Hebrews 6:13

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Hebrews 6:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself,

King James Version KJV

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

American Standard Version ASV

For when God made promise to Abraham, since he could swear by none greater, he sware by himself,

Bible in Basic English BBE

For when God made his oath to Abraham, because there was no greater oath, he made it by himself,

Free Bible Version FBV

When God gave his promise to Abraham he could swear by no one greater so he took an oath on himself,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For when God made the promise to Abraham, because he had no greater to sweare by, he sware by himselfe,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For to Abraham God, having made promise, seeing He was able to swear by no greater, did swear by Himself,

World English Bible WEB

For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For God making promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom he might swear, swore by himself,

Translation for Translators T4T

When God promised to do things for Abraham, he said that he would punish himself if he did not do that, because there was no one of greater importance to ask to punish him if he did not do it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 6:13

BAB

Word Study

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Hebrews 6:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK τω γαρ αβρααμ επαγγειλαμενος ο θεος επει κατ ουδενος ειχεν μειζονος ομοσαι ωμοσεν καθ εαυτου

τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSM

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

αβρααμ Abraam G11 Abraham Noun-PRI

επαγγειλαμενος epangellō G1861 to profess Verb-ADP-NSM

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

θεος theos G2316 God Noun-NSM

επει epei G1893 since Conj

κατ kata G2596 according to Prep

ουδενος oudeis G3762 none Adj-GSM-N

ειχεν echō G2192 to have/be Verb-IAI-3S

μειζονος megas G3173 great Adj-GSM-C

ομοσαι omnumi G3660 to swear Verb-AAN

ωμοσεν omnumi G3660 to swear Verb-AAI-3S

καθ kata G2596 according to Prep

εαυτου heautou G1438 themself F-3GSM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 6:13

τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

αβρααμ Abraam G11 "Abraham" Noun-PRI

Abraham was a Hebrew patriarch, mentioned in Matthew 1:1 and other passages. He is considered the father of the Jewish nation and is an important figure in the Bible. Abraham's story is told in the book of Genesis.

Definition: Ἀβραάμ (Heb. אַבְרָהָם), ὁ, indecl. (in FlJ, Ἄβραμος, -ου; MM, VGT, see word), Abraham (Gen.17:5 al.): Mat.1:1, 2 al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 69 NT verses. KJV: Abraham See also: 1 Peter 3:6; John 8:52; Hebrews 2:16.

επαγγειλαμενος epangellō G1861 "to profess" Verb-ADP-NSM

To profess means to announce or declare something about oneself. In the Bible, it can mean to make a promise, like in Romans 4:21 and Hebrews 6:13.

Definition: ἐπ-αγγέλλω [in LXX: Est.4:8 (אָמַר), Pro.13:12, Wis.2:13, al. ;] __1. to announce, proclaim. __2. (a) to promise; __(b) to profess. Mid., also frequently in both these senses; __(with) to promise: with dab. of person(s), Heb.6:13; with accusative of thing(s), Rom.4:21, Tit.1:2; with dative of person(s) and accusative of thing(s), Jas.1:12 2:5, 2Pe.2:19; ἐπαγγελίαν, 1Jn.2:25; with inf., Mrk.14:11, Act.7:5; before λέγων, Heb.12:26; ptcp., Heb.10:23 11:11; __(d) to profess: θεοσέβειαν, 1Ti.2:10; γνῶσιν, 1Ti.6:21. Pass., Gal.3:19 (cf. προ-επαγγέλλω; and see Cremer, 26).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: profess, (make) promise See also: 1 John 2:25; Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews 6:13.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θεος theos G2316 "God" Noun-NSM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

επει epei G1893 "since" Conj

Since refers to a point in time or a cause, as seen in Matthew 18:32 and 21:46. This word is used to describe a reason or a time. It appears in various Bible passages to introduce a cause or a time.

Definition: ἐπεί conj. (ἐπί, εἰ), when, since; __1. of time, when, after: Luk.7:1 (Rec., WH, mg.). __2. Of cause, since, because: Mat.18:32 21:46 27:6, Mrk.15:42, Luk.1:34, Jhn.13:29 19:31, Act.13:46 (Rec., WH, mg.), 1Co.14:12, 2Co.11:18 13:3, Heb.5:2, 11 6:13 9:17 11:11; ἐ. οὖν, Heb.2:14 4:6. With ellipsis, otherwise, else: Rom.11:6, 22, Heb.9:26; ἐ. ἄρα, 1Co.5:10 7:14; introducing a question, Rom.3:6, 1Co.14:16 15:29, Heb.10:2 (cf. 4Ma.1:33 4Mac 2:7 4Mac 2:10 4Mac 4:24-26).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 26 NT verses. KJV: because, else, for that (then, -asmuch as), otherwise, seeing that, since, when See also: 1 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 2:14.

κατ kata G2596 "according to" Prep

According to means following or matching something. In the Bible, it's used to talk about things happening in line with God's plan or will, like in Matthew 8:32 and Mark 5:13.

Definition: κατά (bef. a vowel κατ᾽, καθ᾽; on the frequently neglect of elision, see Tdf., Pr., 95; WH, App., 146a), prep. with genitive, accusative, down, downwards. __I. C. genitive (WM, §47, k; Bl., §42, 2). __1. C. genitive of thing(s), in local sense; __(a) down, down from: Mat.8:32, Mrk.5:13, Luk.8:33, 1Co.11:4; __(b) throughout (late usage; Bl, l.with): κ. ὅλης κ.τ.λ., Luk.4:14 23:5, Act.9:31 10:37; __(with) in a peculiar adjectival phrase: ἡ κ. βάθους, deep or extreme poverty, 2Co.8:2. __ __2. C. genitive of person(s), usually in hostile sense; __(a) against (in cl. only after verbs of speaking, witnessing, etc.): opposite to ὑπέρ, Mrk.9:40; μετά, Mat.12:30; after ἐπιθυμεῖν, Gal.5:17; λαλεῖν, Act.6:13; διδάσκειν, Act.21:28; ψεύδεσθαι, Jas.3:14; after verbs of accusing, etc., Mat.5:23, Luk.23:14, Rom.8:33, al.; verbs of fighting, prevailing, etc., Mat.10:35, Act.14:2, 1Co.4:6, al.; __(b) of swearing, by: όμνυμι κ. (BL, §34, 1), He 6:13,16, cf. Mat.26:63. __II. C. accusative (WM, §49d; BL, §42, 2). __1. Of motion or direction; __(a) through, throughout: Luk.8:39 9:6 10:4, Act.8:1, 36 al.; __(b) to, towards, over against: Luk.10:32 (Field, Notes, 62), Act.2:1o 16:7, Gal.2:11, Php.3:14, al.; __ __(with) in adverbial phrases, at, in, by, of: κατ᾽ οἶκον, at home, Act.2:46; κατ᾽ ἰδίαν (see: ἴδιος); καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Rom.14:22, Jas.2:17; with pron. of person(s), Act.17:28 18:15, Rom.1:15, Eph.1:15, al. __2. Of time, at, during, about: Act.8:26 12:1 19:23, Rom.9:9 Heb.1:10, al. __3. Distributive; __(a) of place: κ. τόποὐς, Mat.24:7, al.; κ. πόλιν, Luk.8:1, 4 al.; κ. ἐκκλησίαν, Act.14:23. __(b) of time: κ. ἔτος, Luk.2:41; ἑορτήν, Mat.27:15, al.; __(with) of numbers, etc.: καθ᾽ ἕνα πάντες, 1Co.14:31 (on καθ᾽ εἷς, see: εἷς); κ. ἑκατόν, Mrk.6:40; κ. μέρος, Heb.9:5; κ. ὄνομα, Jhn.10:3. __4. Of fitness, reference, conformity, etc.; __(a) in relation to, concerning: Rom.1:3, 4 7:22 9:3, 5, 1Co.12:6 10:18, Php.1:12; κ. πάντα, Act.17:22, Col.3:20, 22 Heb.2:17 4:15; __(b) according to, after, like: Mrk.7:5, Luk.2:27, 29 Jhn.7:24 Rom.8:4 14:15, Eph.2:2, Col.2:8, Jas.2:8, al. __III. In composition, κ. denotes, __1. down, down from (καταβαίνω), etc.), hence, metaphorically; __(a) victory or rule over (καταδουλόω, -κυριεύω, etc.); __(b) "perfective" action (M, Pr., 111ff.). __2. under (κατακαλύπτω), etc.). __3. in succession (καθεξῆς). __4. after, behind (καταλείπω). __5. Hostility, against (καταλαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 435 NT verses. KJV: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 10:37; 1 Peter 1:2.

