Devine Scripture

Genesis 22:16

What does Genesis 22:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 22:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 22:16 means

God powerfully reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, introducing this renewed promise with an oath, "By myself have I sworn," signifying the absolute certainty and unchangeable nature of His word. The reason for this confirmation is explicitly stated: Abraham's willingness to obey God completely by not withholding his only son. This act of supreme obedience is the grounds upon which God reiterates and reinforces His magnificent blessings for Abraham and his descendants.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and said, By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and said, By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Saying, I have taken an oath by my name, says the Lord, because you have done this and have not kept back from me your dearly loved only son,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and saith, `By Myself I have sworn--the affirmation of Jehovah--that because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only one--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

By my own self have I sworn, saith the Lord: because thou hast done this thing, and hast not spared thy only begotten son for my sake:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and said, By myself I swear, saith Jehovah, that, because thou hast done this, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son],

Context

This verse explains the foundation for God's renewed covenant promises, immediately following the second angelic address. It clearly links Abraham's profound obedience to the reaffirmation of God's oath, emphasizing the direct consequence of his faith. This declaration sets up the specific details of the blessings that will be enumerated in the subsequent verses, highlighting the magnitude of God's reward for such faithfulness.

v.15And the angel of Jehovah called unto Abraham a second time out of heaven,

v.16This passage

v.17that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the sea-shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 45:23

    By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

  • Psalms 105:9

    The covenantwhich he made with Abraham, And his oath unto Isaac,

  • Luke 1:73

    The oath which he sware unto Abraham our father,

  • Genesis 12:2

    and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing:

  • Amos 6:8

    The Lord Jehovah hath sworn by himself, saith Jehovah, the God of hosts: I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces; therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

  • Hebrews 6:13

    For when God made promise to Abraham, since he could swear by none greater, he sware by himself,

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