Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Abraham » God's covenant with
When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to him saying, "I am the almighty God: walk before me and be uncorrupt. And I will make my covenant between thee and me, and will multiply thee exceedingly." And Abram fell on his face. And God talked moreover with him, saying, read more.
"I am. Behold, my covenant is with thee, that thou shalt be a father of many nations. Therefore shalt thou no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham: for a father of many nations have I made thee, and I will multiply thee exceedingly, and will make nations of thee: yea, and kings shall spring out of thee. Moreover, I will make my covenant between me, and thee, and thy seed after thee; in their times to be an everlasting testament, so that I will be God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger: even all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and will be their God." And God said unto Abraham, "See thou keep my covenant, both thou and thy seed after thee in their times. This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: that ye circumcise all your men children. Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And every manchild when it is eight days old, shall be circumcised among you in your generations, and all servants also born at home or bought with money, though they be strangers and not of thy seed. The servant born in thy house, and he also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised, that my covenant may be in your flesh, for an everlasting bond. If there be any uncircumcised manchild, that hath not the foreskin of his flesh cut off, his soul shall perish from his people: because he hath broken my covenant." And God said unto Abraham, "Sarai, thy wife, shall no more be called Sarai: but Sara shall her name be. For I will bless her and give thee a son of her; and will bless her so that people, yea and kings of people, shall spring of her." And Abraham fell upon his face and laughed, and said in his heart, "Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? And shall Sara, that is ninety years old, bear?" And Abraham said unto God, "O that Ishmael might live in thy sight!" Then said God, "Nay. Sara thy wife shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name Isaac. And I will make my covenant with him, that it shall be an everlasting covenant unto his seed after him. And as concerning Ishmael also, I have heard thy request: lo, I will bless him and increase him, and multiply him exceedingly. Twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make a great nation of him. But my covenant will I make with Isaac, which Sara shall bear unto thee: even this time, twelve month." And God left off talking with him, and departed up from Abraham.
"I am. Behold, my covenant is with thee, that thou shalt be a father of many nations. Therefore shalt thou no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham: for a father of many nations have I made thee, and I will multiply thee exceedingly, and will make nations of thee: yea, and kings shall spring out of thee. Moreover, I will make my covenant between me, and thee, and thy seed after thee; in their times to be an everlasting testament, so that I will be God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger: even all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and will be their God." And God said unto Abraham, "See thou keep my covenant, both thou and thy seed after thee in their times. This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: that ye circumcise all your men children. Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And every manchild when it is eight days old, shall be circumcised among you in your generations, and all servants also born at home or bought with money, though they be strangers and not of thy seed. The servant born in thy house, and he also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised, that my covenant may be in your flesh, for an everlasting bond. If there be any uncircumcised manchild, that hath not the foreskin of his flesh cut off, his soul shall perish from his people: because he hath broken my covenant." And God said unto Abraham, "Sarai, thy wife, shall no more be called Sarai: but Sara shall her name be. For I will bless her and give thee a son of her; and will bless her so that people, yea and kings of people, shall spring of her." And Abraham fell upon his face and laughed, and said in his heart, "Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? And shall Sara, that is ninety years old, bear?" And Abraham said unto God, "O that Ishmael might live in thy sight!" Then said God, "Nay. Sara thy wife shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name Isaac. And I will make my covenant with him, that it shall be an everlasting covenant unto his seed after him. And as concerning Ishmael also, I have heard thy request: lo, I will bless him and increase him, and multiply him exceedingly. Twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make a great nation of him. But my covenant will I make with Isaac, which Sara shall bear unto thee: even this time, twelve month." And God left off talking with him, and departed up from Abraham.
Thou shalt keep thy trust with Jacob, and thy mercy for Abraham, like as thou hast sworn unto our fathers long ago.
For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not given to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law: but through the righteousness which cometh of faith.
And I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed."
Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was ascribed to him for righteousness." Understand, therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. For the scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen through faith, and therefore showed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith. Brethren, I will speak after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's testament, yet no man despiseth it, or addeth anything thereto when it is once allowed. To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "in the seeds," as in many: But, "in thy seed," as in one, which is Christ. This I say, that the law which began afterward, beyond four hundred and thirty years, doth not disannul the testament, that was confirmed afore of God unto Christ ward, to make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance come of the law, it cometh not of promise: but God gave it unto Abraham by promise.
So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith. Brethren, I will speak after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's testament, yet no man despiseth it, or addeth anything thereto when it is once allowed. To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "in the seeds," as in many: But, "in thy seed," as in one, which is Christ. This I say, that the law which began afterward, beyond four hundred and thirty years, doth not disannul the testament, that was confirmed afore of God unto Christ ward, to make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance come of the law, it cometh not of promise: but God gave it unto Abraham by promise.
