false oath

Judaism

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June 26, 2026

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In Judaism, a false oath is considered a serious transgression, known as an avera, which is a sin against God or man. This is distinct from a vow, which is a voluntary promise to undertake a special obligation. The Talmudic rabbis generally discouraged the taking of vows unless absolutely necessary.12

Perjury, the act of giving false testimony under oath, is forbidden in Judaism. It is considered a sacrilege to use God's name to swear falsely. While the specific legal definition of perjury involves intent and materiality of the false statement, the religious prohibition in Judaism focuses on the disregard for the sanctity of an oath and the name of God.34

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oath
…religious precept, and (2) a false oath, in which one uses the name of God to swear falsely, thus committing a sacrilege. At the time of Jesus in the 1st century ce, oaths were often misused and, for that reason, were often rebuked in early Christianity. In Islam a person…
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…religious precept, and (2) a false oath, in which one uses the name of God to swear falsely, thus committing a sacrilege. At the time of Jesus in the 1st century ce, oaths were often misused and, for that reason, were often rebuked in early Christianity. In Islam a person…
Read More