ἐπιορκέω (epiorkeō)
epiorkeō
to break an oath
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epiorkeō denotes the act of swearing falsely or breaking a sworn oath. It describes a specific failure in verbal commitment, where one invokes a divine witness to validate a statement that is either untrue or subsequently abandoned. This term carries significant weight because it treats an oath not merely as a human promise, but as a binding contract with God.
Its root structure combines the prefix epi, suggesting something upon or beyond, with horkos, meaning oath. The sources indicate that this word appears only once in the New Testament, located in Matthew 5:33. In this context, Jesus addresses the traditional teaching about keeping oaths, warning against treating them as optional or easily dismissed. The usage highlights the seriousness of invoking God’s name to guarantee one’s words.
Translators typically render epiorkeō as "forswear" or "break an oath." This choice emphasizes the active nature of the violation; it is not just lying, but perjury against a sacred vow. The single occurrence in Scripture underscores how seriously Jesus viewed the integrity of speech, linking honest communication directly to reverence for God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we speak, our words carry weight, especially when we call on God to witness them. The word epiorkeō describes the serious act of breaking such a sworn promise. It is not simply changing your mind or making a mistake; it is treating a sacred vow with carelessness. In Matthew 5:33, Jesus reminds us that our commitments are binding contracts with Him, demanding absolute integrity.
This teaching invites us to examine how we use our speech in daily life. Do we make promises lightly, assuming they can be easily set aside? Or do we recognize that every oath is a moment of truth before God? Honesty in these moments reflects a deep respect for His character and strengthens the trust others place in us.
Living with this level of integrity may feel challenging, but it brings peace. When your yes means yes and your no means no, you honor God and build genuine relationships. Let this word encourage you to speak truthfully, knowing that your faithfulness is seen and valued by the One who holds all things together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will you swear falsely,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιορκήσεις,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:33
“Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,’
Jesus uses this concept to warn against treating vows as optional, emphasizing that breaking an oath is a direct failure to honor God as the witness.