If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs by promise.
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free woman. Yea, and he which was of the bondwoman, was born after the flesh: but he which was of the freewoman, was born by promise. Which things betoken mystery. For these women are two testaments, the one from the mount Sinai, which gendreth unto bondage, which is Hagar. read more.
- For mount Sinai is called Hagar in Arabia, and bordereth upon the city which is now Jerusalem - and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem, which is above, is free: which is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice thou barren, that bearest no children: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not. For the desolate hath many more children, than she which hath a husband." Brethren, we are, after the manner of Isaac, children of promise: But as then he that was born carnally, persecuted him that was born spiritually; Even so is it now. Nevertheless, what saith the scripture? "Put away the bondwoman and her son. For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman." So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman: but of the freewoman.
- For mount Sinai is called Hagar in Arabia, and bordereth upon the city which is now Jerusalem - and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem, which is above, is free: which is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice thou barren, that bearest no children: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not. For the desolate hath many more children, than she which hath a husband." Brethren, we are, after the manner of Isaac, children of promise: But as then he that was born carnally, persecuted him that was born spiritually; Even so is it now. Nevertheless, what saith the scripture? "Put away the bondwoman and her son. For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman." So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman: but of the freewoman.
Covenant » Of God with men » Confirmed with an oath
Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee: for unto thee and unto thy seed I will give all these countries. And I will perform the oath which I swore unto Abraham thy father,
So God, willing very abundantly to show, unto the heirs of promise, the stableness of his counsel; he added an oath, that by two immutable things - in which it was impossible that God should lie - we might have perfect consolation, which have fled, for to hold fast the hope that is set before us:
saying, "By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, because thou hast done this thing and hast not spared thy only son,
And Joseph said unto his brethren, "I die; And God will surely visit you and bring you out of this land, unto the land which he sware unto Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
even the covenant that he made with Abraham, and the oath that he sware unto Isaac,
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself,
spiritual Development » Select reading, heb 511-14, 61-16
Whereof we have many things to say which are hard to be uttered: because ye are dull of hearing. For when as concerning the time, ye ought to be teachers, yet have ye need again that we teach you the first principles of the word of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat: For every man that is fed with milk is inexpert in the word of righteousness: For he is but a babe. read more.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are perfect, which through custom have their wits exercised, to judge both good and evil also.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are perfect, which through custom have their wits exercised, to judge both good and evil also.
Wherefore, let us leave the doctrine pertaining to the beginning of a Christian man, and let us go unto perfection, and now no more lay the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of baptism, of doctrine, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection from death, and of eternal judgment. And so will we do, if God permit. read more.
For it is not possible that they which were once lighted, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become partakers of the holy ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power of the world to come; if they fall away, should be renewed again unto repentance: Forasmuch as they have, as concerning themselves, crucified the son of God afresh, making a mock of him. For that earth which drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them that dress it, receiveth blessing of God: but that ground, which beareth thorns and briars, is reproved, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is to be burned. Nevertheless dear friends, we trust to see better of you, and things which accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous that he should forget your work and labour that proceedeth of love, which love showed in his name, which have ministered unto the saints, and yet minister. Yea, and we desire that every one of you show the same diligence, to the establishing of hope, even unto the end: that ye faint not, but follow them which through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed." And so after that he had tarried a long time, he enjoyed the promises. Men verily swear by him that is greater than themselves; And an oath to confirm the thing, is among them an end of all strife.
For it is not possible that they which were once lighted, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become partakers of the holy ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power of the world to come; if they fall away, should be renewed again unto repentance: Forasmuch as they have, as concerning themselves, crucified the son of God afresh, making a mock of him. For that earth which drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them that dress it, receiveth blessing of God: but that ground, which beareth thorns and briars, is reproved, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is to be burned. Nevertheless dear friends, we trust to see better of you, and things which accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous that he should forget your work and labour that proceedeth of love, which love showed in his name, which have ministered unto the saints, and yet minister. Yea, and we desire that every one of you show the same diligence, to the establishing of hope, even unto the end: that ye faint not, but follow them which through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed." And so after that he had tarried a long time, he enjoyed the promises. Men verily swear by him that is greater than themselves; And an oath to confirm the thing, is among them an end of all strife.
