Oath
שְׁבוּעָה (Shevu'ah)
A solemn oath or sworn promise, invoking God as witness.
The Hebrew word shevu'ah means a solemn oath or sworn promise — a binding declaration that invokes God as witness, undergirding covenants and promises throughout Scripture.
"Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath." — Hebrews 6:17 (KJV)
Key Verses
Hebrews 6:17
“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath.”Read in context
Genesis 22:16-17
“By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee.”Read in context
Psalm 110:4
“The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H7621 — Oath (שְׁבוּעָה (Shevu'ah))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where שְׁבוּעָה (Shevu'ah) appears.
Open Strong's H7621The Weight of an Oath
A shevu'ah was the most solemn form of speech in the ancient world. It involved invoking God as witness to the truth of one's words, essentially saying, 'May God deal with me if I fail to keep this word.' Oaths were legally and morally binding, carrying the weight of divine accountability. To break an oath was to invite God's judgment.
God Swears by Himself
Remarkably, God Himself takes oaths. Since there is no one greater to swear by, God swears by Himself (Hebrews 6:13). When God confirmed His promise to Abraham with an oath, He added His own unbreakable word to His unbreakable character. This double assurance — promise plus oath — makes God's commitment absolutely immutable.
Oaths and the New Covenant
Psalm 110:4 reveals that God swore an oath concerning the Messiah's eternal priesthood. Hebrews interprets this as the foundation of the new covenant: because it is established on God's sworn oath, it is better and more permanent than the old. The oath of God guarantees that Christ's priesthood and the salvation He provides will never end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oath in the Bible?
A biblical oath (shevu'ah) is a solemn, binding promise that invokes God as witness. It was the most serious form of commitment in the ancient world, carrying divine accountability.
Why did God swear an oath?
God swore oaths to provide believers with absolute assurance. Since His character alone is trustworthy, He added an oath to His promise — two unchangeable things by which it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Oath"?
Hebrews 6:17 — "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath" (KJV). It also appears in Genesis 22:16-17, Psalm 110:4.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Oath" matter?
A shevu'ah was the most solemn form of speech in the ancient world. English uses one word, "Oath", where the Hebrew שְׁבוּעָה (Shevu'ah) carries the fuller sense: a solemn oath or sworn promise, invoking god as witness.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Oath (שְׁבוּעָה (Shevu'ah))
A solemn oath or sworn promise, invoking God as witness.
Oath (שְׁבוּעָה (shevuah))
A solemn pledge — a binding declaration invoking God as witness and guarantor.
Strong's H7621 — Oath
שְׁבוּעָה (shevuah) • A solemn pledge — a binding declaration invoking God as witness and guarantor.
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
Biblical Meaning of Fire in a Dream (KJV)
God's presence, purification, and judgment.
Strong's G32 — Angel
ἄγγελος (angelos) • A messenger — a heavenly being sent by God to deliver His word and carry out His will.
Where to go next
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