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

HEBREWS 6:16KJV
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Hebrews 6:16 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 6:16 mean?

Hebrews 6:16 explains that people commonly swear oaths by someone greater than themselves, and such an oath settles any dispute or argument. The verse uses this everyday practice to illustrate how an oath serves as a final confirmation, ending all debate.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians, reminding them of a familiar custom: when people want to guarantee their word, they swear by a higher authority. This verse sets up the point that God, in making promises, also used an oath to show absolute certainty, which is discussed in the surrounding verses.

The Greek behind Hebrews 6:16

  • ὁρκίζω (horkizō, "swear"): This word means to take an oath, usually invoking someone or something greater as a witness. The verse highlights how oaths were considered binding and serious in ancient society.
  • βεβαίωσις (bebaiōsis, "confirmation"): This term refers to something that makes a statement firm or secure. Here, it shows that an oath was the strongest way to confirm a promise or end an argument.
  • πέρας (peras, "end"): This word means the conclusion or final point. The verse emphasizes that once an oath is given, the matter is settled and there is no more room for dispute.

Why Hebrews 6:16 matters

  • Hebrews 6:16 clarifies that oaths were not taken lightly in the ancient world; they were the ultimate guarantee in settling disagreements.
  • The verse prepares the reader to understand the seriousness of God's own oath in the verses that follow, showing that God went to the greatest lengths to assure His promise.
  • This background helps modern readers see why the author uses the example of human oaths to explain the certainty and reliability of God’s promises.

Where else these words appear

“confirmation” Greek G951 · used in 2 verses

  • Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

“end” Greek G4009 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
  • Luke 11:31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
  • Romans 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

“strife” Greek G485 · used in 4 verses

  • Hebrews 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
  • Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
  • Jude 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

“oath” Greek G3727 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
  • Matthew 26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
  • Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;