Hebrews 6:17
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
G3739
ᾧ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κληρονόμοις
unto the heirs
G2818
κληρονόμοις
unto the heirs
Strong's:
G2818
Word #:
9 of 18
a sharer by lot, i.e., inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπαγγελίας
of promise
G1860
ἐπαγγελίας
of promise
Strong's:
G1860
Word #:
11 of 18
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀμετάθετον
the immutability
G276
ἀμετάθετον
the immutability
Strong's:
G276
Word #:
13 of 18
unchangeable, or (neuter as abstract) unchangeability
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βουλῆς
counsel
G1012
βουλῆς
counsel
Strong's:
G1012
Word #:
15 of 18
volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 18
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
Cross References
Hebrews 6:18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:Proverbs 19:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Hebrews 11:9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:Isaiah 55:11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.Isaiah 14:24The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:Psalms 110:4The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.Psalms 33:11The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.John 10:10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.Hebrews 6:12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.Hebrews 6:16For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
Historical Context
The 'heirs of promise' initially referred to Isaac, then Israel, now includes all who believe (Galatians 3:29). God's oath to Abraham extends to all his spiritual descendants.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the unchangeableness of God's counsel affect your assurance of salvation?
- Why did God add an oath to His already certain word, and what does this reveal about His character?
Analysis & Commentary
God 'interposed with an oath' (Greek 'emesiteusen' - mediated with an oath) to show the 'unchangeableness of His counsel' to the 'heirs of promise.' God's purpose ('boulē') is immutable - He doesn't change His mind (Numbers 23:19). The oath adds nothing to God's truthfulness but accommodates human weakness. Reformed theology sees this as demonstrating God's condescension and the security of election - God's purpose to save His chosen cannot fail.