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

HEBREWS 6:13KJV
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Hebrews 6:13 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 6:13 mean?

Hebrews 6:13 says that when God made a promise to Abraham, He swore by Himself because there was no one greater by whom He could swear. This verse highlights the absolute reliability of God's promise, showing that God used the highest possible guarantee—His own character.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians who may have been struggling with doubt. By reminding them of God's promise to Abraham, the writer points to a well-known example of God's faithfulness. The verse sets up the idea that God's promises are unbreakable, and that He alone stands as the ultimate authority behind His word.

The Greek behind Hebrews 6:13

  • "ἐπαγγελία" (epangelia, promise): This word means a solemn pledge or assurance. In this context, it refers specifically to God's commitment to Abraham, emphasizing that God's promises are not casual but deeply binding.
  • "ὤμοσεν" (ōmosen, he swore): This word means to take an oath. The verse stresses that God confirmed His promise with an oath, which was a serious and binding act in ancient times.
  • "καθ’ ἑαυτοῦ" (kath’ heautou, by Himself): This phrase means that God swore by His own being. Since there is nothing and no one greater than God, His own character is the highest authority He can appeal to.

Why Hebrews 6:13 matters

  • Hebrews 6:13 clears up any idea that God's promises are uncertain or dependent on anything outside Himself; the verse stresses that God's word is as sure as His own nature.
  • The verse connects the readers' faith to the story of Abraham, reminding them that the foundation of their hope is rooted in God's unchanging reliability, just as it was for Abraham.
  • This verse prepares the reader for the following verses, which further explain the unbreakable nature of God's promises and the assurance believers can have because of it.

Where else these words appear

“promise” Greek G1861 · used in 15 verses

  • Mark 14:11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
  • 1 Timothy 2:10 But(which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
  • Hebrews 12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

“swear” Greek G3660 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Matthew 23:22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
  • Hebrews 3:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)

“because” Greek G1893 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
  • Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

“greater” Greek G3187 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
  • Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
  • John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.