Hebrews 6:13 Meaning and Explanation
“For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When God made His promise to Abraham, He swore by Himself, since there is no one greater by whom to swear.
What Does Hebrews 6:13 Mean?
To illustrate faith and patience, the writer turns to Abraham, the great example of one who waited and received. When God gave Abraham His promise, He confirmed it with an oath. Because there is no one greater than God, He could swear by nothing higher than Himself.
This is a striking picture of God's commitment. People swear by someone greater to guarantee their word; God, having no greater, stakes His own name and being on His promise. The point is the utter certainty of what God has pledged. If God Himself stands behind His word, then those who wait on His promises, as Abraham did, have the surest possible ground for hope.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrews 6:13
What does Hebrews 6:13 mean?
When God made His promise to Abraham, He swore by Himself, since there is no one greater by whom to swear.