^{13 Ref} For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by none greater, he swore by himself,

^{14 Ref} saying, "Most surely I will bless you, and I will surely multiply you."

^{15 Ref} Thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

^{16 Ref} For men indeed swear by a greater one, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.

^{17 Ref} In this way God, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath;