# promise #

## Definition: ##

A promise is a pledge to do a certain thing. When someone promises something, it means he is committing to do something.

* The Bible records many promises that God has made for his people.
* Promises are an important part of formal agreements such as covenants.
* A promise is often accompanied by an oath to confirm that it will be done.

## Translation Suggestions: ##

* The term "promise" could be translated as, "commitment" or "assurance" or "guarantee."
* To "promise to do something" could be translated as, "assure someone that you will do something" or "commit to doing something."

(See also: [covenant](../kt/covenant.md) **·** [oath, swear, swear by](../other/oath.md) **·** [vow](../kt/vow.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [Galatians 03:15-16](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gal/03/15)
* [Genesis 25:31-34](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/25/31)
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/heb/11/08)
* [James 01:12-13](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/jas/01/12)
* [Numbers 30:1-2](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/num/30/01)

## Examples from the Bible stories: ##

* __[03-15](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/03-15)__ God said, "I __promise__  I will never again curse the ground because of the evil things people do, or destroy the world by causing a flood, even though people are sinful from the time they are children."�
* __[03-16](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/03-16)__ God then made the first rainbow as a sign of his __promise__. Every time the rainbow appeared in the sky, God would remember what he __promised__  and so would his people.
* __[04-08](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/04-08)__ God spoke to Abram and __promised__  again that he would have a son and as many descendants as the stars in the sky. Abram believed God's __promise__.
* __[05-04](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/05-04)__"Your wife, Sarai, will have a son—he will be the son of __promise__."
* __[08-15](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/08-15)__ The covenant __promises__  that God gave to Abraham were passed on to Isaac, then to Jacob, and then to Jacob's twelve sons and their families.
* __[17-14](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/17-14)__ Though David had been unfaithful to God, God was still faithful to his __promises__.
* __[50-01](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/50-01)__ Jesus __promised__  he would return at the end of the world. Though he has not yet come back, he will keep his __promise__.