In the ancient Near Eastern context, oaths were solemn promises or vows made before God or other witnesses, often invoking divine retribution if broken. Within the biblical narrative, oaths held significant weight and were considered binding agreements that required careful adherence. One unique and culturally specific practice associated with oath-taking in the patriarchal narratives of the Old Testament is the act of placing one's hand under the thigh of another person.

Biblical Instances:

1. Genesis 24:2-3 : The first notable instance of this practice is found in the account of Abraham's servant being sent to find a wife for Isaac. "So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, 'Place your hand under my thigh, and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling.'"

2. Genesis 47:29-31 : Another occurrence is seen in the interaction between Jacob and his son Joseph. As Jacob neared death, he requested Joseph to swear an oath concerning his burial. "When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, 'If I have found favor in your eyes, place your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt.'"

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The act of placing the hand under the thigh is understood by scholars to be a symbolic gesture, possibly linked to the procreative power and lineage of the patriarchs. The thigh, being close to the loins, may represent the source of descendants and the continuation of the covenant promises given by God to Abraham and his offspring. This gesture underscores the seriousness and sacredness of the oath, as it is intimately connected to the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises.

From a theological perspective, these oaths highlight the importance of faithfulness and integrity in human relationships, especially in matters that pertain to God's covenantal plans. The invocation of God's name in these oaths further emphasizes the belief that God is an active witness to the promises made and will hold individuals accountable for their fulfillment.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

In the biblical worldview, oaths are not to be taken lightly. The practice of oath-taking, especially with such a solemn gesture, serves as a reminder of the moral and ethical responsibility to uphold one's word. The narratives demonstrate that oaths are binding and that breaking them is considered a serious offense against both the individual and God.

The practice of placing the hand under the thigh, while culturally specific to the patriarchal period, reflects a broader biblical principle: the necessity of truthfulness and reliability in one's commitments. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, where honesty and faithfulness are consistently upheld as virtues pleasing to God.Genesis 24:2,9
And Abraham said to his oldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray you, your hand under my thigh:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 47:29
And the time drew near that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, If now I have found grace in your sight, put, I pray you, your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray you, in Egypt:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Iranian Conquest
... Achaemenids worshipped Ahura-mazda alone, "placing the other ... offer us sacrifices
with a hand filled with ... and perfumes, but these were often accompanied, as in ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... wanted, and on the strength of their oaths she at ... he returned to Susa in the autumn,
accompanied by the ... were restored to order, and, as was often customary in ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... years, allowed their critical faculties, and often their imagination ... of them furnish
us at first-hand with the ... place in the same region, under Tiglath-pileser ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

What does the Bible say about keeping your vows / oaths? | GotQuestions.org

Why did oaths involve putting a hand under someone's thigh (Genesis 24:9)? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to let your yes be yes and your no be no? | GotQuestions.org

Oaths: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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