Hebrews 6:13

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

Hebrews 6:13 Meaning and Commentary

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 made to him, and had a right to the same blessing with him; and because he was remarkable for his faith and patience: the promise made to him is not that in ( Genesis 12:1-3 ) nor that in ( Genesis 15:1 Genesis 15:4 Genesis 15:5 Genesis 15:13 Genesis 15:14 ) but that in ( Genesis 22:16 Genesis 22:17 ) for that only had an oath annexed to it: and this was made by Jesus Christ, there called the Angel of the Lord, and here God; and who is truly and properly so; and than whom there is none greater; and who elsewhere, as here, is said to swear by himself, ( Isaiah 45:23 ) as follows:

because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself;
swearing is ascribed to a divine person after the manner of men, and in condescension to them; and who is never introduced swearing, but in matters of moment and of great importance; the note of Philo the Jew

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FOOTNOTES:

F14 on the passage in ( Genesis 22:16 ) from whence the following words are cited, is worthy of observation, being very near the apostle's words;

``well does he (God) confirm the promise with an oath, and with an oath that becomes God; for you see that God does not swear by another, for nothing is better than himself, but by himself, who is the best of all; but some have suggested as if it was inconvenient to swear, for an oath is taken for the sake of faith; but God alone is faithful''

F14 Leg. Allegor. l. 2. p. 98.

Hebrews 6:13 In-Context

11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end,

12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

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

14 saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you."

15 And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise.