en_tw/bible/other/oath.md

oath, oaths, swear, swears, swearing, swear by, swears by

Definition:

In the Bible, an oath is a formal promise to do something. The person making the oath is required to fulfill that promise. An oath involves a commitment to being faithful and truthful.

• In a court of law, a witness often gives an oath to promise that whatever he says will be true and factual.
• In the Bible, the term "swear" means to speak an oath.
• The term "swear by" means to use the name of something or someone as the basis or power on which the oath is made.
• Sometimes these terms are used together, as in "swear an oath."
• Abraham and Abimelech swore an oath when they made a covenant together concerning the use of a well.
• Abraham told his servant to swear (formally promise) that he would find Isaac a wife from among Abraham's relatives.
• God also made oaths in which he made promises to his people.
• A modern-day meaning of the word "swear" means is "use foul language." This is not its meaning in the Bible.

Translation Suggestions:

• Depending on the context, "an oath" could also be translated as "a pledge" or "a solemn promise."
• To "swear" could be translated as to "formally promise" or to "pledge" or to "commit to do something."
• Other ways to translate "swear by my name" could include "make a promise using my name to confirm it."
• To "swear by heaven and earth" could be translated as to, "promise to do something, stating that heaven and earth will confirm it."
• Make sure the translation of "swear" or "oath" does not refer to cursing. In the Bible it does not have that meaning.

(See also: Abimelech, covenant, vow)

Bible References:

• Genesis 21:22-24
• Genesis 24:1-4
• Genesis 31:51-53
• Genesis 47:29-31
• Luke 01:72-75
• Mark 06:26-29
• Matthew 05:36-37
• Matthew 14:6-7
• Matthew 26:71-72

Word Data:

• Strong's: H422, H423, H3027, H5375, H7621, H7650, G332, G3660, G3727, G3728