I have sworn is literally “I have raised my hand.” The gesture is that of a person taking an oath, showing that he appeals to God as his witness to the truth of what he says. For a similar use of the expression, see Dan 12.7. Revised Standard Version and also New International Version make this sound as though Abram had made his oath or decision at some time previously. Others, however, understand the verb to refer to the words that Abram is speaking at this time; so New English Bible has “I raise my hand and swear…,” and Good News Translation “I solemnly swear….” Most translators will find that this fits more naturally into the story line.

In translating this expression it is sometimes possible to say, for example, “I call on God to hear my words,” “I call on God to be my witness,” or “Heaven hears my words and will cut me down if they are not true.” Two examples from Pacific translations are “Truly I say the name of the LORD Most High, and I promise before him…” and “The LORD God Almighty made heaven and earth, and I make a strong talk in his name like this….” In some languages an equivalent gesture is used; for example, “I put my hand on my heart,” “I lift my hands toward heaven,” or “I put my hands on my head.” Because this oath is in fact a refusal by Abram to do what the king is suggesting, it will be natural in some languages to introduce it with a strong negative. For example, one translation begins “No! I can’t do that. I have made a promise….”

The LORD God Most High, maker of heaven and earth: Abram now links the name of God used by Melchizedek with Yahweh, the LORD.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .