KJV

KJV

Click to Change

Return to Top

Return to Top

Printer Icon

Print

Cite Print
The Blue Letter Bible

Dictionaries :: Oath

Choose a new font size and typeface
Below are articles from the following dictionary:
Smith's Bible Dictionary

Oath:

The principle on which an oath is held to be binding is incidentally laid down in Hebrews 6:16, viz. as an ultimate appeal to divine authority to ratify an assertion. On the same principle, that oath has always been held most binding which appealed to the highest authority, as regards both individuals and communities. As a consequence of this principle, appeals to God's name on the one hand, and to heathen deities on the other, are treated in scripture as tests of allegiance (Exodus 23:13; 34:6; 29:12 etc.). So also the sovereign's name is sometimes used as a form of obligation (Genesis 42:15; 2 Samuel 11:11; 14:19). Other forms of oath, serious or frivolous, are mentioned, some of which are condemned by our Lord (Matthew 6:33; 23:16-22 and see James 5:12). (There is, however, a world‐wide difference between a solemn appeal to God and profane swearing.) The forms of adjuration mentioned in Scripture are-

(1.) Lifting up the hand. Witnesses laid their hands on the head of the accused (Genesis 14:22; Leviticus 24:14; 17:7; Isaiah 3:7).

(2.) Putting the hand under the thigh of the person to whom the Promise was made (Genesis 24:2; 47:29).

(3.) Oaths were sometimes taken before the altar, or, as some understand the passage, if the persons were not in Jerusalem, in a position looking toward the temple (1 Kings 8:31; 2 Chronicles 6:22).

(4.) Dividing a victim and passing between or distributing the pieces (Genesis 15:10; 15:17; Jeremiah 34:18). As the sanctity of oaths was carefully inculcated by the law, so the crime of perjury was strongly condemned; and to a false witness the same punishment was assigned which was due for the crime to which he testified (Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12).

BLB Searches
Search the Bible
KJV
 [?]

Advanced Options

Other Searches

Multi-Verse Retrieval
x
KJV

Daily Devotionals
x

Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness.

Daily Bible Reading Plans
x

Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year.

One-Year Plans

Two-Year Plan

CONTENT DISCLAIMER:

The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.