Hebrews 6:16
For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
Original Language Analysis
μεν
verily
G3303
μεν
verily
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κατὰ
by
G2596
κατὰ
by
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
4 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μείζονος
G3173
μείζονος
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
6 of 16
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
is to them
G846
αὐτοῖς
is to them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Exodus 22:11Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.Hebrews 6:13For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Historical Context
Oath-taking was central to ancient Near Eastern legal and covenant practices. Invoking deity to witness oaths made them binding and violations subject to divine punishment. Jesus regulated but didn't abolish oath-taking (Matthew 5:33-37, 26:63-64).
Questions for Reflection
- Why do oaths provide assurance, and what does this teach about human nature?
- How does God's self-oath provide stronger assurance than any human oath?
Analysis & Commentary
Human oaths invoke 'someone greater' as witness and judge, ending disputes. The Greek 'antilōgia' (dispute/contradiction) shows an oath's settling function. This establishes the principle: oaths by a superior authority provide assurance. God, having no superior, swears by Himself (6:13), providing ultimate certainty. Reformed theology sees covenant oaths as God's gracious accommodation to human need for assurance.