King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:36 Mean?

Matthew 5:36 in the King James Version says “Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.”

Matthew 5:36 · KJV

Context

34

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

35

Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool : neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

36

Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

38

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
You cannot even control your hair color naturally (in ancient times without dye), so how can you swear by your own head? This illustrates human powerlessness and God's sovereignty over even small details. Since you control nothing ultimately, speak humbly and truthfully, recognizing your limitations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient peoples couldn't artificially color hair as modern technology allows. Jesus's point: you can't even change this small thing by will alone, so don't make grand oaths as if you control outcomes. Only God controls the future.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing your limitations over life and future events create humility in your speech?
  2. In what areas do you speak presumptuously as if you control outcomes only God controls?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
μήτε1 of 15

“Neither”

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

ἐν2 of 15

“by”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ3 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεφαλῇ4 of 15

“head”

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

σου5 of 15

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὀμόσῃς6 of 15

“shalt thou swear”

G3660

to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath

ὅτι7 of 15

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐ8 of 15

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δύνασαι9 of 15

“thou canst”

G1410

to be able or possible

μίαν10 of 15
G1520

one

τρίχα11 of 15

“hair”

G2359

of uncertain derivation; hair

λευκὴν12 of 15

“white”

G3022

white

ἢ13 of 15

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

μέλαιναν14 of 15

“black”

G3189

black

ποιῆσαι15 of 15

“make”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 5:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 5:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:25Matthew 6:27Matthew 23:16-21

Test Your Knowledge

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