Genesis 22:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The angel confirms Abraham's obedience by swearing an oath in God's name.
The Context of Genesis 22:16
The oath is God's binding commitment—the most solemn confirmation possible in ancient covenant language.
What Does Genesis 22:16 Mean?
The oath is God's binding commitment—the most solemn confirmation possible in ancient covenant language. By myself have I sworn indicates that God swears by nothing higher than God's own self. This is the ultimate guarantee of truthfulness.
Abraham's willingness to obey is acknowledged as the basis for God's covenant oath. The phrase for because shows that obedience is the reason God now confirms the covenant. Obedience has opened the way for blessing to flow fully from God to Abraham and his descendants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 22:16
What does Genesis 22:16 mean?
The angel confirms Abraham's obedience by swearing an oath in God's name.
What is the context of Genesis 22:16?
The oath is God's binding commitment—the most solemn confirmation possible in ancient covenant language.