of Pharisaic Oaths")). Jesus' teaching here directly confronts this cultural practice, not by abolishing the concept of truth, but by elevating the standard of personal integrity to such a degree that oaths are rendered unnecessary.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 5:37 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount") and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it champions **Radical Righteousness**, a core theme of the Sermon, where Jesus calls His followers to a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees (cf. [Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Righteousness Exceeding the Pharisees")). This verse exemplifies this by demanding an internal integrity that makes external vows obsolete. Secondly, it emphasizes **Kingdom Ethics**, demonstrating how citizens of God's kingdom are to live in a way that reflects divine truth and transparency, contrasting with the deceptive practices of the world. Finally, it highlights the **Supremacy of Truth**, portraying truth not as a negotiable commodity requiring external validation, but as an inherent quality of the believer's character, stemming from their relationship with God, who is truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **communication (Greek, _lógos'_):** G3056. From λέγω (legō, "to speak"), this term encompasses not just spoken words but also the underlying thought, reason, and subject of discourse. In this context, it refers to one's entire verbal output, emphasizing that the *essence* of what is said, and the *intent* behind it, should be characterized by truth. It's not merely about avoiding false oaths, but about the fundamental integrity of all one's speech.
* **more (Greek, _perissós'_):** G4053. Meaning "superabundant" or "superior" in quantity or quality, this word here denotes anything beyond the simple "yes" or "no." It points to an excess, an embellishment, or an added qualifier designed to bolster a statement. Jesus implies that such additions are not merely unnecessary but indicative of a deeper issue, a lack of inherent trustworthiness that necessitates external validation.
* **evil (Greek, _ponērós'_):** G4190. This term describes something "hurtful," "malicious," or "wicked," often referring to the effect or influence of something. While it can denote general moral badness, in Matthew's Gospel, it frequently alludes to the "evil one," Satan, who is the "father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "Jesus on the Devil as Father of Lies")). Thus, the need for oaths, or any communication "more than these," is traced back to a source of deception, untrustworthiness, and ultimately, the realm influenced by the adversary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But let your communication be,"**: This introductory phrase sets the imperative tone, demanding a fundamental shift in how believers speak. "Communication" (lógos) here refers to the entirety of one's verbal expression, encompassing all declarations, promises, and responses. The command is for a consistent and unwavering standard of truthfulness.
* **"Yea, yea; Nay, nay:"**: The repetition of "Yea, yea" (Greek: _nai nai_) and "Nay, nay" (Greek: _ou ou_) is a Semitic idiom used for emphatic affirmation. It signifies absolute, unambiguous, and unequivocal agreement or disagreement. Jesus is calling for a radical simplicity and clarity in speech, where a simple "yes" or "no" is sufficient and carries full, unquestionable authority because of the speaker's inherent integrity.
* **"for whatsoever is more than these"**: This clause refers to any addition, elaboration, oath, or qualification beyond the plain "yes" or "no." It encompasses any attempt to bolster one's words with external validation, whether by swearing by sacred entities, making elaborate promises, or using deceptive rhetorical devices to lend credibility.
* **"cometh of evil."**: This concluding, powerful statement reveals the origin and nature of such excessive communication. The phrase "cometh of" (Greek: _ek_) denotes origin or source. Thus, anything beyond simple, truthful affirmation or denial has its source in "evil" (Greek: _ponērós_). As discussed in the key word analysis, this "evil" can be understood as general human depravity, a lack of trustworthiness, or even more pointedly, the influence of the "evil one," Satan, who thrives on deceit and broken trust.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 5:37 masterfully employs several literary techniques to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, seen in "Yea, yea; Nay, nay." This is a common Semitic device, not merely for emphasis, but to signify an absolute, unwavering truth or command. It underscores the complete sufficiency and finality of a simple, honest statement. Secondly, the verse utilizes **Antithesis**, contrasting the straightforward "Yea, yea; Nay, nay" with "whatsoever is more than these." This stark opposition highlights the desired integrity against the corrupted practice of oath-swearing, presenting two mutually exclusive approaches to communication. Finally, the concluding phrase, "cometh of evil," serves as a powerful **Consequence** or **Aetiology**, attributing the origin of dishonest or overly complicated speech to a morally corrupt source. This serves as a strong deterrent and a theological explanation for the human tendency towards untruthfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:37 profoundly shapes a Christian ethic of speech, grounding it in the very character of God, who is truth itself. It challenges believers to cultivate an internal integrity that renders external vows obsolete, reflecting a life lived in transparent honesty before God and humanity. The theological implication is that genuine faith transforms not only actions but also the very nature of one's communication, aligning it with divine truthfulness. The verse suggests that the need for oaths arises from a fallen world where trust is eroded, and that the Christian's call is to embody a restored trustworthiness that stands in stark contrast to this brokenness, serving as a testimony to the transformative power of the Kingdom of God.

