Lexical Summary horkos: Oath Original Word: ὅρκος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oath. From herkos (a fence; perhaps akin to horion); a limit, i.e. (sacred) restraint (specially, an oath) -- oath. see GREEK horion NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originakin to erkos (fence, enclosure) Definition an oath NASB Translation oath (7), oaths (2), vows (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3727: ὅρκοςὅρκος, ὅρκου, ὁ (from ἔργῳ, εἴργω; equivalent to ἕρκος an enclosure, confinement; hence, Latinorcus) (from Homer down), the Sept. for שֲׁבוּעָה, an oath: Matthew 14:7, 9; Matthew 26:72; Mark 6:26; Luke 1:73 (Winers Grammar, 628 (583); Buttmann, § 144, 13); Acts 2:30 (Winer's Grammar, 226 (212); 603 (561)); Hebrews 6:16; James 5:12; by metonymy, that which has been pledged or promised with an oath; plural vows, Matthew 5:33 ((cf. Wünsche ad loc.)). Topical Lexicon Definition and Conceptual Background An ὅρκος is a solemn declaration invoking God as witness that what is stated is true or that a promised action will be fulfilled. In biblical thought the oath binds the conscience before the Lord and invites divine judgment if violated (Leviticus 19:12; Proverbs 20:25). Old Testament Foundations The practice is rooted in Israel’s covenant life. The LORD swore by Himself to Abraham (Genesis 22:16) and later confirmed the Davidic covenant “with an oath” (Psalm 132:11). Mosaic law permitted and regulated oaths (Deuteronomy 6:13), yet condemned perjury and rash vows (Numbers 30:2). These passages form the backdrop for New Testament usage. New Testament Usage (ὅρκος, ten occurrences) 1. Promise of the Messiah – Acts 2:30 recalls that God “pledged with an oath to place one of his descendants on his throne,” linking Jesus’ resurrection to the Davidic pledge. 5-8. Jesus’ Instruction – Matthew 5:33-37 places everyday truth-telling above formal oath-taking, exposing the Pharisaic habit of graduated vows. 9-10. Negative Examples – Herod Antipas “made a promise with an oath” (Matthew 14:7; Mark 6:26) that led to John the Baptist’s execution; Peter “denied it again with an oath” (Matthew 26:72), illustrating how fear or pride corrupts the practice. Christ’s Teaching on Oaths In Matthew 5:34–37 Jesus does not abrogate lawful courtroom oaths (cf. Matthew 26:63), but confronts the casual manipulation of God’s name. Truthfulness must be so consistent that oaths become unnecessary: “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No,’ no”. The Lord elevates integrity over formality and reorients righteousness to the heart. Theological Significance 1. God’s self-binding oath underscores His immutability and faithfulness (Hebrews 6:17-18). Historical and Rabbinic Context Second-Temple Judaism differentiated levels of binding force: swearing “by the temple” versus “by the gold of the temple,” a distinction Jesus condemns (Matthew 23:16). Greco-Roman courts likewise used oaths, making early Christian refusal to swear lightly both counter-cultural and missional. Pastoral and Practical Application • Cultivate speech that is trustworthy without props. Relation to God’s Character When Scripture attributes an oath to God, it is not to augment His reliability but to accommodate human weakness. The divine oath manifests condescension and pastoral care, assuring heirs of salvation that His redemptive purpose is irrevocable. Summary The New Testament use of ὅρκος advances the biblical narrative from divine covenant oath to the ethical life of the church. It cautions against superficial or self-serving vows, honors lawful solemn declarations, and grounds the believer’s hope in the unbreakable word of God. Forms and Transliterations όρκοις ορκον όρκον ὅρκον ορκος όρκος ὅρκος ορκου όρκου ὅρκου ορκους όρκους ὅρκους ορκω όρκω ὅρκῳ horko horkō hórkoi hórkōi horkon hórkon horkos hórkos horkou hórkou horkous hórkous orko orkō orkon orkos orkou orkousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:33 N-AMPGRK: κυρίῳ τοὺς ὅρκους σου NAS: BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.' KJV: unto the Lord thine oaths: INT: Lord the oaths of you Matthew 14:7 N-GMS Matthew 14:9 N-AMP Matthew 26:72 N-GMS Mark 6:26 N-AMP Luke 1:73 N-AMS Acts 2:30 N-DMS Hebrews 6:16 N-NMS Hebrews 6:17 N-DMS James 5:12 N-AMS Strong's Greek 3727 |
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