# oath, swear, swear by # ## Definition: ## In the Bible, an oath is a formal promise to do something. The person making the oath is required to fulfill that promise. An oath involves a commitment to being faithful and truthful. * Often in a court of law, a witness gives an oath to promise that whatever he says will be true and factual. * In the Bible, the term "swear" means to speak an oath. * The term "swear by" means to use the name of something or someone as the basis or power on which the oath is made. * Sometimes these terms are used together as in, "swear an oath." * Abraham and Abimelech swore an oath when they made a covenant together concerning the use of a well. * Abraham told his servant to swear (formally promise) that he would find Isaac a wife from among Abraham's relatives. * God also made oaths in which he made promises to his people. * A modern-day use of the word "swear" means to use foul language. This is not its meaning in the Bible. ## Translation Suggestions: ## * Depending on the context, "an oath" could also be translated as "a pledge" or "a solemn promise." * "To swear" could be translated by "to formally promise" or "to pledge" or "to commit to do something." * Other ways to translate "swear by my name" could include, "make a promise using my name to confirm it." * To "swear by heaven and earth" could be translated as, "promise to do something, stating that heaven and earth will confirm it." * Make sure the translation of "swear" or "oath" does not refer to cursing. In the Bible it does not have that meaning. (See also: [abimelech](../other/abimelech.md) **·** [covenant](../kt/covenant.md) **·** [vow](../kt/vow.md)) ## Bible References: ## * [Genesis 21:22-24](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/21/22) * [Genesis 24:1-4](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/24/01) * [Genesis 31:51-53](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/31/51) * [Genesis 47:29-31](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/47/29) * [Luke 01:72-75](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/01/72) * [Mark 06:26-29](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mrk/06/26) * [Matthew 05:36-37](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/05/36) * [Matthew 14:6-7](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/14/06) * [Matthew 26:71-72](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/26/71)