Definition: 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:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 5:33. It’s a really important and often misunderstood part of Jesus’ teachings. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it means in plain English: “Don’t break your promises to God. Always keep what you say, even when things are difficult.” Let's unpack the meaning piece by piece: "Thou shalt not forswear thyself..." – This is the core of the message. "Forswear" means to give up completely or abandon something. “Thou shalt” is a command from God – it’s a reminder to always honor your commitments. "...but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:" – This is where it gets deeper. “Oaths” are promises you make to God, like “I swear I will do this,” or “I promise to help you.” "Perform unto the Lord thine oaths" means to keep your promises to God, even when it’s hard. It's about being faithful and honoring God as you speak your words. Why is this important? Jesus is teaching that God values honesty and integrity above all else. He wants us to be trustworthy. Breaking a promise to God can damage our relationship with Him and with others. In essence, it’s about being reliable and keeping your word. --- Does that explanation make sense? Would you like me to: Give you an example of how this verse applies in real life? Explain a related concept from the Bible?