Hebrews 3:6
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But Christ as a Son over his own house - Moses was faithful as a servant In the house; Jesus was faithful, as the first-born Son, Over the house of which he is the Heir and Governor. Here, then, is the conclusion of the argument in reference to Christ's superiority over Moses. Moses did not found the house or family, Christ did; Moses was but in the house, or one of the family, Christ was over the house as its Ruler; Moses was but servant in the house, Christ was the Son and Heir; Moses was in the house of another, Christ in his own house. It is well known to every learned reader that the pronoun αυτου, without an aspirate, signifies his simply; and that with the aspirate, αὑτου, it signifies his own: the word being in this form a contraction, not uncommon, of ἑαυτου. If we read αυτου without the aspirate, then his must refer to God, Heb 3:4. But Christ as a Son over his (that is, God's) house: if we read αὑτου, with the aspirate, as some editions do, then what is spoken refers to Christ; and the words above convey the same sense as those words, Act 20:28 : Feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Some editions read the word thus; and it is evident that the edition which our translators used had the word αὑτου, his own, and not αυτου, his. The Spanish and London Polyglots have the same reading. From the most ancient MSS. we can get no help to determine which is to be preferred, as they are generally written without accents. The two first editions of the Greek Testament, that of Complutum, 1514, and that of Erasmus, 1516, have αυτου, his; and they are followed by most other editions: but the celebrated edition of Robert Stephens, 1550, has αὑτου, his own. The reading is certainly important; but it belongs to one of those difficulties in criticism which, if the context or collateral evidence do not satisfactorily solve it, must remain in doubt; and every reader is at liberty to adopt which reading he thinks best. Whose house are we - We Christians are his Church and family; he is our Father, Governor, and Head. If we hold fast the confidence - We are now his Church, and shall continue to be such, and be acknowledged by him If we maintain our Christian profession, την παρῥησιαν, that liberty of access to God, which we now have, and the rejoicing of the hope, i.e. of eternal life, which we shall receive at the resurrection of the dead. The word παρῥησια, which is here translated confidence, and which signifies freedom of speech, liberty of access, etc., seems to be used here to distinguish an important Christian privilege. Under the old testament no man was permitted to approach to God: even the very mountain on which God published his laws must not be touched by man nor beast; and only the high priest was permitted to enter the holy of holies, and that only once a year, on the great day of atonement; and even then he must have the blood of the victim to propitiate the Divine justice. Under the Christian dispensation the way to the holiest is now laid open; and we have παρῥησιαν, liberty of access, even to the holiest, by the blood of Jesus. Having such access unto God, by such a Mediator, we may obtain all that grace which is necessary to fit us for eternal glory; and, having the witness of his Spirit in our heart, we have a well grounded hope of endless felicity, and exult in the enjoyment of that hope. But If we retain not the grace, we shall not inherit the glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But Christ--was and is faithful (Heb 3:2). as a son over his own house--rather, "over His (GOD'S, Heb 3:4) house"; and therefore, as the inference from His being one with God, over His own house. So Heb 10:21, "having an High Priest over the house of God." Christ enters His Father's house as the Master [OVER it], but Moses as a servant [IN it, Heb 3:2, Heb 3:5] [CHRYSOSTOM]. An ambassador in the absence of the king is very distinguished--in the presence of the king he falls back into the multitude [BENGEL]. whose house are we--Paul and his Hebrew readers. One old manuscript, with Vulgate and LUCIFER, reads, "which house"; but the weightiest manuscripts support English Version reading. the rejoicing--rather, "the matter of rejoicing." of the hope--"of our hope." Since all our good things lie in hopes, we ought so to hold fast our hopes as already to rejoice, as though our hopes were realized [CHRYSOSTOM]. firm unto the end--omitted in LUCIFER and AMBROSE, and in one oldest manuscript, but supported by most oldest manuscripts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Christ as a Son over his own house,.... As Moses was not, though the Jews say that he was (a) and (b), "lord and master of the house"; yea, and , "the Son of the house" (c); but this he was not: Christ is the Son and heir, the Lord and master; he is a Son, not by creation, or by adoption, or by office, but by nature: hence it appears that he is God, and is equal with God; and this his sonship is the foundation of his office, and he becomes the heir of all things: and when he is said to be "as a Son", it does not intend mere resemblance; but is expressive of his right to heirship and government, and of the esteem and reverence he had in his house, and of his fidelity as a Son there; and though he was a servant, as man and Mediator, and had a great piece of service to perform, and which he has performed with diligence and faithfulness, yet he was also a Son, Lord and heir, as Moses was not; and he is over the house of God, as King, priest, and prophet in it, and as the firstborn, Son and heir, and as the master and governor of it; and which is called his own, because given him by the Father, purchased by himself, and which he has built, and in which he dwells: whose house are we; believers in Christ, whether Jews or Gentiles; who, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, in whom Christ dwells by faith, and over whom he presides and reigns: if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. These words are not to be understood as a condition of the former assertion; nor is a final falling away from grace to be inferred from hence, for the supposition proves not such an inference, but the contrary; namely, that they that have true faith, hope, and confidence, shall keep them to the end; and therefore are the house of Christ: besides, the doctrine of apostasy is quite repugnant to the apostle's argument; according to which, Christ might have no house, and can have none till men have persevered: but the apostle's design is to give a word of exhortation to himself and others, to hold fast the confidence; and so the words are rather descriptive of the persons, who are the house of Christ; such who have a good hope, through grace, wrought in them, and can rejoice in hope of the glory of God; and can use freedom of speech and boldness at the throne of grace; and have an holy confidence of interest in the love of God, and salvation by Christ, and go on in the exercise of these graces to the end of their days. (a) Zohar in Lev. fol. 2. 2. (b) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 35. 2. (c) Lexic. Cabalist. p. 203.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:6 We are part of Christ’s house if we keep our courage. The author could not give unqualified assurance to those who were drifting away from Christ and the church. Those who persevere in the faith have assurance that they are part of God’s house (see 3:14; Rom 8:9, 17; 11:22; 2 Cor 13:5; Col 1:22-23).
