Hebrews 3:4
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For every house is builded by some man - The literal sense is plain enough: "Every structure plainly implies an, architect, and an end for which it was formed. The architect may be employed by him for whose use the house is intended; but the efficient cause of the erection is that which is here to he regarded." The word house, here, is still taken in a metaphorical sense as above, it signifies family or Church. Now the general meaning of the words, taken in this sense, is: "Every family has an author, and a head or governor. Man may found families, civil and religious communities, and be the head of these; but God alone is the Head, Author, and Governor, of all the families of the earth; he is the Governor of the universe. But the apostle has a more restricted meaning in the words τα παντα, all these things; and as he has been treating of the Jewish and Christian Churches, so he appears to have them in view here. Who could found the Jewish and Christian Church but God? Who could support, govern, influence, and defend them, but himself? Communities or societies, whether religious or civil, may be founded by man; but God alone can build his own Church. Now as all these things could be builded only by God, so he must be God who has built all these things. But as Jesus is the Founder of the Church, and the Head of it, the word God seems here to be applied to him; and several eminent scholars and critics bring this very text as a proof of the supreme Deity of Christ: and the apostle's argument seems to require this; for, as he is proving that Christ is preferred before Moses because he built this house, which Moses could not do, where he to be understood as intimating that this house was built by another, viz. the Father, his whole argument would fall to the ground; and for all this, Moses might be equal, yea, superior to Christ. On this ground Dr. Owen properly concludes: "This then is that which the apostle intends to declare; namely, the ground and reason whence it is that the house was or could be, in that glorious manner, built by Christ, even because he is God, and so able to effect it; and by this effect of his power, he is manifested so to be."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Someone must be the establisher of every house; Moses was not the establisher of the house, but a portion of it (but He who established all things, and therefore the spiritual house in question, is God). Christ, as being instrumentally the Establisher of all things, must be the Establisher of the house, and so greater than Moses.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For every house is built by some man,.... Or by some one; for a house does not build itself: this is true of houses properly taken, or improperly, as nations, tribes, families, and kindred, of the whole church in general, of particular congregations, and of individual believers; the greatest saints, even apostles and prophets, such an one as Moses, are built by and upon Christ; their persons are built on him; they receive all their gifts for edification from him, and their success is owing to him; though they are to be esteemed of in their proper places: the apostle's design is to bring down the high esteem the Jews had of Moses, that they might rightly value Christ. But he that built all things is God; Christ has built all things, and therefore he is God, and must be infinitely above Moses; for this is not to be understood of God and of the creation of the world, and of all things in it by him; but of Christ, and of his building the church, and of his ordering and managing of that, and all affairs relating to it; such as the constitution of it, settling the worship of God, and the ordinances in it, the redemption and salvation of the members of it, and its rule and government; all which prove him to be God, and above Moses.
Hebrews 3:4
Jesus Our Apostle and High Priest
3For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.4And every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Span-13 Acts 16 - Paul the Apostle
By Art Katz2.5K1:08:59Paul The ApostleMAT 6:33ACT 16:6ACT 16:16HEB 3:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not just being a sermon, but living out the teachings of God. He highlights the struggles and obedience of apostolic figures like Paul, who endured suffering and persecution for their faith. The speaker challenges the audience to consider how much they are willing to submit to God's school and suffer for their beliefs. He also discusses the story of Paul and Silas in prison, where their faith and freedom in Christ remained steadfast despite their circumstances. The sermon encourages listeners to act in faith, even when they don't see immediate results, and to trust in God's calling for their lives.
Christ in Genesis: Abraham's Altar
By Stephen Kaung1.8K1:00:07GenesisGEN 12:1GEN 12:7GEN 22:4GEN 22:6HEB 3:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the third phase of the working of the cross in our lives. He uses the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis chapter twenty-two to illustrate the concept of sacrifice and obedience to God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the cross of Jesus and how it brings salvation and victory over sin and darkness. He also highlights the need for believers to not only know about the cross but to receive it into their lives and allow it to transform them, letting go of the old self and embracing the new creation in Christ.
The Wilderness
By Milton Green1.3K05:24ROM 4:151CO 3:52CO 3:72CO 3:9GAL 3:13EPH 3:4HEB 3:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's law and loving the Lord. They explain that practicing sins breaks God's law and gives ground to the powers of darkness. The speaker references various Bible verses, such as Romans 4:15, Galatians 3:13, and 2 Corinthians 3:7 and 3:9, to support their points about the curse, wrath, condemnation, and death that result from not following God's law. They also discuss the concept of possessing the land and becoming mature and complete in Christ, and highlight the role of apostles, pastors, and teachers in leading and encouraging believers.
Finishing Well
By Heidi Baker5257:46Finishing WellLove in ActionPerseverancePHP 1:3PHP 1:9PHP 2:1PHP 3:14HEB 3:4Heidi Baker delivers a powerful message on 'Finishing Well,' emphasizing the importance of enduring faith and love in the face of trials. She shares personal experiences of suffering and perseverance, particularly highlighting her husband's severe health challenges and the martyrdom of their friends in Mozambique. Baker encourages the congregation to focus on God's love and to finish their spiritual race with courage and joy, reminding them that true love manifests in action and sacrifice. She calls for a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, urging believers to discern what is best and to live in the fullness of God's grace.