Faith » Trial of
that your faith, once tried, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto laud, glory, and honour, at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Happy is the man that endureth in temptation, for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Verse Concepts
BattlesBlessedCrowns Of ChristiansFate Of The GodlyFaith, Testing OfAssurance, basis ofCommendationeternal life, experience ofdiscipline, divineCharacterAthleticsLove, Nature OfPerseverancePrizesGod's PromisesPunishment, By GodSatan, Resistance ToSelf DisciplineTemptation, ResistingTestingTrialsTrust, Importance OfAfflictions, Consolation DuringLove For GodSuffering, Hardship
Endurance In DiscouragementCrowns For God's PeopleEnduringPeople Commended By GodBemaPromise Of HeavenUniversalismTemptationEnduranceLife StrugglesOvercoming Hard TimesHardshipPatience In Hard TimesResisting TemptationTestsOvercoming AdversityPersistenceHard Work And Perseveranceperserverancepatientsperseveringcrownsexamstrailspressure
forasmuch as ye know how that the trying of your faith bringeth patience:
Whosoever heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, there cometh the evil man, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. And this is he which was sown by the wayside. But he that was sown in the stony ground, is he which heareth the word of God, and anon with joy receiveth it, yet hath no roots in himself, and therefore dureth but a season: for as soon as tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he falleth. read more.
He that was sown among thorns, is he that heareth the word of God, but the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and so is he made unfruitful.
He that was sown among thorns, is he that heareth the word of God, but the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and so is he made unfruitful.
I know my God, that thou provest the heart and hast pleasure in plainness. And in plainness of mine heart I have willingly given all this. And now I see thy people, which are here in gladness to offer willingly to thee.
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me: try out my reins and my heart.
When thou calledest upon me in trouble, I delivered thee, and heard thee, what time as the storm fell upon thee. I proved thee also at the waters of strife. Selah.
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not from the beginning of the world to this time, nor shall be. Yea, and except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: But for the chosens' sake, those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you, 'Lo, here is Christ,' or 'There is Christ': believe it not: read more.
for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets and shall do great miracles and wonders. Insomuch that if it were possible, even the very elect should be deceived. Take heed: I have told you before.
for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets and shall do great miracles and wonders. Insomuch that if it were possible, even the very elect should be deceived. Take heed: I have told you before.
They on the stones, are they which, when they hear, receive the word with joy. But these have no roots, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation go away. And that which fell among thorns, are they which hear, and go forth, and are choked with cares and with riches, and voluptuous living, and bring forth no fruit.
We are bound to thank God always for you brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and every one of you swimmeth in love toward another between yourselves, so that we ourselves rejoice of you in the congregations of God, over your patience and faith in all your persecutions, and tribulations that ye suffer: which is a token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye are counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer.
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed." And so after that he had tarried a long time, he enjoyed the promises.
spiritual Growth » Encouraged » Select readings
Whereof we have many things to say which are hard to be uttered: because ye are dull of hearing. For when as concerning the time, ye ought to be teachers, yet have ye need again that we teach you the first principles of the word of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat: For every man that is fed with milk is inexpert in the word of righteousness: For he is but a babe. read more.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are perfect, which through custom have their wits exercised, to judge both good and evil also.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are perfect, which through custom have their wits exercised, to judge both good and evil also.
Wherefore, let us leave the doctrine pertaining to the beginning of a Christian man, and let us go unto perfection, and now no more lay the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of baptism, of doctrine, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection from death, and of eternal judgment. And so will we do, if God permit. read more.
For it is not possible that they which were once lighted, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become partakers of the holy ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power of the world to come; if they fall away, should be renewed again unto repentance: Forasmuch as they have, as concerning themselves, crucified the son of God afresh, making a mock of him. For that earth which drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them that dress it, receiveth blessing of God: but that ground, which beareth thorns and briars, is reproved, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is to be burned. Nevertheless dear friends, we trust to see better of you, and things which accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous that he should forget your work and labour that proceedeth of love, which love showed in his name, which have ministered unto the saints, and yet minister. Yea, and we desire that every one of you show the same diligence, to the establishing of hope, even unto the end: that ye faint not, but follow them which through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed." And so after that he had tarried a long time, he enjoyed the promises. Men verily swear by him that is greater than themselves; And an oath to confirm the thing, is among them an end of all strife.
For it is not possible that they which were once lighted, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become partakers of the holy ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power of the world to come; if they fall away, should be renewed again unto repentance: Forasmuch as they have, as concerning themselves, crucified the son of God afresh, making a mock of him. For that earth which drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them that dress it, receiveth blessing of God: but that ground, which beareth thorns and briars, is reproved, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is to be burned. Nevertheless dear friends, we trust to see better of you, and things which accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous that he should forget your work and labour that proceedeth of love, which love showed in his name, which have ministered unto the saints, and yet minister. Yea, and we desire that every one of you show the same diligence, to the establishing of hope, even unto the end: that ye faint not, but follow them which through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed." And so after that he had tarried a long time, he enjoyed the promises. Men verily swear by him that is greater than themselves; And an oath to confirm the thing, is among them an end of all strife.
