ὁρκωμοσία
horkōmosia
oath
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ὁρκωμοσία (horkōmosia) is defined as an oath. It is a relatively rare term in the New Testament, appearing only four times. This limited usage suggests that oaths were considered significant events or solemn commitments. The meaning of ὁρκωμοσία is clear: it involves making a sworn promise or affirmation. In the context of the New Testament, oaths were often associated with solemn or binding agreements. The fact that it is used sparingly may indicate that making oaths was considered serious business, or that the emphasis lay in the act itself rather than the frequency of the occurrence. Given its limited range of usage, it is difficult to make broad inferences about the significance of ὁρκωμοσ़िα. However, its appearance in the biblical text underscores the importance of trustworthiness and commitment in interpersonal relationships, as well as the gravity of making sworn promises.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences across the text
Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath
Hebrews 7:20Inasmuch 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 and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’ ”
Hebrews 7:28For 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.