ουδενος oudeis G3762 "none" Adj-GSM-N

This word means 'none' or 'nobody', used in Luke 4:24 and Romans 8:1 to emphasize the absence of something or someone. It's a strong way to say that nothing or no one is present or available.

Definition: οὐδείς, -δεμία, -δέν (also in WH, txt., the Hellenistic forms -θείς, -θέν, Luk.22:35 23:14, Act.15:9 19:27 26:26, 1Co.13:2, 2Co.11:8; cf. BL, §6, 7; M, Pr., 56n, Thackeray, Gr., 58), related to μηδείς as οὐ to μή, no, no one, none: with nouns, Luk.4:24, Jhn.10:41, Rom.8:1, al.; absol., Mat.6:24, Mrk.3:27, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:18, Act.18:10, Rom.14:7, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Luk.4:26, Jhn.13:28, al.; neut., οὐδέν, Mat.10:26, al.; id. with genitive partit., Luk.9:36, Act.18:17, al.; οὐδὲν εἰ μή, Mat.5:13, Mrk.9:29, al.; with neg., strengthening the negation, Mrk.15:4, 5 Luk.4:2, Jhn.3:27, al.; adverbially, Act.25:10, Gal.4:12, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 223 NT verses. KJV: any (man), aught, man, neither any (thing), never (man), no (man), none (+ of these things), not (any, at all, -thing), nought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; John 10:18; Hebrews 2:8.

ειχεν echō G2192 "to have/be" Verb-IAI-3S

This Greek word means to have or hold something, like a possession or ability. It is used in many ways, such as having power or being with someone. The Bible uses it in Revelation 5:8 and 14:6.

