a prolonged form of a primary, but obsolete , for which another prolonged form is used in certain tenses; to swear, i.e. take (or declare on) oath:--swear.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **omnýō**, represented by `{{G3660}}`, is a verb used to **swear, i.e. take (or declare on) oath**. It appears **27 times** across **21 unique verses** in the Bible. This term signifies the act of making a solemn declaration, often invoking a higher power or authority to validate a statement or promise.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3660}}` is used to describe oaths taken by both God and man. God is shown to **swear** an oath to establish the certainty of His promises, as when he **sware** to Abraham ([[Acts 7:17]], [[Luke 1:73]]). Because He could **swear** by no one greater, He **sware** by himself [[Hebrews 6:13]]. Conversely, Jesus commands his followers, "**Swear** not at all" [[Matthew 5:34]], a prohibition repeated by James [[James 5:12]]. The word is also used to describe misguided or desperate human oaths, such as the Pharisees swearing by the gold of the temple [[Matthew 23:16]] or Peter's denial of Christ, when he began to curse and to **swear** [[Matthew 26:74]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of oaths and solemn declarations:
* `{{G3727}}` **hórkos** (an oath): This noun is frequently used with `{{G3660}}`. God had **sworn** with an **oath** to David [[Acts 2:30]], and for humans, an **oath** serves for confirmation to end strife [[Hebrews 6:16]].
* `{{G3728}}` **horkōmosía** (asseveration on oath): This term is used specifically in Hebrews to highlight that Christ's priesthood was established with an **oath**, unlike the former priests who were made without one [[Hebrews 7:21]].
* `{{G2653}}` **katanathematízō** (to imprecate): This word describes the act of cursing and is used alongside **omnýō** in Peter's denial of Jesus [[Matthew 26:74]].
* `{{G332}}` **anathematízō** (to declare or vow under penalty of execration): Similar to the above, this term is paired with **omnýō** when Peter began to **curse** and to **swear** [[Mark 14:71]].
* `{{G1861}}` **epangéllō** (to promise): This word connects the act of promising to swearing. God first **made promise** to Abraham and then **sware** to confirm it [[Hebrews 6:13]].
* `{{G951}}` **bebaíōsis** (confirmation): This word describes the purpose of a human oath, which provides **confirmation** and is an end to all strife [[Hebrews 6:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3660}}` is significant, highlighting contrasts between divine faithfulness and human fallibility.
* **Divine Oath as Guarantee:** When God **swears**, it serves as an unbreakable guarantee of His promise. He **sware** to Abraham concerning his descendants [[Luke 1:73]] and to establish the eternal priesthood of Christ after the order of Melchisedec [[Hebrews 7:21]].
* **Human Oaths and Integrity:** Jesus’ prohibition to "**swear** not at all" [[Matthew 5:34]] elevates the standard of speech for believers. He critiques oaths that rely on created things like the temple or heaven, pointing out that these ultimately invoke God himself [[Matthew 23:21-22]]. The command is to have simple integrity, letting a "yea" be "yea" [[James 5:12]].
* **The Oath as Confirmation:** Oaths are shown to function as a means of ending disputes among men. An oath for **confirmation** is an end of all strife [[Hebrews 6:16]], demonstrating its role in establishing certainty in human affairs.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3660}}` is a crucial term for understanding solemn declarations in Scripture. It is used to affirm the unchangeable nature of God's promises, most notably His covenant with Abraham and the establishment of Christ's eternal priesthood ([[Hebrews 6:13]], [[Hebrews 7:21]]). At the same time, it is central to the New Testament's call for a higher form of integrity, where believers are instructed not to **swear** at all but to live with such truthfulness that their word alone is sufficient ([[Matthew 5:34]], [[James 5:12]]).
TRV