Hebrews 6:16

Translations

Modern

Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.

Traditional

For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.

Literal

For men swear by the greater, and of all their disputes, an end for confirmation is the oath,

Latin

Homines enim per majorem sui jurant: et omnis controversiæ eorum finis, ad confirmationem, est juramentum.

Original

Greek

English

Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.

Notes

Hebrews 6:16

In human relationships, when people take an oath, it is considered binding. If oaths assure truth among humans, an oath from God should inspire even more confidence (Hebrews 6:17–19).
someone greater than themselves: Compare with 6:13.

Hebrews 6:13–20

This passage highlights how we can trust God's promises. It uses an example (Hebrews 6:13 –15), then explains a general rule (6:16), and finally makes the main point: God made an important promise (6:17 –18). This promise gives us hope because it shows Jesus is our eternal high priest (6:19 –20).

Hebrews 5:11–6:20

After starting to talk about the role of Jesus as high priest (Hebrews 5:1 –10), the author addresses the audience with several encouragements (5:11–6:20). This change in the sermon or speech aimed to capture the listeners' attention.

Theme notes and profiles

God’s Word The Cities of Refuge

Related verses

Exodus 22:11
…an oath before the LORD shall be made between the parties to determine whether or not the man has taken his neighbor’s property. The owner must accept the oath and require no restitution.
Hebrews 6:13
When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself,
Genesis 21:30–31
He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.”
Ezekiel 17:16–20
‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who enthroned him, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke.
Genesis 31:53
May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.
Genesis 21:23
Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.”
Genesis 14:22
But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,
Joshua 9:15–20
And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.
2 Samuel 21:2
At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.)
Matthew 23:20–22
So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Hebrews, Letter to the Inheritance Mediate, Mediator Melchisedec Oath

Topics

Contracts by Oaths God: Faithfulness of Oath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Oaths: The Lawful Purpose of, Explained Yes be Yes

Hebrews 6:16

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics