An oath is defined as “a solemn promise, a solemn assurance of something, backed up by the mention of something sacred to the one making the oath.” It can be spoken or written.
Some feel that it is wrong to make an oath, because Jesus said: “Do not make an oath . . . Just let your word ‘Yes’ mean Yes, your ‘No,’ No, for anything in excess of these is from the wicked one.” (Matt. 5:33-37) Of course, Jesus knew that the Mosaic Law required certain oaths and that faithful servants of God made oaths. (Gen. 14:22, 23; Ex. 22:10, 11) He also knew that Jehovah himself made oaths. (Heb. 6:13-17) So Jesus was not saying that we should never make oaths; rather, he was warning against making meaningless oaths or oaths about trivial matters. We should make it a sacred duty to keep our word. We should always do what we promise.
So what should you do if you are asked to make an oath? First, make sure that you can fulfill what you are vowing. If you are not sure, it is best not to make the oath. God’s Word warns: “Better is it not to vow than to vow and not pay.” (Eccl. 5:5) Then consider Bible principles regarding oaths, and act in harmony with your trained conscience. What are some of these principles?
A man takes an oath in court. His right hand is raised, and his left hand is resting on the Bible.
Some vows are compatible with God’s will. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses make a vow when they get married. This is a type of oath. Before God and witnesses, the bride and groom promise to love, care for, and honor each other “all the days of [their] life together.” (Other couples may not say the same words, but they still make a vow before God.) They are then declared husband and wife, and their marriage becomes a lifelong bond. (Gen. 2:24; 1 Cor. 7:39) This arrangement is appropriate and in harmony with God’s will.
Some vows are contrary to God’s will. True Christians do not make such vows as those to defend their country with weapons or to renounce their faith in God. Such vows would violate God’s commandments. As followers of Christ, we are “no part of the world,” so we should not get involved in its disputes and conflicts. (John 15:19; Isa. 2:4; Jas. 1:27)
Some oaths are a matter of conscience. At times, we need to weigh the oath carefully in light of Jesus’ counsel to “pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Luke 20:25)
For example, suppose a Christian applies for citizenship or a passport and learns that he must take an oath of allegiance. If in that country taking such an oath would mean swearing to do things that are clearly against God’s law, the Christian’s trained conscience would not allow him to take it. However, the authorities may allow him to adjust the wording of the oath so that it does not conflict with his conscience.
Taking an adjusted oath of allegiance may be in harmony with the principle found at Romans 13:1, which states: “Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities.” Thus, a Christian may decide that it is not wrong to swear to do something that God has already commanded us to do.
Conscience also comes into play if we are required to use an object or make a certain gesture when taking an oath. The ancient Romans and Scythians swore by their swords, appealing to the god of war as a guarantee of their honesty. The Greeks raised their hand to heaven when taking an oath. They thus acknowledged that there was a divine power that was watching what was said and done and to which all humans were accountable.
Of course, Jehovah’s servants would not swear by a national symbol that is associated with false religion or that is often worshipped. But what if in court you were required to place your hand on the Bible and swear to tell the truth? In that case, you might decide to do so, for the Bible tells of faithful servants of God who accompanied their oath with a certain gesture. (Gen. 24:2, 3, 9; 47:29-31) It is important to remember that if you make such an oath, you are swearing before God to tell the truth. You should be prepared to answer honestly any question that is asked of you.
Bible principles
Matthew 5:37: “Just let your word ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ your ‘No,’ no.”
John 15:19: “You are no part of the world.”
Deuteronomy 5:9: “Jehovah your God . . . requires exclusive devotion.”
Romans 13:1: “Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities.”
Luke 20:25: “Pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.”
1 Peter 2:12: “Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, so that . . . your fine works may be of interest to them.”
Since we value our relationship with Jehovah, we should carefully and prayerfully consider any vow we are required to make to make sure that it does not conflict with our conscience or with Bible principles. If you decide to make a vow, you must fulfill it. (1 Pet. 2:12)