Definition: ἔχω, [in LXX for אָצֵל (ἐχόμενος), יֵשׁ,בַּעַל, etc., 59 words in all ;] (on the Aktionsart of the various tenses, see M, Pr., 110, 145, 150, 183), to have, as in cl., in various senses and constructions. __I. Trans.; __1. 1. to have, hold, hold fast, etc.; __(a) to hold, as, in the hand: Rev.5:8 14:6, al.; ἐν τ. χειρί, Rev.1:16 10:2, al.; __(b) of arms and clothing, = φέρω, φορέω, to bear, wear: Mat.3:4 22:12, al.; so frequently present ptcp. (LS, see word, A, I, 6; Bl., 74, 2), Mrk.11:13, Jhn.18:10, Rev.9:17, al.; __(with) of a woman, ἐν γαστρὶ ἔ, to be with child: Mrk.13:17, Rom.9:10; __(d) to hold fast, keep: Luk.19:20; metaphorically, of the mind and conduct, Mrk.16:8 (cf. Job.21:6, Isa.13:8; Deiss., BS, 293; Field, Notes, 44f.), Jhn.14:21, Rom.1:28, 1Ti.3:9, 2Ti.1:13, Rev.6:9, al.; __(e) to involve: Heb.10:35 (LXX), Jas.1:4, 1Jn.4:18; (f) = Lat. habere (Bl., §34, 5; 73, 5), to hold, consider: with accusative and predic. ptcp., Luk.14:18; with accusative, before ὡς, Mat.14:5; εἰς (Hebraism), Mat.21:46; on (Bl., §70, 2), Mrk.11:32. __2. to have, possess; __(a) in general, with accusative of thing(s): Mat.19:22, Mrk.10:22, Luk.12:19, Jhn.10:16, 1Co.11:22, al.; of wealth or poverty, absol., ἔχειν (neg. οὐκ, μή), Mat.13:12 25:29, 2Co.8:12; ἐκ τ. ἔχειν, according to your means, 2Co.8:11; __(b) of relationship, association, and: πατέρα, Jhn.8:41; γυναῖκα (MM, xiv), 1Co.7:2; φίλον, Luk.11:5; βασιλέα, Jhn.19:15; ποιμένα, Mat.9:36; with dupl. accusative, Mat.3:9, al.; __(with) of parts or members: ὦτα, Mat.19:15; μέλη, Rom.12:4; θεμελίους, __(d) with accusative, as periphrasis of verb: μνεῖαν ἔ. (= μεμνῆσθαι), 1Th.3:6; ἀγάπην, Jhn.13:35; γνῶσιν, 1Co.8:1; πεποίθησιν, 2Co.3:4; θλίψιν, Jhn.16:33, etc. (Thayer, see word, I, 2, f., g.); __(e) of duty, necessity, etc.: ἀνάγκην, 1Co.7:37; νόμον, Jhn.19:7; ἐπιταγήν, 1Co.7:25; ἀγῶνα, Php.1:30; κρίμα, 1Ti.5:12; __(f) of complaints and disputes; κατά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.5:23, Mrk.11:25; id. before ὅτι, Rev.2:4, 20; with accusative before πρός, Act.24:19, al.; __(g) with inf., __(α) (cl.) to be able (Field, Notes, 14): Mat.18:25, Mrk.14:8 (sc. ποιῆσαι), Luk.12:4, Act.4:14, al; __(β) of necessity (BL, §69, 4): Luk.12:50, Act.23:17-19 28:19. __II. Intrans. (BL, §53, 1), to be in a certain condition: ἑτοίμως ἔ., with inf., Act.21:13, 2Co.12:14; ἐσχάτως (which see), Mrk.5:23; κακῶς, to be ill, Mat.4:24, al.; καλῶς, Mk 16:[18]; κομψότερον, Jhn.4:52; πῶς, Act.15:36; impers., ἄλλως εἴχει, it is otherwise, 1Ti.5:25; οὕτως, Act.7:1, al.; τὸ νῦν ἔχον, as things now are (Tob.7:11), Act.24:25. __III. Mid., -ομαι, to hold oneself fast, hold on or cling to, be next to: with genitive, τ. ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας, Heb.6:9 (Rendall, in l.); ptcp., ὁ ἐχόμενος, near, next: of place, Mrk.1:38; of time, τ. ἐχομένη (ἡμέρα, expressed or understood), Luk.13:33, Act.20:15 21:26; (σαββάτῳ), Act.13:44. (Cf. ἀν-, προσ-αν-, ἀντ-, ἀπ-, ἐν-, ἐπ-, κατ-, μετ-, παρ-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπερ-, ὑπ-έχω.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 628 NT verses. KJV: be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use See also: 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:12.

μειζονος megas G3173 "great" Adj-GSM-C

The Greek word for great, describing something big or intense, like a large stone in Matthew 2:60 or a strong wind in John 6:18. It's used to show importance or magnitude. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's power and love.

Definition: μέγας, μεγάλη, μέγα, [in LXX chiefly for גָּדוֹל, also for מַרְבֶּה ,רַב (incl. μείζων), רֹב (μέγιστος) ;] great; __1. of external form, bodily size, measure, extent: λίθος, Mat.2:60; δράκων, Rev.12:3; ἰχθῦς, Jhn.21:11; πόλις, Rev.11:8; μάχαιρα, Rev.6:4, al. __2. Of intensity and degree: δύναμις, Act.4:33; φόβος, Mrk.4:41; ἀγάπη, Jhn.15:13; ἄνεμος, 'ib. 6:18; κραυγή, Act.23:9; φῶς, Mat.4:16; πυρετός, Luk.4:38; θλίψις, Mat.24:21. __3. Of rank; __(a) of persons: θεός (MM, xvi), Tit.2:13; Ἄρτεμις, Act.19:27; compar. (see infr.), Mat.18:1 (cf. Dalman, Words, 113f.); neut. for masc. (Bl., §32, 1), Mat.12:6; __(b) of things: ἁμαρτία, Jhn.19:11; μυστήριον, Eph.5:32; = μεγίστη (see infr., and cf. Field, Notes, 16f.), Mat.22:36; compar. for superl. (M, Pr., 78), 1Co.13:13. __4. __(a) Compar., μείζων: Mat.11:11 23:17, al.; neut. pl., μείζονα, contr. μείζω, Jhn.1:51; double compar., μειζότερος (M, Pr., 236; Bl., §11, 4), III Jo 4; __(b) superl, μέγιστος (Deiss., BS, 365), 2Pe.1:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 227 NT verses. KJV: (+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years See also: 1 Corinthians 9:11; Luke 22:27; Hebrews 4:14.

