Paragraph 24.2

The Name of God only is that by which Men ought to swear; and therein it is to be used with all Holy Fear and Reverence; therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadful Name, or to swear at all by any other Thing, is sinful and to be abhorred; yet as in Matter of Weight and Moment, for Confirmation of Truth,^a and ending all Strife, an Oath is warranted by the Word of God; so a lawful Oath being imposed,^b by lawful Authority, in such Matters, ought to be taken.^c

1. a. Matthew 5:34, 37; James 5:12

   Matthew 5:34; Matthew 5:37

   ^5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: ^5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

   ^5:34 But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; ^5:37 Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one.

   James 5:12

   ^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.

   ^5:12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, so that you will not fall under judgment.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

2. b. Hebrews 6:16; 2 Corinthians 1:23

   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.

   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.

   King James VersionBerean Standard Bible

3. c. Nehemiah 13:25

   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