Hebrews 6:16
Verse
Context
God’s Unchangeable Promise
15And so Abraham, after waiting patiently, obtained the promise.16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.17So 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.
Sermons
F.B. Meyer
G.H. Lang
Timothy Tow
D.L. MoodySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Men verily swear by the greater - One who has greater authority; who can take cognizance of the obligation, and punish the breach of it. An oath for confirmation - "This observation teaches us," says Dr. Macknight, "that both promissory oaths concerning things lawful and in our power, and oaths for the confirmation of things doubtful, when required by proper authority, and taken religiously, are allowable under the Gospel."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
for confirmation--not to be joined, as English Version, to "an oath"; but to "an end" [ALFORD]. I prefer, "The oath is to them, in respect to confirmation (of one's solemn promise or covenant; as here, God's), an end of all contradiction (so the Greek is translated, Heb 12:3), or "gainsaying." This passage shows: (1) an oath is sanctioned even in the Christian dispensation as lawful; (2) that the limits to its use are, that it only be employed where it can put an end to contradiction in disputes, and for confirmation of a solemn promise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherein God, willing,.... Or "wherefore", as the Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it; that is, whereas an oath is used among men to confirm anything that might be doubted; therefore God, in condescension to the weakness of men, made use of one; being very desirous and determined, more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel; by which is meant, not the Gospel nor the ordinances of it, though these are sometimes called the counsel of God; but the decree of God, concerning the salvation of his people by Jesus Christ, which is immutable; as appears from the unchangeableness of his nature, the sovereignty of his will, the unsearchableness of his wisdom, the omnipotence of his arm, and the unconditionality of the thing decreed, and from that and the purpose of it being in Christ: and the immutability of this, God was willing to show "more abundantly" than in other purposes, though all God's purposes are unchangeable; or than had been shown to the Old Testament saints; and more than was necessary, had it not been for man's weakness: even to "the heirs of promise"; not any earthly temporal promise, but the promise of grace and glory; the promise of eternal life; the heirs of which are not only Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, or God's elect among the Jews, but all that are Christ's; who are justified by his righteousness, believe in him, and are the children of God; for as many as are such are heirs of eternal glory, and of the promise of it: and that the unchangeableness of God's purpose in saving them by Christ might be manifest to them, and be out of all doubt, he "confirmed it by an oath"; his counsel and purpose; he not only determined in his mind that he would save them, and promised it in his covenant; but he also, to confirm it the more to the persons concerned in it, if possible, annexed his oath to it; or "he interposed or acted the part of a Mediator by an oath"; which some refer to Christ's mediation between God and Abraham, when he swore unto him, as before observed; but rather it expresses the interposition of the oath between God's purpose and promise, and man's weakness: God did as it were bind himself by his oath, or lay himself under obligation, or become a surety, for the fulfilment of his purpose and promise; which shows the super-abounding grace of God, the weakness of man, and what reason the heirs of promise have to believe.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:16 It is a general principle in human relationships that when people take an oath, the oath is binding. If in human contexts oaths give assurance that something is true, an oath from God ought to inspire much greater confidence (6:17-19). • someone greater than themselves: Cp. 6:13.
Hebrews 6:16
God’s Unchangeable Promise
15And so Abraham, after waiting patiently, obtained the promise.16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.17So 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Gathered to His People
By F.B. Meyer0FaithEternal LifeGEN 25:8PSA 131:2HEB 6:16F.B. Meyer reflects on the life and legacy of Abraham, emphasizing his profound faith and the virtues that stemmed from it, such as courage, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Abraham's unwavering trust in God allowed him to navigate life's challenges and ultimately led to his revered status across cultures and generations. Meyer highlights that Abraham's death was not a tragic end but a joyful reunion with his people, illustrating the hope of eternal fellowship for believers. The sermon encourages listeners to cultivate a faith like Abraham's, which is rooted in a deep relationship with God and manifests in a life of virtue and love. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a complete surrender to God, trusting Him to produce a fruitful life.
Ideals and Realities
By G.H. Lang0GEN 18:19NUM 14:341SA 2:27PSA 106:26GAL 3:15HEB 6:16HEB 8:9G.H. Lang preaches about the importance of understanding the conditional nature of God's covenants with His people, emphasizing that while God's promises are sure in His purpose and willingness, the actual attainment of blessings is contingent upon human response and faith. The sermon delves into the concept of foreknowledge and foreordination, highlighting that God's foreknowledge does not equate to foreordination, and that human free will plays a role in the fulfillment of divine purposes. It also explores instances from the Bible where God's promises were revoked or altered based on human behavior, underscoring the principle that God's covenants are contingent upon human conduct.
