Matthew 5:35
New International Version
or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.

New Living Translation
And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.

English Standard Version
or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Berean Standard Bible
or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Berean Literal Bible
nor by the earth, because it is the footstool of His feet; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King.

King James Bible
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

New King James Version
nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

New American Standard Bible
nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, nor by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING.

NASB 1995
or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING.

NASB 1977
or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING.

Legacy Standard Bible
or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING.

Amplified Bible
or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING.

Christian Standard Bible
or by the earth, because it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
or by the earth, because it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King.

American Standard Version
nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Contemporary English Version
The earth is God's footstool, so don't swear by the earth. Jerusalem is the city of the great king, so don't swear by it.

English Revised Version
nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
or by the earth, which is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, which is the city of the great King.

Good News Translation
nor by earth, for it is the resting place for his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

International Standard Version
nor by the earth, because it is his footstool, nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the Great King.

Majority Standard Bible
or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

NET Bible
not by earth, because it is his footstool, and not by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King.

New Heart English Bible
nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Webster's Bible Translation
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King,

Weymouth New Testament
nor by the earth, for it is the footstool under His feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the City of the Great King.

World English Bible
nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
nor by the earth, because it is His footstool, nor by Jerusalem, because it is [the] city of [the] great King,

Berean Literal Bible
nor by the earth, because it is the footstool of His feet; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King.

Young's Literal Translation
nor by the earth, because it is His footstool, nor by Jerusalem, because it is a city of a great king,

Smith's Literal Translation
Neither by the earth; for it is the footstool of his feet: neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great kings.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool: nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king:

Catholic Public Domain Version
nor by earth, for it is his footstool, nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king.

New American Bible
nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

New Revised Standard Version
or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Nor by the earth, for it is a stool under his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of a great king.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Neither by the earth, for it is his stool for his feet, nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King:

Godbey New Testament
nor by the earth, because it is the footstool of His feet; neither by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King.

Haweis New Testament
nor by the earth; for it is the footstool of his feet: nor by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King:

Mace New Testament
nor by the earth, for it is his footstool: nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Weymouth New Testament
nor by the earth, for it is the footstool under His feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the City of the Great King.

Worrell New Testament
nor by the earth, because it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the Great King's city;

Worsley New Testament
nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King: neither shalt thou swear by thy head,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Oaths and Vows
34But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black.…

Cross References
Isaiah 66:1
This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?

Acts 7:49
‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be?

Psalm 48:2
Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King.

Psalm 11:4
The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.

1 Kings 8:27
But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.

2 Chronicles 6:18
But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.

Isaiah 40:22
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.

Psalm 99:1
The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!

Psalm 132:7
Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool.

Jeremiah 3:17
At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. They will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.

Isaiah 2:2-3
In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. / And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Micah 4:1-2
In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and the peoples will stream to it. / And many nations will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Zechariah 14:9-10
On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth—the LORD alone, and His name alone. / All the land from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem will be turned into a plain, but Jerusalem will be raised up and will remain in her place, from the Benjamin Gate to the site of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal winepresses.

Hebrews 8:1
The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,

Revelation 21:2-3
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. / And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.


Treasury of Scripture

Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

the earth.

Psalm 99:5
Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.

the city.

2 Chronicles 6:6
But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.

Psalm 48:2
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

Psalm 87:2
The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

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Matthew 5
1. Jesus' sermon on the mount:
3. The Beattitudes;
13. the salt of the earth;
14. the light of the world.
17. He came to fulfill the law.
21. What it is to kill;
27. to commit adultery;
33. to swear.
38. He exhorts to forgive wrong,
43. to love our enemies;
48. and to labor after perfection.














or by the earth
In this phrase, "earth" is translated from the Greek word "gē," which refers to the physical land or the world. In the biblical context, the earth is often seen as part of God's creation, reflecting His power and majesty. The earth as a footstool signifies God's sovereignty and dominion over all creation. This imagery is rooted in ancient Near Eastern royal symbolism, where a king's footstool represented his authority over the land. By instructing not to swear by the earth, Jesus emphasizes the sacredness of God's creation and the futility of invoking it in oaths, as it belongs to God alone.

for it is His footstool
The term "footstool" comes from the Greek "hypopodion," which literally means something under the feet. This metaphor is used in Scripture to illustrate God's supreme authority and the subservience of creation to Him. In Isaiah 66:1, God declares, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool," underscoring His omnipotence. The use of "footstool" here reminds believers of the humility and reverence due to God, as even the vast earth is but a resting place for His feet. It calls Christians to recognize their place in the divine order and to approach God with awe and respect.

or by Jerusalem
"Jerusalem" is derived from the Hebrew "Yerushalayim," meaning "foundation of peace." Historically and theologically, Jerusalem holds a central place in Jewish and Christian thought. It is the city where God chose to dwell among His people, the site of the Temple, and the focal point of biblical prophecy. By mentioning Jerusalem, Jesus highlights its sacred status and warns against using it lightly in oaths. Jerusalem's significance as a spiritual center for worship and divine presence makes it inappropriate for trivial or deceitful swearing.

for it is the city of the great King
This phrase refers to the divine kingship of God, with "the great King" being a title for God Himself. In the Old Testament, Jerusalem is often depicted as the city where God reigns, as seen in Psalm 48:2, which calls it "the city of the Great King." This underscores the belief that God is the ultimate ruler, not only of Jerusalem but of the entire universe. By calling Jerusalem "the city of the great King," Jesus reaffirms its spiritual importance and the reverence it commands. It serves as a reminder that all oaths and promises should be made with the awareness of God's sovereignty and holiness.

Verse 35. - Nor by Jerusalem. The Hebraistic ἐν is here exchanged for the less unclassical εἰς, the reason, perhaps, being that definite direction of one's thought towards Jerusalem was, as it seems, insisted upon by some. "Rabbi Judah saith, He that saith, By Jerusalem, saith nothing, unless with an intent purpose he shall vow towards Jerusalem" (Tosipht., 'Ned.,' 1, in Lightfoot,' Her Hebr.'). So Revised Version margin, toward. For it is the city, etc. (Psalm 48:2).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[or]
μήτε (mēte)
Conjunction
Strong's 3383: Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.

by
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

earth,
γῇ (gē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

for
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

it is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

His footstool;
ὑποπόδιόν (hypopodion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5286: A footstool. Neuter of a compound of hupo and pous; something under the feet, i.e. A foot-rest.

[or]
μήτε (mēte)
Conjunction
Strong's 3383: Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.

by
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Jerusalem,
Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2414: The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma

for
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

it is
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

[the] city
πόλις (polis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

great
μεγάλου (megalou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

King.
Βασιλέως (Basileōs)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.


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Matthew 5:34
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