Genesis 22:16

KJV

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]:

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559}, By myself have I sworn {H7650}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, for because {H3282}{H834} thou hast done {H6213} this thing {H1697}, and hast not {H3808} withheld {H2820} thy son {H1121}, thine only {H3173} son:

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "I have sworn by myself - says ADONAI- that because you have done this, because you haven't withheld your son, your only son,

Berean Standard Bible

saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 22:16 records the LORD's profound and irrevocable oath to Abraham, delivered by the Angel of the LORD, immediately following Abraham's supreme act of obedience in offering his son Isaac on Mount Moriah. This pivotal divine declaration solidifies God's unwavering covenant promises, underscoring the absolute certainty of His word in response to Abraham's demonstrated faith and radical surrender.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic divine pronouncement following the harrowing narrative of the *Akedah*, or "the binding of Isaac," recounted in [Genesis 22:1-19](/genesis/22-1-19 "The Binding of Isaac"). God had issued a seemingly contradictory command to Abraham: "Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of" ([Genesis 22:2](/genesis/22-2 "God's command to Abraham")). Abraham's immediate and unwavering obedience, culminating in his raising the knife to sacrifice Isaac, is met with the Angel of the LORD's intervention, preventing the act and providing a ram as a substitute ([Genesis 22:11-13](/genesis/22-11-13 "The Angel of the LORD intervenes")). Verse 16, therefore, is not a new command but a powerful, unprompted divine affirmation and sealing of the Abrahamic covenant, serving as God's response to Abraham's ultimate test of faith. It transitions the narrative from the test itself to the renewed and strengthened covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, oaths were solemn and binding, often sworn by a higher authority or a deity to guarantee a promise. When a deity swore an oath, it was considered immutable and irrevocable. The concept of child sacrifice, while abhorrent to the God of Israel, was tragically practiced by surrounding pagan cultures (e.g., Molech worship), which makes God's command to Abraham, though a test, particularly jarring and potent. Abraham's willingness to offer his "only son" would have been understood by his contemporaries as the ultimate act of devotion, paralleling (but fundamentally differing from) the extreme sacrifices made to pagan deities. The location, "the land of Moriah," would later become the site of Solomon's Temple ([2_chronicles/3-1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "Solomon builds the Temple on Mount Moriah")), adding prophetic significance to Abraham's act as a foundational moment in Israel's sacred history.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 22:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and biblical theology. The primary theme is **Obedience and Faith**, demonstrating that true faith is active and willing to surrender even the most precious possessions to God, as seen in Abraham's response to God's command in [Genesis 22:3](/genesis/22-3 "Abraham's immediate obedience"). This act of faith is then met with **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Certainty**, as God's self-oath irrevocably guarantees His promises, reinforcing the covenant first initiated in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant"). The narrative also powerfully introduces the theme of **Divine Provision**, epitomized by the name "Jehovah-jireh" ("The LORD will provide") in [Genesis 22:14](/genesis/22-14 "The LORD will provide"), showcasing God's ability to intervene and supply what is needed at the moment of ultimate trust. Finally, the "only son" motif deeply foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of God's own Son, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative, particularly in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
In Genesis 22:16, the LORD declares, "By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:" This divine utterance is a direct, emphatic declaration, emphasizing the absolute certainty and irrevocability of the ensuing promises (detailed in the subsequent verses, Genesis 22:17-18). God, having no one greater by whom to swear, pledges His very being and immutable character as the ultimate guarantee for His word. The explicit reason for this unparalleled oath is Abraham's profound act of obedience—his willingness to offer his beloved son, Isaac, demonstrating a faith that trusted God's promise even when it seemed contradictory to human reason.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sworn (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** H7650, from a primitive root meaning "to seven oneself," implying a repetition of a declaration seven times for emphasis and completion. In this context, it signifies the act of taking an oath, making a solemn, binding promise. When God swears by Himself, it indicates the highest possible form of assurance, as His own perfect and unchangeable nature is the guarantee of His word. This divine self-oath elevates the covenant promises to an immutable reality.
* **thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** H1697, from a root meaning "to speak." This word is remarkably broad, encompassing "a word," "a matter," "an affair," "a deed," or "a cause." Here, "this thing" refers specifically to Abraham's entire act of obedience on Mount Moriah—his readiness to sacrifice Isaac. It signifies not just an isolated action but the profound spiritual reality of his trust and surrender, a "matter" of ultimate significance in God's eyes.
* **only (Hebrew, _yâchîyd'_):** H3173, meaning "united," "sole," "unique," or "beloved." While Isaac was not Abraham's only biological son (Ishmael was born earlier), he was the "only" son of promise, the unique heir through whom the covenant lineage would continue. This term emphasizes Isaac's singular importance to Abraham and to God's redemptive plan, highlighting the immense cost of Abraham's obedience and foreshadowing the unique status of God's "only begotten" Son.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the divine speaker and the absolute nature of the declaration. The phrase "By myself have I sworn" (Hebrew: *nishba'ti bi*) is a divine self-oath, the most potent form of guarantee. Since there is no one greater than God, He swears by His own immutable character and existence, making His promise utterly certain and irreversible. The repeated "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: *nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh*) further emphasizes the direct, authoritative, and binding nature of this divine oracle.
* **"for because thou hast done this thing":** This clause provides the immediate divine rationale for the oath. The "thing" refers to Abraham's complete obedience in preparing to sacrifice Isaac. It is not that Abraham's action *earned* the covenant, which was established by grace, but rather that his obedience *demonstrated* the depth and genuineness of his faith, making him a worthy recipient and steward of God's promises. It validated the faith God had already credited to him as righteousness.
* **"and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:"** This final clause specifies the particular act of obedience that moved God to this profound oath. "Withheld" (Hebrew: *châsak*) means to restrain, refrain, or spare. Abraham's refusal to "withhold" Isaac, his "only son" (the son of promise, unique and beloved), signifies his complete surrender and trust. It underscores that Abraham valued God's command and promise above his deepest human affection and hope for the future, proving his unreserved devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Oath** is central, with God swearing "by myself," which is the highest possible form of guarantee, emphasizing the **Immutability** and **Irrevocability** of His promises. The repetition of "thy son, thine only son" in this verse and throughout the *Akedah* narrative (e.g., [Genesis 22:2](/genesis/22-2 "God's command to Abraham")) serves as a powerful instance of **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, highlighting the immense personal cost of Abraham's obedience and the unique significance of Isaac. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as Abraham's willingness to offer his "only son" powerfully prefigures God the Father's ultimate sacrifice of His own unique Son, Jesus Christ. The entire episode functions as a **Type**, where Abraham's act and God's provision serve as a pattern pointing to a greater spiritual reality in the future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 22:16 stands as a monumental declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and the certainty of His covenant promises. God's self-oath underscores His absolute reliability; His word is not subject to human fallibility or change, providing an immutable anchor for faith across all generations. Abraham's profound act of obedience, his willingness to surrender his most cherished possession and the heir of the promise, highlights the immense cost of absolute devotion to God. It exemplifies that true faith may demand radical surrender, demonstrating that God desires our hearts and our ultimate trust above all else. This divine response to Abraham's faith also solidifies the principle that while salvation is by grace through faith, genuine faith is never barren but produces works of obedience, which in turn are affirmed and blessed by God.

