Question 101

May we then swear religiously by the name of God?

Yes: either when the magistrates demand it of the subjects; or when necessity requires us thereby to confirm fidelity and truth to the glory of God, and the safety of our neighbour:^a for such an oath is founded on God’s word,^b and therefore was justly used by the saints, both in the Old and New Testament.^c

1. a. Exodus 22:11; Nehemiah 13:25

   Exodus 22:11

   ^22:11 Then shall an oath of the Lord be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.

   ^22:11 an oath before the LORD shall be made between the parties to determine whether or not the man has taken his neighbor's property. The owner must accept the oath and require no restitution.

   Nehemiah 13:25

   ^13:25 And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.

   ^13:25 I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, "You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves!

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Deuteronomy 6:13; Hebrews 6:16

   Deuteronomy 6:13

   ^6:13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

   ^6:13 Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name.

   Hebrews 6:16

   ^6:16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.

   ^6:16 Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. Genesis 21:24; Joshua 9:15, 19; 1 Samuel 24:22; 2 Corinthians 1:23; Romans 1:9

   Genesis 21:24

   ^21:24 And Abraham said, I will swear.

   ^21:24 And Abraham replied, "I swear it."

   Joshua 9:15; Joshua 9:19

   ^9:15 And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. ^9:19 But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.

   ^9:15 And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. ^9:19 All the leaders answered, "We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them.

   1 Samuel 24:22

   ^24:22 And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.

   ^24:22 So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

   2 Corinthians 1:23

   ^1:23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

   ^1:23 I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.

   Romans 1:9

   ^1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

   ^1:9 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible