What does Matthew 5:36 mean?

Explanation

This verse, Matthew 5:36, is a part of Jesus' longer discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount.

In the verse, Jesus advises against making oaths, particularly by swearing on one's own head, because one does not have the power to alter the color of a single hair.

The literal meaning is clear: humans lack control over the most trivial parts of their own nature, implying that it is presumptuous for them to swear oaths by their own bodies or by heaven and earth (as mentioned in the preceding verses).

The deeper meaning delves into the humility and honesty expected of Jesus' followers, that they should not make grandiose promises they can’t certainly fulfill, recognizing their limitations as humans.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, it was a common practice among Jews and in the larger Greco-Roman world to swear by various objects or beings.

This was done to guarantee the truth of one's words and the commitment to one's promises.

Swearing by one's own head was a way of invoking one's life and personal integrity.

In the religious context, the phrasing serves to remind listeners that even the most basic aspects of their being are under divine control, not human control, reinforcing the idea that one should not take oaths lightly or invoke elements of creation one has no authority over.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is often interpreted to mean that Jesus wants his followers to live in such a way that their yes means yes and their no means no (as stated in Matthew 5:37). Out of reverence for God, one should not need to invoke His creation as collateral for truthfulness.

From a theological viewpoint, the verse suggests an all-encompassing reliance on God's sovereignty and a call to honest and simple speech without elaborate oaths or declarations.

Different Christian denominations may interpret the seriousness and scope of Jesus' prohibition differently, but many agree on the emphasis on integrity and sincerity of speech.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Matthew 5:36 can be applied in several ways. Firstly, it encourages authenticity and honesty in communication.

It is a call to let one's actions and words speak for themselves without the need for embellishment or false promises.

Secondly, it serves as a reminder of human limitations and the importance of humility before God.

When one recognizes that even the smallest details of life are under God's authority, it fosters a sense of reverence and trust.

Cross-References

• James 5:12: "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."
• Ecclesiastes 5:2: "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."
• Matthew 5:34-35: "But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool..."

Language Study

In this verse, the key phrase from the original Greek language is "ἀλλʼ οὐ δύνασαι ποιῆσαι ἓν τρίχα λευκὴν ἢ μέλαιναν" (all' ou dynasai poiein hen tricha leukēn ē melainan), which translates as "but thou canst not make one hair white or black." The word "δύνασαι" (dynasai) means 'to be able', reflecting the limitation of human ability. "τρίχα" (tricha) means 'hair,' and "λευκὴν" (leukēn) and "μέλαιναν" (melainan) mean 'white' and 'black,' respectively, colors often associated with purity and sin or life and death in biblical symbolism.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, like those in Greece and Rome, swearing oaths by the gods or by one’s life was also a solemn practice.

It indicated a grave commitment and the breaking of such an oath would incur divine displeasure or social dishonor.

Comparing this to the Jewish context, religious leaders like the Pharisees developed intricate rules about which oaths were binding and which were not, often creating legal loopholes.

Jesus challenges this practice by undermining the entire concept of swearing, suggesting a more absolute form of integrity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the specific reference in Matthew 5:36 to not being able to make one hair white or black reflects an accurate understanding of human limitations in the natural world.

While modern science allows for the artificial coloring of hair, the verse points to the inability to change the intrinsic properties of one’s body by sheer willpower.

This verse might also be used in discussions on the acceptability of bodily enhancements and modifications from a religious viewpoint.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Matthew 5:36 provide several interpretations:

• John Calvin suggests that in prohibiting oaths, Jesus is correcting the false interpretations of the law that made the distinction between different kinds of oaths.

Calvin emphasizes simplicity and honesty in speech as a reflection of godly character.

• William Barclay emphasizes the idea of integrity without oaths, noting that in the perfect Christian life, every word should be so true that no oath is necessary to back it up.
• **Craig S.

Keener** notes that in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is intensifying the demands of the Torah, pushing for a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, which includes sincere speech.

• **R.T.

France** points out that the teaching was likely countercultural, as oaths were deeply ingrained in the legal and commercial practices of the day.

• **D.A.

Carson** suggests that Jesus' prohibition on oaths was not absolute, but rather aimed at a common Jewish practice of frivolous and deceptive oath-taking.