Hebrews 6:16

People, of course, swear by what is greater than themselves, and with them an oath is accepted as putting a matter beyond all dispute.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

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

In Context

15And so, after patiently waiting, Abraham obtained the fulfillment of God’s promise.

17And therefore God, in his desire to show, with unmistakable plainness, to those who were to enter on the enjoyment of what he had promised, the unchangeableness of his purpose, bound himself with an oath.

Read all of Hebrews 6

Cross References

Genesis 14:22But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth,

Genesis 21:24Abraham said, “I swear it.”

Genesis 31:53The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor” (the God of their ancestors) “judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.

Joshua 9:15Joshua made peace with them and made a treaty with them to spare their lives, and the leaders of the community swore an oath to them.

Hebrews 6:13When God gave his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater by whom he could swear, he swore by himself.

Matthew Henry on Hebrews 6:10-20

Cautions against Apostasy; The Divine Promise and Oath. ( a. d. 62.) 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Hebrews 6:16