Oath » Attributed to God
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed."
The LORD of Hosts hath sworn by himself that he will overwhelm thee with men, like grasshoppers in number, which with courage shall cry 'Alarum, Alarum' against thee.
To whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but unto them that believed not?
The LORD of Hosts hath sworn an oath, saying: It shall come to pass as I have determined, and shall be fulfilled as I have devised.
and will keep my promise, that I have sworn unto your fathers: Namely, that I would give them a land which floweth with milk and honey, as ye see it is come to pass unto this day." Then answered I, and said, "Amen. It is even so, O LORD, as thou sayest."
For why? I have sworn by myself, sayeth the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a wilderness; an open shame; a laughingstock and cursing; and her cities shall be a continual desert.
For the law maketh men priests, which have infirmity: but the word of the oath that came since the law, maketh the son priest, which is perfect for evermore.
So God, willing very abundantly to show, unto the heirs of promise, the stableness of his counsel; he added an oath,
saying, "By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, because thou hast done this thing and hast not spared thy only son,
even the covenant that he made with Abraham, and the oath that he sware unto Isaac,
But we which have believed, do enter into his rest, as contrariwise he said to the other, "As I have sworn in my wrath, 'They shall not enter into my rest.'" And that spake he verily long after that the works were made, and the foundation of the world laid.
The LORD hath made a faithful oath unto David, and he shall not shrink from it, "Of the fruit of the body shall I set upon thy seat.
and swore by him that liveth forevermore, which created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which therein are; that there should be no longer time:
I swear by myself: out of my mouth cometh the word of righteousness, and that may no man turn: but all knees shall bow unto me, and all tongues shall swear by me,
But if ye will not be obedient unto these commandments, I swear by mine own self, sayeth the LORD, this house shall be waste.
Those priests were made without an oath: but this priest with an oath, by him that said unto him, "The Lord sware, and will not repent: Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
Spiritual » Gifts spiritual, promised » Growth
Whereof we have many things to say which are hard to be uttered: because ye are dull of hearing. For when as concerning the time, ye ought to be teachers, yet have ye need again that we teach you the first principles of the word of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat: For every man that is fed with milk is inexpert in the word of righteousness: For he is but a babe. read more.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are perfect, which through custom have their wits exercised, to judge both good and evil also.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are perfect, which through custom have their wits exercised, to judge both good and evil also.
Wherefore, let us leave the doctrine pertaining to the beginning of a Christian man, and let us go unto perfection, and now no more lay the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of baptism, of doctrine, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection from death, and of eternal judgment. And so will we do, if God permit. read more.
For it is not possible that they which were once lighted, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become partakers of the holy ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power of the world to come; if they fall away, should be renewed again unto repentance: Forasmuch as they have, as concerning themselves, crucified the son of God afresh, making a mock of him. For that earth which drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them that dress it, receiveth blessing of God: but that ground, which beareth thorns and briars, is reproved, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is to be burned. Nevertheless dear friends, we trust to see better of you, and things which accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous that he should forget your work and labour that proceedeth of love, which love showed in his name, which have ministered unto the saints, and yet minister. Yea, and we desire that every one of you show the same diligence, to the establishing of hope, even unto the end: that ye faint not, but follow them which through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed." And so after that he had tarried a long time, he enjoyed the promises. Men verily swear by him that is greater than themselves; And an oath to confirm the thing, is among them an end of all strife.
For it is not possible that they which were once lighted, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become partakers of the holy ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power of the world to come; if they fall away, should be renewed again unto repentance: Forasmuch as they have, as concerning themselves, crucified the son of God afresh, making a mock of him. For that earth which drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them that dress it, receiveth blessing of God: but that ground, which beareth thorns and briars, is reproved, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is to be burned. Nevertheless dear friends, we trust to see better of you, and things which accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous that he should forget your work and labour that proceedeth of love, which love showed in his name, which have ministered unto the saints, and yet minister. Yea, and we desire that every one of you show the same diligence, to the establishing of hope, even unto the end: that ye faint not, but follow them which through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed." And so after that he had tarried a long time, he enjoyed the promises. Men verily swear by him that is greater than themselves; And an oath to confirm the thing, is among them an end of all strife.