Not to swear falsely in denial of a monetary claim

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Rambam (Hilchot Shevuot 1:3–4) explains that swearing falsely about money erodes faith in Divine justice, since it treats Hashem’s holy Name as a shield for dishonesty.

Truth / Justice – צֶדֶק

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 226) teaches that the root of this mitzvah is to establish truth in all business dealings. False oaths destroy fairness and compromise justice.

Speech – דָּבָר

• Rashi (Leviticus 19:11) includes financial dishonesty under “do not lie one to another.” This shows how the Torah elevates speech: it must never be corrupted, especially with Hashem’s Name.

Theft / Robbery – גְּנֵיבָה / גְּזֵלָה

• Rambam (Hilchot Gezelah 4:1) explains that one who swears falsely to deny a claim effectively commits theft, as he unlawfully withholds what belongs to another.

Business / Commerce – מִשָּׂא וּמַתָּן

• The Talmud (Shevuot 29a–30a) classifies oaths of denial as severe because they undermine the trust required for commerce and partnership. Without honesty, business cannot function.

Vows / Oaths – נְדָרִים / שְׁבוּעוֹת

• Rambam (Hilchot Shevuot 7:1) identifies these as “shevuat hapesikadon” (oaths of denial), a direct Torah violation combining financial deceit with misuse of Hashem’s Name.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 226) stresses that dishonesty in oaths destroys the foundation of society. Community life depends on trust; when oaths are corrupted, the communal fabric unravels.

Bein Adam L’Chavero (between people)

• This mitzvah protects relationships and fairness. A false oath robs others not only of money but of trust and dignity.

Bein Adam L’Makom (between a person and G-d)

• When Hashem’s Name is invoked falsely, the sin also affronts Him. The Talmud (Shevuot 39a) says the world itself trembles at false oaths, showing their cosmic gravity.