* [Hebrews 6:13-14](/hebrews/6-13-14 "God's oath to Abraham confirmed")
* [James 2:21-24](/james/2-21-24 "Abraham's faith justified by works")
* [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Abraham's faith counted as righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 22:16 offers profound encouragement for believers to trust implicitly in God's unwavering faithfulness and the absolute certainty of His promises. Abraham's willingness to surrender his most cherished possession, the son of promise, teaches us the depth of devotion God desires—a willingness to hold nothing back from Him. This passage challenges us to examine what "only son" or "most cherished thing" we might be withholding from God. When we obey God, even when it demands great sacrifice, seems illogical, or involves surrendering what we hold most dear, we position ourselves to experience His perfect provision and the profound confirmation of His blessing in our lives. This divine oath reminds us that God is eternally true to His word, and His covenants are steadfast, providing a secure and unshakeable foundation for our hope, trust, and obedience in every circumstance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Isaac" might God be asking me to surrender or not withhold in my life today?**
* **How does God's self-oath in this passage strengthen my confidence in His promises for my own life?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to demonstrate a deeper, more radical trust in God's provision, even when the path is unclear?**
* **How does Abraham's obedience here challenge my understanding of the relationship between faith and works?**

### FAQ
**Why does God swear by Himself in Genesis 22:16?**

Answer: God swears by Himself because there is no one greater than He is. In ancient cultures, an oath was typically sworn by a superior to guarantee a promise to an inferior, invoking a higher authority to ensure its binding nature. Since God is the supreme, all-sufficient, and ultimate being, He cannot swear by anyone higher than Himself. Therefore, to provide the highest possible assurance and to demonstrate the absolute certainty, immutability, and irrevocability of His promise, He swears by His own divine character, being, and perfect nature. This makes His word utterly dependable and unchangeable, as further emphasized in Hebrews 6:13-18. It underscores that God's promises are as certain as His very existence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 22:16 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in God the Father's own unparalleled act of love and sacrifice. Abraham's willingness to offer his "only son" Isaac powerfully prefigures God's divine and ultimate sacrifice in giving His "only begotten Son," Jesus Christ, for the redemption of humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's love in giving His only Son")). Just as a substitute ram was provided for Isaac on Mount Moriah, Jesus became the perfect and final substitute, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice on Calvary (part of the same general region as Moriah) atones for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). God's oath to Abraham, guaranteeing countless descendants and blessings through his seed, is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ, the Seed of Abraham")), through whom all nations of the earth are blessed by spiritual adoption into God's family ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs according to the promise")). Abraham's faith in God's ability to raise Isaac from the dead ([Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's faith in resurrection")) also foreshadows the resurrection of Christ, the ultimate triumph over death that secures the promises of God for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 1:73

The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

Psalms 105:9

Which [covenant] he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;

Hebrews 6:13

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

Hebrews 6:14

Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.

Jeremiah 51:14

The LORD of hosts hath sworn by himself, [saying], Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillers; and they shall lift up a shout against thee.

Romans 4:13

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 4:14

For if they which are of the law [be] heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: