{"id":52132,"date":"2019-09-02T13:30:08","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T10:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=52132"},"modified":"2025-07-04T23:27:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T20:27:18","slug":"question-the-bible-forbids-taking-oaths-so-why-do-people-still-swear-in-court-or-during-wedding-ceremonies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2019\/09\/02\/question-the-bible-forbids-taking-oaths-so-why-do-people-still-swear-in-court-or-during-wedding-ceremonies\/","title":{"rendered":"Question: The Bible forbids taking oaths, so why do people still swear in court or during wedding ceremonies?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Answer:<\/strong><\/p>\n

To understand this well, it\u2019s important to recognize that the Bible speaks about different kinds of oaths, and not all oaths are sinful or forbidden.<\/p>\n

For instance, the Apostle Paul calls God as a witness to confirm his words:<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I call God to witness against me\u2014it was to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.\u201d<\/em>
\n\u2014 2 Corinthians 1:23<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cFor God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son\u2026\u201d<\/em>
\n\u2014 Romans 1:9<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

From this, we see there are two main categories of oaths:<\/p>\n

1. Oaths of Commitment and Faithfulness<\/h3>\n

These oaths are solemn promises made before God, often called vows<\/strong> or covenants<\/strong>. They bind a person spiritually and morally. For example, if someone vows to God to do or not do something until a certain purpose is fulfilled, this is serious. Failing to keep such a vow is considered sin (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5):<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you make a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools; pay what you vow.\u201d<\/em>
\n\u2014 Ecclesiastes 5:4-5<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Marriage is another example of a sacred covenant. When two people marry according to God\u2019s design, they are bound by a holy oath to remain faithful until death:<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.\u201d<\/em>
\n\u2014 Mark 10:9<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Whether the couple publicly declares their vows or not, the marriage covenant is established before God.<\/p>\n

2. Oaths in Legal and Formal Contexts<\/h3>\n

In courts or official agreements, people are often asked to swear or affirm the truth of their statements or their commitment to uphold contracts. These oaths serve a practical purpose\u2014they confirm honesty and build trust. They are not about proving moral perfection or superiority but about affirming truthfulness and accountability.<\/p>\n

\n

What About the Oaths God Forbids?<\/h3>\n

God forbids rash, arrogant, or prideful oaths<\/strong>\u2014those made carelessly or out of pressure. For example:<\/p>\n