Anakalypsis / Unveiling the Word

Matthew 5:37

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

KJV

ἔστω δὲ ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν ναὶ ναί, οὒ οὔ· τὸ δὲ περισσὸν τούτων ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ ἐστιν.

Greek NT

Sit autem sermo vester, est, est : non, non : quod autem his abundantius est, a malo est.

Vulgate

But let your speech be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: and whatsoever is more than these is of the evil one.

ASV

But let your speech be yea, yea: no, no: and that which is over and above these, is of evil.

Douay-Rheims

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In the original Greek

11 distinct Greek words appear in this verse.

δέ
de
conjunction · 2781×
εἰμί
eimi
verb · 2461×
λόγος
logos
noun · 330×
ναί
nai
particle · 34×
οὐ
ou
particle · 1626×
οὗτος
outos
demonstrative · 1380×
περισσός
perissos
adjective · 13×
πονηρός
poneros
adjective · 77×
ἐκ
ek
preposition · 915×
ὁ
o
article · 19778×
ὑμεῖς
umeis
pronoun · 1828×

Historic Christian voices

6 passages from patristic writers, Reformers, and church catechisms citing this verse.

§2153In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained the second commandment: "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.' But I say to you, Do not swear at all.... Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from the evil one."82 Jesus teaches that every oath involves a r…
§2262In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord recalls the commandment, "You shall not kill,"62 and adds to it the proscription of anger, hatred, and vengeance. Going further, Christ asks his disciples to turn the other cheek, to love their enemies.63 He did not defend himself and told Peter to leave his sword in its sheath.64 Legitimate defense
§2466In Jesus Christ, the whole of God's truth has been made manifest. "Full of grace and truth," he came as the "light of the world," he is the Truth.256 "Whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness."257 The disciple of Jesus continues in his word so as to know "the truth [that] will make you free" and that sanctifies.258 To follow Jesus is to live in "the Spirit of truth," w…
Q. What is God's will for us in the third commandment? A. That we neither blaspheme nor misuse the name of God by cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths, nor share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders. In a word, that we use the holy name of God only with reverence and awe, so that we may properly confess him, pray to him, and praise him in everything we do and say.

Cross-references

  • 1John 5:18 — We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
  • 2Cor 1:17 — When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
  • 2Cor 1:17 — When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
  • 2Thess 3:3 — But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
  • 2Thess 3:3 — But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
  • Col 3:9 — Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
  • Col 4:6 — Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
  • Eph 4:25 — Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
  • Jas 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.
  • John 8:44 — Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he
  • Matt 6:13 — And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Matt 6:13 — And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Matt 13:19 — When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
  • Matt 13:19 — When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
  • Matt 13:38 — The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;