Hebrews 6 16

Hebrews 6:16 kjv

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

Hebrews 6:16 nkjv

For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute.

Hebrews 6:16 niv

People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.

Hebrews 6:16 esv

For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation.

Hebrews 6:16 nlt

Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding.

Hebrews 6 verses

Hebrews 6 16 Meaning

Hebrews 6:16 states a universal human practice: when people make an oath to settle a dispute or confirm a matter, they swear by someone or something greater than themselves. This solemn act, appealing to a higher authority, serves to authenticate their statement and definitively conclude all disagreement or contention regarding the truth of the matter. This verse sets the foundational understanding for why God's oath, specifically mentioned in the verses that follow, holds ultimate and unquestionable authority.

Hebrews 6 16 Context

Hebrews 6:16 is a transitional verse within a crucial section of the epistle. Immediately preceding it (Heb 6:4-8) is a stern warning about the danger of apostasy for those who have experienced God's truth. Following this warning, the author shifts to express confidence in the readers' salvation (Heb 6:9-12), reminding them of God's justice and faithfulness. Verse 13 then introduces God's promise to Abraham, sealed with an oath. Hebrews 6:16 explains the human custom of oath-taking, particularly how oaths function to resolve disputes and confirm statements by appealing to a higher authority. This explanation is crucial to help the audience understand the extraordinary significance of God's subsequent act: swearing an oath by Himself (Heb 6:17). The overall argument of Hebrews at this point is to provide strong assurance to believers by highlighting the immutability of God's character and promises, ultimately pointing to Christ as the anchor of our hope. For the original Jewish-Christian audience, accustomed to the legal and religious weight of oaths, this argument would powerfully underscore the absolute certainty of God's covenant promises.

Hebrews 6 16 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): This conjunction signifies a causal relationship, introducing an explanation for the preceding statement (God's oath to Abraham in Heb 6:13). It explains why the oath is a powerful means of confirmation.
• men (ἄνθρωποι - anthrōpoi): Refers to human beings in general, establishing a universal custom or practice observed among people. This contrasts with God's unique ability to swear by Himself.
• swear (ὀμνύουσι - omnyousi): From omnȳmi, meaning "to swear, to take an oath." It implies a solemn declaration, often involving an appeal to a higher power or sacred entity as a witness or guarantor of truth.
• by one greater (κατὰ τοῦ μείζονος - kata tou meizonos): Literally "according to the greater," referring to an entity or authority perceived as superior, mightier, or more truthful than the oath-taker. For Jews, this ultimate "greater" was always God (Deut 6:13). The act of swearing by something greater elevates the statement above mere human assertion.
• and (καὶ - kai): Connects the act of swearing with its purpose and outcome.
• the oath (τῆς ὁρκωμοσίας - tēs horkōmosias): A formal swearing, a solemn pledge, often associated with legal or covenantal contexts. It represents the confirmed, binding nature of the declaration.
• is an end (πέρας - peras): Signifies "the end, conclusion, limit, termination." Once an oath is taken concerning a disputed matter, the matter is considered settled and conclusive.
• for confirmation (εἰς βεβαίωσιν - eis bebaiōsin): Refers to "establishing, guaranteeing, making firm or sure." The oath provides undeniable assurance and solidifies the truth of the statement.
• of every dispute (πάσης ἀντιλογίας - pasēs antilogias): Literally "every gainsaying, contradiction, opposition, argument, or controversy." The purpose of a solemnly sworn oath is to eliminate all grounds for further argument or doubt regarding the matter in question.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For men swear by one greater": This highlights the fundamental human custom. People seek to authenticate their claims by invoking an authority beyond themselves, implicitly acknowledging human fallibility and the need for a higher guarantor of truth. This sets up the unique nature of God's oath by Himself, as He has no greater to swear by (Heb 6:13).
• "and the oath is an end": This phrase captures the legal and social function of an oath. It doesn't just add weight; it concludes the matter. It terminates contention, removing grounds for ongoing debate or disbelief.
• "for confirmation of every dispute": This defines the specific outcome and benefit of the oath. Its purpose is to provide an absolute and undisputed certainty that resolves all disagreements. It transforms a doubtful claim into an assured fact in the eyes of those present. The "every dispute" emphasizes the oath's comprehensive power in resolving controversy.

Hebrews 6 16 Bonus section

The concept of an oath bringing "an end to all argument" points to the covenantal nature of God's relationship with humanity. Just as human covenants were sealed with oaths to signify their binding nature and finality, God's self-sworn oath elevates His promises to the level of ultimate, unquestionable, and immutable divine law. It emphasizes His perfect integrity; God cannot lie or deny Himself, thus His oath becomes the ultimate demonstration of His faithfulness and His unchangeable purpose for those He has called (Heb 6:17-18). This principle directly combats any wavering faith or doubt, reassuring believers of the steadfastness of God's Word.

Hebrews 6 16 Commentary

Hebrews 6:16 acts as a didactic explanation, laying the groundwork for understanding the supreme certainty of God's promises. It first grounds its argument in a commonly understood human practice: when seeking to finalize a matter or end an argument, people appeal to a superior authority by swearing an oath. This custom brings undeniable confirmation and resolution. By stating this, the author subtly elevates God's unique oath-taking ability, implying that if a human oath by a "greater" is binding, how much more potent and immutable is an oath sworn by God Himself (Heb 6:13, 17-18), who is the absolute ultimate authority, and can swear by none greater than Himself. This demonstrates God's gracious condescension to assure His people, providing a double guarantee—His unfailing promise and His unbreakable oath—to anchor the believer's hope and banish all doubt, offering unshakeable certainty amidst trials or wavering faith. For example, if a builder promises to complete a house and then swears on his life to deliver, his clients receive an intensified assurance. How much more so for God's eternal promises to us when sealed by His oath.