Life and Relationships

What Does the Bible Say About Swearing Oaths?

Jesus taught His followers to be so consistently truthful that formal oaths become unnecessary, instructing that a simple "yes" or "no" should be reliable enough on its own.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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Biblical explanation

Jesus instructed, “Swear not at all... But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (), addressing a practice in His day where people used elaborate oaths to appear more trustworthy while sometimes finding loopholes to avoid keeping simpler promises. James repeats this same principle, urging believers, “above all things,” to avoid oaths and simply let their yes be yes and their no be no (). This teaching calls believers toward a consistent, transparent integrity in daily speech, where trustworthiness does not depend on formal ceremony or special vows but on a settled reputation for truthfulness in all circumstances.

In brief

Jesus instructed, “Swear not at all...

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.