Lamsa(i)
13 For when God made a promise to AÆbraham, because there was none greater than himself by whom he could swear, he swore by himself,
14 Saying, Blessing, I will bless you, and multiplying, I will multiply you.
15 And so he was patient, and obtained the promise.
16 For men swear by one who is greater than themselves: and in every dispute among them, the true settlement is by oaths.
17 Therefore, because God wanted more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise that his agreement was unchangeable, he sealed it by an oath.
18 Thus, by the promise and by the oath which are unchangeable, and in neither of which could God lie, we find courage to hold fast to the hope that has been promised by him in whom we have taken refuge.