ὁρκωμοσία (horkōmosia)
horkōmosia
oath
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun horkōmosia refers to a formal affirmation made by swearing an oath. It appears only three times in the New Testament, all within the book of Hebrews. The term emphasizes the solemn act of binding oneself with a verbal pledge, distinguishing it from casual promises.
In Hebrews 7:20-21 and 7:28, the word highlights the unique nature of Jesus’ priesthood. Unlike previous priests who served under the law, Jesus was appointed by an oath from God Himself. This divine swearing underscores the permanence and reliability of His priestly role, setting it apart from the temporary arrangements of the old covenant.
The sources note that this term is rare in biblical Greek, appearing also in the Septuagint to translate Hebrew words for oaths. Its limited use in the New Testament draws attention to the specific theological point being made: God’s own oath validates Christ’s eternal priesthood, providing a firm foundation for hope.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we make promises, we often worry about whether they will hold up under pressure. The word horkōmosia describes a formal oath, a solemn binding pledge that leaves no room for doubt. In the New Testament, this term appears only three times, all within Hebrews, to describe something far greater than human commitment: God’s own sworn promise.
The author of Hebrews contrasts the old priesthood, which operated under the law without such an oath, with Jesus’ appointment. God did not just select Jesus; He swore an oath to establish Him as a priest forever. This divine swearing underscores the permanence and reliability of Christ’s role. It is not a casual arrangement but a fixed reality anchored in God’s character.
For your faith, this means you can rest in a priesthood that does not change. Because Jesus was appointed by an oath, His intercession for you is secure. You do not need to wonder if God will follow through; He has bound Himself by His own word to care for those who come to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- oath1×
- an oath.1×
- an oath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὁρκωμοσίας2×
- ὁρκωμοσίας.1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:20
Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath
This verse introduces the crucial distinction that Jesus’ priesthood was not established merely by lineage or law, but required a specific divine oath.
-
Hebrews 7:21
(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath), but he with an oath by him that says of him, “The Lord swore and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’”
Here the text quotes Psalm 110 to show God’s direct speech, emphasizing that the Lord Himself swore this oath and will not change His mind about Jesus’ eternal role.
-
Hebrews 7:28
For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.
This occurrence contrasts the weakness of law-appointed priests with the perfection of the Son appointed by the word of the oath, highlighting the superiority of the new covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does horkōmosia mean in the Bible?
Why does Hebrews mention an oath for Jesus?
How many times does this word appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Hebrews 3 verses
Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath
Hebrews 7:21(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath), but he with an oath by him that says of him, “The Lord swore…
Hebrews 7:28For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law,…