(The Sanctuary) 3. the Primitive Church
By D.S. Warner0Unity of the ChurchDivine Origin of the ChurchMAT 16:18JHN 17:11JHN 17:21ACT 20:28ROM 12:41CO 12:12GAL 3:28EPH 4:4EPH 5:25HEB 3:4D.S. Warner emphasizes the divine origin and essential attributes of the Primitive Church, highlighting its divinity, organization, visibility, oneness, unity, and holiness. He argues that the church is a living entity, built by Christ and governed by divine principles, and that it must remain united under one name, the Church of God, to fulfill its mission. Warner stresses that divisions among believers are contrary to the teachings of Christ and that true unity is achieved through sanctification and adherence to the Word of God. He calls for a return to the original, unblemished state of the church as intended by God, free from human-made sects and divisions.
Vocational Union
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Church as God's HouseUnion with ChristMAT 16:18EPH 2:20HEB 3:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the concept of the church as a 'house' built by Christ, highlighting our union with Him as living stones that form a spiritual house. He explains that this house serves a divine purpose: to make God's presence available to humanity, and that true worship recognizes God's rights within this temple. Sparks urges believers to understand their identity as part of God's household, which requires purity, love, and loyalty among its members. He concludes by stressing the importance of stewardship and the need for a heavenly order within the church, where every member plays a role in ministering God's grace.
The Spirit of Nehemiah
By Denny Kenaston0NEH 2:17PSA 51:18PRO 24:3ISA 26:1EZK 22:301CO 3:9EPH 2:20HEB 3:41PE 2:5Denny Kenaston preaches on the story of Nehemiah, highlighting the importance of prayer, courage, and sacrifice in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem as a testimony of God's strength, protection, and glory. Nehemiah's fervent prayer for 120 days preceded 52 days of labor, emphasizing the balance of prayer and work in God's kingdom. The walls of Jerusalem symbolize God's protection, strength, and the peaceful habitation of His people, calling for a revival of God's testimony in the church today.
The Force
By Ernest O'Neill0GEN 1:1PSA 19:1PRO 3:19ROM 1:20HEB 3:4Ernest O'Neill discusses the origins of life, exploring the clues that point towards a Creator rather than chance. He delves into the order and design in the universe, quoting Einstein's view on the illimitable Spirit behind creation. O'Neill reflects on the concept of a personal Creator versus an impersonal force, highlighting the logical assumption that a greater form of life is behind human existence. He also touches on the universal sense of conscience and moral obligation, suggesting that these feelings may stem from a Supreme Being with higher standards.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For every house is builded by some man - The literal sense is plain enough: "Every structure plainly implies an, architect, and an end for which it was formed. The architect may be employed by him for whose use the house is intended; but the efficient cause of the erection is that which is here to he regarded." The word house, here, is still taken in a metaphorical sense as above, it signifies family or Church. Now the general meaning of the words, taken in this sense, is: "Every family has an author, and a head or governor. Man may found families, civil and religious communities, and be the head of these; but God alone is the Head, Author, and Governor, of all the families of the earth; he is the Governor of the universe. But the apostle has a more restricted meaning in the words τα παντα, all these things; and as he has been treating of the Jewish and Christian Churches, so he appears to have them in view here. Who could found the Jewish and Christian Church but God? Who could support, govern, influence, and defend them, but himself? Communities or societies, whether religious or civil, may be founded by man; but God alone can build his own Church. Now as all these things could be builded only by God, so he must be God who has built all these things. But as Jesus is the Founder of the Church, and the Head of it, the word God seems here to be applied to him; and several eminent scholars and critics bring this very text as a proof of the supreme Deity of Christ: and the apostle's argument seems to require this; for, as he is proving that Christ is preferred before Moses because he built this house, which Moses could not do, where he to be understood as intimating that this house was built by another, viz. the Father, his whole argument would fall to the ground; and for all this, Moses might be equal, yea, superior to Christ. On this ground Dr. Owen properly concludes: "This then is that which the apostle intends to declare; namely, the ground and reason whence it is that the house was or could be, in that glorious manner, built by Christ, even because he is God, and so able to effect it; and by this effect of his power, he is manifested so to be."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Someone must be the establisher of every house; Moses was not the establisher of the house, but a portion of it (but He who established all things, and therefore the spiritual house in question, is God). Christ, as being instrumentally the Establisher of all things, must be the Establisher of the house, and so greater than Moses.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For every house is built by some man,.... Or by some one; for a house does not build itself: this is true of houses properly taken, or improperly, as nations, tribes, families, and kindred, of the whole church in general, of particular congregations, and of individual believers; the greatest saints, even apostles and prophets, such an one as Moses, are built by and upon Christ; their persons are built on him; they receive all their gifts for edification from him, and their success is owing to him; though they are to be esteemed of in their proper places: the apostle's design is to bring down the high esteem the Jews had of Moses, that they might rightly value Christ. But he that built all things is God; Christ has built all things, and therefore he is God, and must be infinitely above Moses; for this is not to be understood of God and of the creation of the world, and of all things in it by him; but of Christ, and of his building the church, and of his ordering and managing of that, and all affairs relating to it; such as the constitution of it, settling the worship of God, and the ordinances in it, the redemption and salvation of the members of it, and its rule and government; all which prove him to be God, and above Moses.