King James Version

What Does Hebrews 6:17 Mean?

Hebrews 6:17 in the King James Version says “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by ...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: confirmed: Gr. interposed himself by”

Hebrews 6:17 · KJV

Context

15

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

16

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

17

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: confirmed: Gr. interposed himself by

18

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God 'interposed with an oath' (Greek 'emesiteusen' - mediated with an oath) to show the 'unchangeableness of His counsel' to the 'heirs of promise.' God's purpose ('boulē') is immutable - He doesn't change His mind (Numbers 23:19). The oath adds nothing to God's truthfulness but accommodates human weakness. Reformed theology sees this as demonstrating God's condescension and the security of election - God's purpose to save His chosen cannot fail.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'heirs of promise' initially referred to Isaac, then Israel, now includes all who believe (Galatians 3:29). God's oath to Abraham extends to all his spiritual descendants.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the unchangeableness of God's counsel affect your assurance of salvation?
  2. Why did God add an oath to His already certain word, and what does this reveal about His character?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἐν1 of 18

“Wherein”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ᾧ2 of 18
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

περισσότερον3 of 18

“more abundantly”

G4054

in a more superabundant way

βουλόμενος4 of 18

“willing”

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

ὁ5 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸς6 of 18

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐπιδεῖξαι7 of 18

“to shew”

G1925

to exhibit (physically or mentally)

τοῖς8 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κληρονόμοις9 of 18

“unto the heirs”

G2818

a sharer by lot, i.e., inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor

τῆς10 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπαγγελίας11 of 18

“of promise”

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

τὸ12 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀμετάθετον13 of 18

“the immutability”

G276

unchangeable, or (neuter as abstract) unchangeability

τῆς14 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βουλῆς15 of 18

“counsel”

G1012

volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose

αὐτοῦ16 of 18
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐμεσίτευσεν17 of 18

“confirmed it by”

G3315

to interpose (as arbiter), i.e (by implication) to ratify (as surety)

ὅρκῳ18 of 18

“an oath”

G3727

a limit, i.e., (sacred) restraint (specially, an oath)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 6:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 6:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 19:21Hebrews 6:18Isaiah 55:11Isaiah 14:24Hebrews 11:9Psalms 110:4

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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