"to forswear one’s self, to fail of observing one’s oath, Mt. 5:33*"
Definition and meaning
to forswear one’s self, to fail of observing one’s oath, Mt. 5:33*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐπιορκέω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of epiorkeo (G1964) across the King James Bible.
Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
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Common questions
Strong's G1964 (epiorkeo) is a Greek word that means: to forswear one’s self, to fail of observing one’s oath, Mt. 5:33* It appears 1 times in the King James Bible.
The word epiorkeo (G1964) appears 1 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1964 is epiorkeo, a Greek word defined as: to forswear one’s self, to fail of observing one’s oath, Mt. 5:33*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
epiorkeo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.