38 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
38 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
# oath, swear, swear by #
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## Definition: ##
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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.
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* Often in a court of law, a witness gives an oath to promise that whatever he says will be true and factual.
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* In the Bible, the term "swear" means to speak an oath.
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* The term "swear by" means to use the name of something or someone as the basis or power on which the oath is made.
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* Sometimes these terms are used together as in, "swear an oath."
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* Abraham and Abimelech swore an oath when they made a covenant together concerning the use of a well.
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* Abraham told his servant to swear (formally promise) that he would find Isaac a wife from among Abraham's relatives.
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* God also made oaths in which he made promises to his people.
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* A modern-day use of the word "swear" means to use foul language. This is not its meaning in the Bible.
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## Translation Suggestions: ##
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* Depending on the context, "an oath" could also be translated as "a pledge" or "a solemn promise."
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* "To swear" could be translated by "to formally promise" or "to pledge" or "to commit to do something."
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* Other ways to translate "swear by my name" could include, "make a promise using my name to confirm it."
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* To "swear by heaven and earth" could be translated as, "promise to do something, stating that heaven and earth will confirm it."
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* Make sure the translation of "swear" or "oath" does not refer to cursing. In the Bible it does not have that meaning.
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(See also: [abimelech](../other/abimelech.md), [covenant](../kt/covenant.md), [vow](../kt/vow.md))
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## Bible References: ##
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* [Genesis 21:22-24](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/21/22)
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* [Genesis 24:1-4](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/24/01)
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* [Genesis 31:51-53](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/31/51)
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* [Genesis 47:29-31](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/47/29)
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* [Luke 01:72-75](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/01/72)
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* [Mark 06:26-29](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mrk/06/26)
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* [Matthew 05:36-37](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/05/36)
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* [Matthew 14:6-7](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/14/06)
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* [Matthew 26:71-72](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/26/71)
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