* [James 5:12](/james/5-12 "James' Parallel Teaching on Oaths"): "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."
* [Colossians 3:9](/colossians/3-9 "Speaking Truth to One Another"): "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;"
* [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Integrity of the Upright"): "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:37 is a radical call to integrity that extends far beyond merely avoiding false oaths; it demands a fundamental transformation of our entire communication. In a world saturated with spin, exaggeration, and carefully crafted words designed to manipulate or mislead, Jesus' command for "Yea, yea; Nay, nay" stands as a counter-cultural imperative. It challenges us to cultivate a character so rooted in truth and transparency that our simple word becomes our bond, requiring no embellishment or external validation. This means rigorously examining our motives for speaking, ensuring that our words are always aligned with our intentions and commitments. It calls us to be people of our word, whose reliability is so evident that others can trust our simple affirmations and denials without question. Living out this verse fosters genuine trust in relationships, builds a reputation for honesty, and ultimately reflects the character of God, who is utterly faithful and true.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I feel the need to "embellish" my words or add qualifiers to make them more believable?**
* **How does my communication reflect my internal integrity, or lack thereof?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to ensure my "yes" truly means "yes" and my "no" truly means "no" in all my interactions?**
* **How might a commitment to radical honesty impact my relationships, my professional life, and my witness for Christ?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:37 mean that all oaths, even in legal settings, are forbidden for Christians?**

Answer: While Jesus' words in [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33-37 "Jesus' Teaching on Oaths") clearly prohibit the casual, manipulative, or unnecessary swearing of oaths common in His day, the interpretation regarding formal, legal oaths is debated among scholars and denominations. Many understand Jesus' primary concern to be the *misuse* of oaths, where they are employed to evade truth or to give false weight to an untrustworthy statement, rather than a blanket prohibition against all solemn affirmations. The Old Testament itself includes instances of God swearing oaths ([Genesis 22:16](/genesis/22-16 "God's Oath to Abraham")) and righteous individuals taking oaths (e.g., [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Vows to the Lord")). The Apostle Paul also used solemn declarations that function similarly to oaths (e.g., [Romans 9:1](/romans/9-1 "Paul's Solemn Declaration") and [2 Corinthians 1:23](/2_corinthians/1-23 "Paul's Appeal to God")). Therefore, many Christians believe that taking a formal oath in a court of law, where one is compelled to affirm truth under penalty of perjury, is permissible, provided it is done with absolute sincerity and a commitment to truth. The core principle remains that one's word should always be trustworthy, whether an oath is taken or not.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:37 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the very [Word (Logos) made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), and in Him, there is no shadow of turning or deceit. Jesus' life and ministry were characterized by absolute truthfulness, so much so that He could declare, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His "yes" was always "yes," and His "no" was always "no," perfectly reflecting the unwavering faithfulness of God the Father. As [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ") proclaims, "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." Christ's integrity was flawless; He committed no sin, "neither was guile found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "Christ's Sinless Example")). Therefore, for believers, the call to "Yea, yea; Nay, nay" is not merely a moralistic command but an invitation to participate in the very character of Christ, whose life perfectly modeled transparent honesty and whose Spirit empowers us to live truthfully, reflecting the Father's unwavering faithfulness in a world desperately needing to see and hear the truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 5:12

¶ 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.

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Colossians 3:9

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

2 Corinthians 1:17

When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

John 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Ephesians 4:25

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.