Hebrews 6:13 - Printer Friendly

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

NIV: When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself,

NASB: For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear an oath by no one greater, He swore by Himself,

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

NLT: For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying:

KJV: For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

NKJV: For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,

In the prior passages, the writer of Hebrews has issued a warning. While the message was originally meant for persecuted Jewish Christians, the theme is relevant to all believers, even today. Those Christians who remain spiritually immature run the risk of falling to worldly pressure to compromise their faith. This results in God's judgment. At the same time, Christians who live out a Christ-like love for others have good reason to think they can move beyond such a condition. They are well equipped to grow in truth, as long as they recognize their need to do so.

This passage explains why Christians can have such a strong confidence in their faith, even if their situation seems dire. Abraham is used as a key example of patient faith. Abraham was given many promises by God (Genesis 12:7; 17:5; 18:18), some of which he did not live to see completely fulfilled. Christians living when these words were first written had seen more of God's promises fulfilled than Abraham did. And we, today, have seen more than those early believers did. The greatest of all promises is given in Genesis 22:16–18. Being given this guarantee by God was, itself, a fulfillment of God's prior promises to Abraham.

Oaths are a nod to human weakness: we need to be reassured that the person making a promise "really means it." In the case of God, all of His promises are grounded in an unchanging, perfect Creator who cannot lie. Later, this passage will explain that God's perfect Word—the Scriptures—and His perfect nature work together to guarantee all that He promises to us. Christians can pursue growth in their faith, even when under persecution, because we have a hope "anchored" in Jesus Christ.

Based on these words, the writer seems concerned that the persecuted Christians he is writing to are in danger of running out of patience. They are doing well, for now, but there is a danger they might use up their reserves of persistence.

Hebrews 6:13–20 completes the transition from dire warning, to encouragement, back to the prior topic. Prior sections gave a strong warning against believers ''falling away'' due to a shallow, immature faith. The passage immediately prior encouraged the readers that their good works proved sincerity. Here, the writer outlines the assurance which allows Christians to grow in their faith despite persecution. With Abraham as a prime example, these verses explain that Christians have the ultimate source of confident hope: the perfect high priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 6 expands on the dangers of a shallow, immature faith. Rather than attempting to re-explain the basics, the author intends to press on. According to this passage, shallow faith opens up the risks of doubt, discouragement, and disobedience. These lead to a situation where one's only hope for restoration is through judgment, much as Israel experienced for forty years in the wilderness. Since our hope is anchored in the proven, unchanging, perfect, absolute nature of God, we should be confident and patient, rather than fearful.

Chapter 6 completes a warning begun in the last verses of chapter 5. The author has deep points to make, but doubts that the readers are ready for them. Yet the only course of action is to press on: there is no time to re-establish the ABCs of the faith. Spiritual immaturity prevents growth, leading to doubt, discouragement, and eventually to judgment. Those who only scratch the surface of Christianity, then fall into disobedience, can't be restored to good standing until they've experienced some level of judgment. Rather than make that mistake, we should trust in the absolute promises of God, and the work of Christ, as we patiently pursue godly wisdom. Chapter 7 will resume the extensive discussion of Melchizedek's priesthood.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.