ομοσαι omnumi G3660 "to swear" Verb-AAN

To swear means to take or declare an oath, as seen in Matthew 26:74 and Mark 14:71. It involves affirming something by oath, often with a promise or commitment.

Definition: ὀμνύω (so Hdt. and some Att.. writers) and ὄμνυμι (so generally in Att.. prose and always in Trag.; Mrk.14:71, -ύναι), [in LXX chiefly for שָׁבַע ni. ;] to swear, affirm by oath: Mat.26:74, Mrk.14:71, Heb.7:21; before εἰ (q.v), Heb.3:11 4:3; with dative of person(s), Mrk.6:23; id. with inf., Heb.3:18; before ὅρκῳ, Act.2:30; ὀ. ὅρκον, πρός, with accusative of person(s) (cl.), Luk.1:73; with accusative (of that by which one swears; cl., see MM, xviii), Jas.5:12; before κατά, with genitive (LXX; Bl., § 34, 1), Heb.6:13, 16; before ἐν (εἰς), as in Heb. (El., § 39, 4), Mat.5:34, 36 23:16, 18 23:20-22 Rev.10:6 (Bl., § 70, 3).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: swear See also: Acts 2:30; Mark 6:23; Hebrews 3:11.

ωμοσεν omnumi G3660 "to swear" Verb-AAI-3S

To swear means to take or declare an oath, as seen in Matthew 26:74 and Mark 14:71. It involves affirming something by oath, often with a promise or commitment.

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: swear See also: Acts 2:30; Mark 6:23; Hebrews 3:11.

καθ kata G2596 "according to" Prep

According to means following or matching something. In the Bible, it's used to talk about things happening in line with God's plan or will, like in Matthew 8:32 and Mark 5:13.

εαυτου heautou G1438 "themself" F-3GSM

This reflexive pronoun means 'themself' or 'themselves', referring back to the subject of a sentence, as in Matthew 27:42 and Luke 23:35.

Definition: ἑαυτοῦ, -ῆς, -οῦ, dative -ῷ, etc., accusative -όν, etc., pi. -ῶν, etc. (Att. contr. αὑτοῦ, etc); reflex pron.; __1. prop, of 3rd person (Lat. sui, sibi, se), of himself, herself, itself, etc.: Mat.27:42, Mrk.15:31, Luk.23:35, al.; added to a middle verb, διεμερίσαντο ἑαυτοῖς, Jhn.19:24; to an active verb, Act.14:14 (M, Pr., 157); ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, Luk.12:57 21:30, Jhn.5:19, al. (see: ἀπό); δι᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, Rom.14:14; ἐν ἑ., Mat.3:9, Mrk.5:30, al.; εἰς ἑ., Luk.15:17; καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Jas.2:17; παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ, at his own house, 1Co.16:2; πρὸς ἑ., with, to himself, Luk.18:11; as poss. pron. (with emphasis weakened; see M, Pr., 87f.), τ. ἑαυτῶν νεκρούς, Luk.9:60. __2. As reflexive 1st and 2nd of person(s) (so also frequently in cl., chiefly poetry), Mat.23:31, Mrk.9:50, Rom.8:23, 1Th.2:8, al. __3. In pl., for reciprocal pron., ἀλλήλων, -οις, -ους, of one another, etc.: Mat.21:38, Mrk.16:3, Eph.5:19, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 306 NT verses. KJV: alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:12.