Three More Twisted Jewish Sayings Refuted
By Timothy Tow0PRO 3:27MAT 5:37LUK 23:34ROM 12:19HEB 6:16JAS 2:15Timothy Tow preaches on the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:33-48, where Jesus refutes twisted Jewish sayings regarding oath-taking, honoring parents, revenge, and love for enemies. Jesus emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully from the heart, avoiding revenge, and loving both friends and enemies. He teaches that Christians should not only forgive but also give generously, showing practical expressions of love and forgiveness. By following Jesus' teachings on honest communication, non-retaliation, and love for enemies, believers can reflect God's perfection and bring glory to the Father in heaven.
Heaven: Its Hope
By D.L. Moody0NUM 20:13DEU 1:12PSA 31:20PSA 80:6ISA 40:30ACT 28:19HEB 6:16HEB 7:7HEB 12:3JUD 1:11The preacher delves into the concept of hostility, describing it as a word spoken against or defiance against authority, often involving strife and enmity. The term 'antilogia' is explored in various biblical contexts, emphasizing contradiction, controversy, and verbal defiance. The sermon highlights the endurance needed in the face of hostility, drawing parallels to historical figures like Winston Churchill and urging believers to never give up, but to consider Jesus who endured hostility from sinners. The importance of not growing weary and losing heart in the Christian walk is emphasized, with insights on how to find strength and hope in God's promises amidst spiritual weariness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Men verily swear by the greater - One who has greater authority; who can take cognizance of the obligation, and punish the breach of it. An oath for confirmation - "This observation teaches us," says Dr. Macknight, "that both promissory oaths concerning things lawful and in our power, and oaths for the confirmation of things doubtful, when required by proper authority, and taken religiously, are allowable under the Gospel."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
for confirmation--not to be joined, as English Version, to "an oath"; but to "an end" [ALFORD]. I prefer, "The oath is to them, in respect to confirmation (of one's solemn promise or covenant; as here, God's), an end of all contradiction (so the Greek is translated, Heb 12:3), or "gainsaying." This passage shows: (1) an oath is sanctioned even in the Christian dispensation as lawful; (2) that the limits to its use are, that it only be employed where it can put an end to contradiction in disputes, and for confirmation of a solemn promise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherein God, willing,.... Or "wherefore", as the Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it; that is, whereas an oath is used among men to confirm anything that might be doubted; therefore God, in condescension to the weakness of men, made use of one; being very desirous and determined, more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel; by which is meant, not the Gospel nor the ordinances of it, though these are sometimes called the counsel of God; but the decree of God, concerning the salvation of his people by Jesus Christ, which is immutable; as appears from the unchangeableness of his nature, the sovereignty of his will, the unsearchableness of his wisdom, the omnipotence of his arm, and the unconditionality of the thing decreed, and from that and the purpose of it being in Christ: and the immutability of this, God was willing to show "more abundantly" than in other purposes, though all God's purposes are unchangeable; or than had been shown to the Old Testament saints; and more than was necessary, had it not been for man's weakness: even to "the heirs of promise"; not any earthly temporal promise, but the promise of grace and glory; the promise of eternal life; the heirs of which are not only Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, or God's elect among the Jews, but all that are Christ's; who are justified by his righteousness, believe in him, and are the children of God; for as many as are such are heirs of eternal glory, and of the promise of it: and that the unchangeableness of God's purpose in saving them by Christ might be manifest to them, and be out of all doubt, he "confirmed it by an oath"; his counsel and purpose; he not only determined in his mind that he would save them, and promised it in his covenant; but he also, to confirm it the more to the persons concerned in it, if possible, annexed his oath to it; or "he interposed or acted the part of a Mediator by an oath"; which some refer to Christ's mediation between God and Abraham, when he swore unto him, as before observed; but rather it expresses the interposition of the oath between God's purpose and promise, and man's weakness: God did as it were bind himself by his oath, or lay himself under obligation, or become a surety, for the fulfilment of his purpose and promise; which shows the super-abounding grace of God, the weakness of man, and what reason the heirs of promise have to believe.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:16 It is a general principle in human relationships that when people take an oath, the oath is binding. If in human contexts oaths give assurance that something is true, an oath from God ought to inspire much greater confidence (6:17-19). • someone greater than themselves: Cp. 6:13.