### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιορκέω (G1964, epiorkéō) is derived from the noun ἐπίορκος (G1965), meaning "perjured" or "a perjurer." The core meaning of ἐπιορκέω is "to commit perjury," "to swear falsely," or "to forswear oneself." It combines the prefix ἐπί (epi), which can denote "upon" or "against," with ὅρκος (G3727, horkos), meaning "an oath." Thus, the word intrinsically describes the act of swearing an oath falsely, or swearing *against* an oath that has been made. It implies a deliberate and grave breach of a solemn vow, often made in the name of God or appealing to divine witness. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing specifically on the violation of an oath through deception.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐπιορκέω occurs only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew:
* [[Matthew 5:33]]: "Again, you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.'"
In this passage, Jesus is delivering His Sermon on the Mount, specifically addressing the Mosaic Law concerning oaths. The phrase "you shall not swear falsely" directly translates οὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις (ouk epiorkēseis), which is the future active indicative of ἐπιορκέω. Jesus is quoting or referencing Old Testament principles (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:12]]: "You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord."; [[Numbers 30:2]]: "If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth."). The immediate context of [[Matthew 5:33]] is Jesus' teaching that goes beyond the letter of the law to its spirit. While the Old Law prohibited *false* swearing, Jesus goes further in [[Matthew 5:34-37]] by advocating for such radical truthfulness that oaths themselves become unnecessary in everyday speech, stating, "Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil." This highlights the gravity of ἐπιορκέω as a fundamental betrayal of truth, a sin so serious that it prompts Jesus to call for a lifestyle where such an act would be unthinkable.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἐπιορκέω is closely related to several key terms and concepts:
* ὅρκος (G3727, horkos): The root word for "oath," signifying a solemn declaration or promise made with an appeal to a divine being or sacred object as witness.
* ὀμνύω (G3660, omnyō): The general verb "to swear" or "to take an oath." ἐπιορκέω is a specific, negative form of ὀμνύω.
* ἐπίορκος (G1965, epiorkos): The noun form, referring to "one who swears falsely," a "perjurer."
* Old Testament parallels: The Hebrew terms for swearing (שָׁבַע, `{{H7650}}`) and falsehood (שֶׁקֶר, `{{H8267}}`) are often found together in prohibitions against false oaths (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:12]]).
* Concepts of truthfulness, integrity, covenant fidelity, and divine judgment are all intertwined with the meaning of ἐπιορκέω. The opposite of ἐπιορκέω is living a life of absolute veracity, where one's word is always trustworthy.
### Theological Significance
The prohibition against ἐπιορκέω carries profound theological significance. An oath, particularly one made "to the Lord," is a solemn appeal to God as witness and enforcer. To ἐπιορκέω is to call upon God to witness a lie, thereby making God a party to one's deception. This is a direct affront to God's character as truth ([[John 14:6]]) and faithfulness ([[Deuteronomy 7:9]]). It represents a profound disrespect for the divine name and an act of profanity ([[Exodus 20:7]]: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain").
Jesus' teaching in [[Matthew 5]] elevates the standard beyond merely avoiding false oaths to cultivating a radical integrity where one's "yes" and "no" are always true, rendering oaths superfluous. This implies that the believer's life should be so consistently truthful that no special affirmation is ever needed to guarantee their word. The sin of ἐπιορκέω is not merely a social transgression but a spiritual one, undermining trust, profaning the sacred, and inviting divine judgment. It stands in stark contrast to the divine attribute of truth and the call for believers to reflect God's character in their speech and conduct.
### Summary
ἐπιορκέω (G1964) precisely defines the act of committing perjury or swearing falsely. Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Matthew 5:33]] is pivotal, illustrating Jesus' teaching on the sanctity of truth and the gravity of oaths. Derived from ὅρκος (oath, `{{G3727}}`) and related to ἐπίορκος (perjurer, `{{G1965}}`), the word highlights a deliberate violation of a solemn promise made before God. Theologically, ἐπιορκέω is a serious sin that profanes God's name, mocks His omniscience, and undermines the very foundation of trust and covenant. Jesus' teaching calls believers to a higher standard of truthfulness, where such a deceptive act becomes unthinkable, advocating for a life of such integrity that one's simple word is sufficient, reflecting the unwavering truthfulness of God Himself.
TRV