Hebrews Chapter 6 · Verse 13
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Original Language Analysis
Τῷ
G3588
Τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐπαγγειλάμενος
made promise
G1861
ἐπαγγειλάμενος
made promise
Strong's:
G1861
Word #:
4 of 15
to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεός
when God
G2316
θεός
when God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καθ'
by
G2596
καθ'
by
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
8 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
οὐδενὸς
no
G3762
οὐδενὸς
no
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
9 of 15
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
εἶχεν
he could
G2192
εἶχεν
he could
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μείζονος
G3173
μείζονος
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
11 of 15
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
Cross References
Luke 1:73The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,Micah 7:20Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.Isaiah 45:23I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.Jeremiah 22:5But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.
Historical Context
Genesis 22:16-17 records God's oath to Abraham after the near-sacrifice of Isaac. This oath became foundational to Jewish identity and hope, now applied to Christian confidence in God's promises.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did God swear by Himself, and what does this reveal about the certainty of His promises?
- How does God's oath to Abraham relate to your confidence in salvation?
Analysis & Commentary
God's promise to Abraham was confirmed by oath. Since 'He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself.' This emphasizes divine self-sufficiency and the absolute reliability of God's promises. Reformed theology grounds assurance in God's oath-bound covenant promises. God's character guarantees His word - He cannot lie or change. This divine oath-taking condescends to human weakness, providing maximum assurance.