ὅρκος (horkos)
horkos
oath
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun horkos refers to a solemn pledge or oath, specifically that which has been bound by such a promise. In the New Testament, it appears in ten verses, with significant usage in Matthew, Hebrews, and Mark. The word captures the gravity of a sworn commitment, often invoking divine witness to ensure its integrity.
Its etymology traces back to herkos, meaning "fence" or "enclosure," suggesting that an oath creates a protective boundary around a promise, separating it from casual speech. This imagery underscores the seriousness attached to swearing by God’s name. In Matthew 5:33, Jesus references this concept when teaching about truthfulness, while in Hebrews 6:16-17, the author explains that humans swear by someone greater than themselves to confirm their words and end all dispute.
Translators typically render horkos as "oath," though the term carries more weight than everyday vows. It reflects a covenantal language rooted in Jewish tradition, where oaths were seen as binding before God. This understanding highlights how Christians view promises made in faith—not merely social contracts but sacred acts with eternal implications.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word horkos describes a solemn pledge, often invoking God as witness to its truth. In Matthew 5:33, Jesus reminds us that our word should stand on its own, making elaborate oaths unnecessary for honest people. This teaching invites us to live with such integrity that we do not need extra words to prove we are trustworthy.
Yet the Bible also shows God using oaths to confirm His promises. In Hebrews 6:17, God swears an oath to show the heirs of promise the unchangeable nature of His counsel. This reveals a God who meets us in our weakness, using human language to assure us of His faithfulness when we doubt.
For your daily life, this word encourages honesty and trust in God’s commitments. When you keep your promises, you reflect His character. When you rely on His, you find rest in His unbreakable word. Let your speech be simple and true, knowing that God’s promises are secure beyond any human oath.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- oaths3×
- oath;2×
- with an oath1×
- oath1×
- by an oath,1×
- an oath1×
- [the] oath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὅρκους3×
- ὅρκου2×
- ὅρκῳ,1×
- ὅρκῳ1×
- ὅρκος·1×
- ὅρκον·1×
- ὅρκον1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:33
“Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,’
Jesus contrasts casual vows with the call to let your yes be yes, highlighting the seriousness of truthfulness.
-
Hebrews 6:17
In this way God, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath,
God interposes an oath to confirm His promise, showing His desire to reassure believers of His unchangeable counsel.
-
James 5:12
But above all things, my brothers, don’t swear—not by heaven, or by the earth, or by any other oath; but let your “yes” be “yes”, and your “no”, “no”, so that you don’t fall into hypocrisy.
The author warns against swearing by heaven or earth, urging believers to avoid hypocrisy through simple honesty.
-
Luke 1:73
the oath which he swore to Abraham our father,
Zechariah’s prophecy recalls the oath God swore to Abraham, linking Christian hope to ancient covenantal faithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does horkos mean in the New Testament?
Why does Jesus say not to swear in Matthew 5:34?
How does Hebrews 6:17 explain God’s use of oaths?
Is there a difference between an oath and a vow?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 4 verses
“Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the…
Matthew 14:7Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask.
Matthew 14:9The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be…
Matthew 26:72Again he denied it with an oath, “I don’t know the man.”