Original Word: ὅρκος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: horkos
Pronunciation: HOR-kos
Phonetic Spelling: (hor'-kos)
Definition: an oath.
Meaning: An oath; a solemn promise or declaration, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one's future action or behavior.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ὄμνυμι (omnumi), meaning "to swear" or "to take an oath."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek ὅρκος corresponds to several Hebrew terms related to oaths, including:
• Strong's Hebrew 7621: שְׁבוּעָה (shevu'ah) • an oath or sworn statement.
• Strong's Hebrew 7650: שָׁבַע (shava) • to swear, take an oath, or adjure.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the solemnity and binding nature of oaths in the biblical tradition, underscoring the importance of truthfulness and faithfulness in one's commitments.

Usage: The term ὅρκος is used in the New Testament to refer to a formal promise or vow, often made in the presence of God as a witness. It underscores the seriousness and binding nature of the commitment being made.

Context: The concept of an oath, represented by the Greek word ὅρκος, holds significant weight in biblical texts, reflecting the gravity and sacredness of one's word when pledged before God. In the New Testament, ὅρκος appears in contexts that highlight both the importance and the potential pitfalls of making oaths.

In Matthew 5:33-37, Jesus addresses the issue of oaths, emphasizing the need for integrity in speech: "Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.' But I tell you not to swear at all... Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For anything more comes from the evil one." Here, Jesus teaches that one's word should be trustworthy without the need for additional oaths, pointing to a higher standard of truthfulness and integrity.

Similarly, in James 5:12, the apostle James echoes this teaching: "Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' so that you will not fall under judgment." This reinforces the idea that Christians should be known for their honesty and reliability, without resorting to oaths to validate their statements.

The use of ὅρκος in the New Testament reflects a continuity with Old Testament practices, where oaths were a common part of legal and personal transactions. However, the New Testament calls believers to a higher standard, where their character and integrity should render oaths unnecessary.

Word Origin
akin to erkos (fence, enclosure)
Definition
an oath
NASB Translation
oath (7), oaths (2), vows (1).

STRONGS NT 3727: ὅρκος

ὅρκος, 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.)).

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

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 orkous

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts