BibleWord.ai› Bible› Genesis› Chapter 22› Verse 16

Genesis 22:16

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 22:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and said, By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and said, By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son,
Genesis 22:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, behind [him] a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt-offering in the stead of his son.
14And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh. As it is said to this day, In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided.
15And the angel of Jehovah called unto Abraham a second time out of heaven,
16and said, By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son,
17that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is upon the seashore. And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.
18And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. Because thou hast obeyed my voice.
19So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba. And Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba.
← Genesis 22:15Genesis 22:17 →
← Full Chapter 22 Genesis Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And said, by myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, etc.] Which Aben Ezra observes is a great oath, and abides for ever; for because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, his own nature, perfections, and life, (<580613>Hebrews 6:13); hence it appears, that the Angel that called to Abraham was a divine Person, the true Jehovah: for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]; that is, from the Lord, as in (<012212>Genesis 22:12); and is here repeated as being a most marvellous thing, a wonderful instance of faith in God, and fear of him, and of love and obedience to him; for, with respect to the will of Abraham, and as far as he was suffered…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“22:16 by my own name: There is no higher name by which God can swear (Heb 6:13-17).”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Genesis 22 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification