Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
Again, you've heard the old rule: 'Don't break your promises, especially the ones you make to God.'
Your word should mean something, especially when God's listening.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of Jesus, Jewish people were well acquainted with the Old Testament commandments, such as those in Exodus 20:7 and Leviticus 19:12, which forbade making false oaths and required faithfulness in vows to God. This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus was addressing religious leaders and crowds to contrast superficial obedience to the law with a deeper, heart-level righteousness. The phrase "them of old time" refers to the ancient scriptural teachings and traditions handed down from figures like Moses, highlighting how Jesus was building upon but also fulfilling these earlier instructions.
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