Study Notes — Hebrews 6:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Hebrews 6:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 6:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 6:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 6:13
Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 6:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 6:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 6:13
Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 6:13
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 6:13
Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 6:13
Sermons on Hebrews 6:13

Context — God’s Unchangeable Promise

11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

13When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself,

14saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply your descendants.” 15And so Abraham, after waiting patiently, obtained the promise.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 22:15–18	And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time, saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
2	Luke 1:73	the oath He swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
3	Jeremiah 22:5	But if you do not obey these words, then I swear by Myself, declares the LORD, that this house will become a pile of rubble.’”
4	Psalms 105:9–10	the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:
5	Hebrews 6:16–18	Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.
6	Micah 7:20	You will show faithfulness to Jacob and loving devotion to Abraham, as You swore to our fathers from the days of old.
7	Isaiah 45:23	By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.
8	Jeremiah 49:13	For by Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that Bozrah will become a desolation, a disgrace, a ruin, and a curse, and all her cities will be in ruins forever.”
9	Ezekiel 32:13	I will slaughter all her cattle beside the abundant waters. No human foot will muddy them again, and no cattle hooves will disturb them.

Hebrews 6:13 Summary

[Hebrews 6:13 tells us that when God made a promise to Abraham, He swore by Himself because there was no one greater for Him to swear by. This shows us that God is absolutely committed to keeping His promises, and we can trust Him completely, just like Abraham did. As it says in Psalm 89:35, God's promises are guaranteed by His own faithfulness, and we can rely on Him to keep His word, as seen in Romans 4:20-22.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God swear by Himself when making a promise to Abraham?

God swore by Himself because there was no one greater for Him to swear by, demonstrating His absolute commitment to keeping His promises, as seen in Hebrews 6:13 and supported by Isaiah 45:23 and Psalm 89:35.

What does it mean for God to swear by Himself?

When God swears by Himself, it means He is guaranteeing the truth and reliability of His promise, as He is the ultimate authority and cannot lie, as stated in Titus 1:2 and Hebrews 6:18.

Is God's promise to Abraham still relevant today?

Yes, God's promise to Abraham is still relevant today, as it points to the eternal and unchanging nature of God's character and His faithfulness to His people, as seen in Romans 11:29 and Galatians 3:29.

How does God's promise to Abraham relate to our lives as believers?

God's promise to Abraham serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and commitment to His people, encouraging us to trust in His promises and live by faith, as seen in Romans 4:20-22 and Hebrews 11:13-16.

Reflection Questions

What does God's decision to swear by Himself reveal about His character and commitment to keeping promises?
How can I apply the concept of God's self-guarantee to my own life and relationships with others?
In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's promises, just as Abraham did?
What are some promises in Scripture that I can cling to in times of uncertainty or doubt?

Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 6:13

For when God made promise to Abraham,.... The apostle proposes Abraham as a pattern, because he was the father of these Hebrews, and of all believers; and because they were interested in the promise

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 6:13

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, For - Reasonableness of resting on "the promises" as infallibly sure; for they rest on God's oath: instance of Abraham.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 6:13

For when God made promise to Abraham: for is a confirmation by instance, that faith and patience had made some to inherit the promises, as Abraham, and what was influencing of him in the exercising them, viz. God’ s promise and oath. God Almighty, who was as able to perform as to make a promise, , having made a promise to Abraham the father of believers, that he wonld communicate some temporal and spiritual good, which by it he gave him a right to, and bound himself to perform, which summarily was Christ the Redeemer to be of his seed, and Isaac his immediate seed to be a type of him; this promise at the offering up of his son Isaac God confirms to him by oath. Because he could swear by no greater: an oath is to be made by the greatest, who is able to make good all, and to judge after his will; by nothing under or beneath God must there be any swearing. He sware by himself, as the best and greatest, Jehovah himself confirming that which was evident and certain by that which was most so: a strange condescension of God the Son, the Angel of the covenant, to a creature, to lift up his hand to eternity, and to lay it on the altar of his infinite and unchangeable being, to pawn and pledge his Deity, that he might give the highest assurance; and is willing that it shall be forfeited and lost, if Abraham fall short of what he hath promised to him: see the oath, ; an oath confirming the covenant of grace to all believers as firmly as to Abraham.

Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 6:13

13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Ver. 13. For when God made promise] Of those many that by faith and patience had inherited the promises, the apostle instanceth in Abraham, famous both for his faith in God’ s promise, Hebrews 6:13, and for his patience, Hebrews 6:15.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 6:13

(13) The connection seems to be this: “You, like them, have promises—promises to which God has given all possible certainty; you, like them, can attain the fulfilment only through faith and patient waiting.” For when God made promise.—It is better to follow the words literally, For when to Abraham God had made promise. Abraham is chosen for special mention as the most illustrious example of those who “inherit the promises” (comp. John 8:58); also because (1) the assurance given to him was confirmed by oath; and (2) in it lay included the promise of the Christ. The promises made to Abraham were essentially one, with various parts progressively fulfilled. It seems likely that, though the next verse is quoted from Genesis 22:17, the writer also has in mind (“had promised”) Genesis 12:3, and especially Genesis 15.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 6:13

Verse 13. When God made promise to Abraham] The promise referred to is that made to Abraham when he had offered his son Isaac on the altar, Genesis 22:16-18: "By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord; for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thy only son; that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." Of this promise the apostle only quotes a part, as is generally the case, because he knew that his readers were well acquainted with the Scriptures of the Old Testament, and particularly with the law. He sware by himself] He pledged his eternal power and Godhead for the fulfilment of the promise; there was no being superior to himself to whom he could make appeal, or by whom he could be bound, therefore he appeals to and pledges his immutable truth and Godhead.

Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 6:13

13. For when God] The “for” implies “and you may feel absolute confidence about the promises; for,” &c.made promise to Abraham] Abraham is here only selected as “the father of the faithful” (Romans 4:13); and not as the sole example of persevering constancy, but as an example specially illustrious (Calvin).because he could swear by no greater] In the Jewish treatise Berachoth (f. 32.1) Moses is introduced as saying to God, “Hadst thou sworn by Heaven and Earth, I should have said They will perish, and therefore so may Thy oath; but as Thou hast sworn by Thy great name, that oath shall endure for ever.”he sware by himself] “By myself have I sworn” (Genesis 22:16). “God sweareth not by another,” says Philo, in a passage of which this may be a reminiscence—“for nothing is superior to Himself—but by Himself, Who is best of all” (De Leg, Alleg. iii. 72). There are other passages in Philo which recall the reasoning of this clause (Opp. i. 622, ii. 39).

Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 6:13

For when God made promise to Abraham - That he would bless him, and multiply his seed as the stars of heaven; Genesis 22:16-17.

Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 6:13

13. Promise to Abraham—To illustrate that infinite promise of God to faith which insures to the militant Church its eternal triumph, our author, as in the Epistle to the Romans, goes back to the

Sermons on Hebrews 6:13

	Sermon	Description
	Why Will You Die? by Achille Blaize	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He highlights that God issues a universal invitation to all people to turn from thei
	(Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Soul by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the analysis of man according to the Bible. Over the past ten weeks, the preacher has covered various aspects of man, including memory, under
	God Is in Control by James MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham and how God made a covenant with him. He recounts the moment when God appeared to Abraham in a deep sleep and made a pro
	Imperatives - a Right Standpoint by Devern Fromke	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need for a proper vessel or vehicle to contain and express the life that God is pouring forth. He uses the analogy of the Hoover Dam to il
	(Saved Through the Fire) 10 - the Hope of the Promise by Milton Green	In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the story of Abram and how God called him out of his land to inherit a new land. The speaker emphasizes that Abram confessed to bei
	Permanency of the Covenant by Bill Stafford	Bill Stafford emphasizes the permanency of God's covenant, explaining that it is everlasting because it is rooted in God's unchanging nature and His promises. He illustrates how Go
	Christian Hope: The Real Nature by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Luke's Gospel, specifically chapter 8, verse 4. He then proceeds to explain the parable of the sower and the different types of