Hebrews 3:6
Jesus Our Apostle and High Priest
5Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later. 6But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 6
By Alan Redpath5.7K59:33ChallengeISA 44:3ROM 8:1GAL 5:22HEB 3:61JN 3:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians communicating Christ as the ultimate answer to the desperate needs of the world. They discuss the means of communication, which involves the revival of the power of the Spirit of God in and through believers. The motive of communication is rooted in the love of Christ, and the message that needs to be communicated is the sovereignty of the Lord in our lives. The speaker also highlights the hindrance to communication, which is our own selfish desires and ambitions. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the miracle of communication, which is the new birth and the transformation of our lives through obedience to God's truth.
(1 John #15) Anti-Christs Exposed
By J. Glyn Owen4.4K40:10Anti-ChristHEB 3:6HEB 3:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of departure and its significance in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that God allows certain things and does certain things in our lives when He sees that we are trying to distance ourselves from Him. The speaker also highlights the role of God in initiating and completing the work of salvation in our lives, including illuminating our minds and regenerating our souls. He emphasizes that sooner or later, the truth about our faith will be revealed, and our lives and character will be tested by the fire of God's judgment. The speaker references various Bible verses, including Colossians 1:21-23 and the confession of Peter in Matthew 16:16, to support his points.
(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 11. the Just Shall Live Continually by Faith
By Denny Kenaston2.4K1:01:29JustMAT 6:33HEB 3:6HEB 3:14In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the reality of salvation and the importance of living continually by faith. He uses the analogy of a man crossing Niagara Falls on a wheelbarrow to illustrate the need for trust and reliance on God. The preacher emphasizes that salvation is not just a one-time event, but a ongoing journey of faith. He references Hebrews 3:6 and 3:14 to highlight the importance of holding fast to our confidence and hope in Christ. The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that the just shall live by faith.
Continuous Revival - the New Testament Standard
By Denny Kenaston1.9K1:03:34Biblical RevivalMAT 6:33ACT 2:42ROM 8:1EPH 5:181TH 5:17HEB 3:6JAS 4:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the week-long gathering of believers and their dedication to seeking God. He emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith in the real world and not just within the confines of a religious gathering. The speaker encourages the audience to continue their spiritual journey and offers practical instructions for maintaining a strong relationship with God. These instructions include spending time alone with God, surrendering one's will to Him, walking with a clear conscience, and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Partners
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K15:38MinistryMAT 6:33LUK 5:7HEB 1:4HEB 2:11HEB 3:1HEB 3:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of partnership in the house of God. He compares the difference between being an employee and being a partner. The letter to the Hebrews is referenced, highlighting the idea of being partakers of a heavenly calling. The speaker emphasizes that the house of God is not just God's house, but also our house, as we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. The concept of partnership in the house of God is seen as a deep responsibility and a part of our very life.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 14
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K57:28Heavenly CallingHEB 2:9HEB 3:1HEB 3:6HEB 3:14HEB 8:6HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the greatness of Jesus Christ and the superiority of the dispensation that believers have entered into. The speaker highlights that Jesus upholds all things by the word of his power, and this should bring comfort to believers, even when their personal world seems to be falling apart. The sermon also discusses the Son's greatness in comparison to angels, emphasizing that Jesus is far superior. The speaker concludes by stating that in the end times, the knowledge of the greatness of Christ will be crucial for believers, as all other things will pass away, and Jesus will abide forever.
A God Sent Message of Warning
By Tim Conway1.7K1:00:27JER 32:40JHN 10:271TI 4:16HEB 3:6HEB 4:1HEB 6:12HEB 10:24HEB 12:25This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings in the book of Hebrews, highlighting the need for genuine faith in Christ, the danger of drifting away, and the necessity of holding fast to our confidence in Him. The speaker urges the listeners to fear falling away from God, to repent when drifting occurs, and to find assurance in Christ through constant meditation on His supremacy.
Let God Fulfill the Vision
By George Warnock1.4K22:42VisionPSA 27:4PRO 16:9MAT 16:24JHN 14:15PHP 2:92TI 2:21HEB 3:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of laying down one's own vision and allowing God to work it out in His own way and time. He urges the audience to focus on the job that God is after, which is preparing a holy bride for His son. The preacher shares the story of Joseph and how God used him to interpret dreams and ultimately save Egypt and surrounding nations from famine. He highlights the need for individuals to seek God's vision and not try to fulfill their own plans, as God's ways are higher and His timing is perfect.
(Pdf Book) God's Dwelling Place
By Bakht Singh1.3K00:00The Church as God's DwellingEbooksSpiritual OfferingsPSA 84:3MAT 16:18JHN 14:11CO 3:92CO 5:17EPH 2:22PHP 3:13HEB 3:61PE 2:4REV 21:5Bakht Singh emphasizes the profound mystery of God's dwelling place, illustrating how believers, redeemed by Christ, are being gathered to form a habitation for God through the Spirit. He explains that the Church is not a physical building but a living entity made up of redeemed individuals, highlighting the importance of understanding the true meaning of the Church and its significance to God. Singh draws parallels between the Tabernacle's design and the spiritual life of believers, stressing that true worship and service must be rooted in divine revelation and obedience to God's plan. He encourages believers to recognize their role in God's eternal purpose and to bring forth spiritual offerings that reflect their relationship with Him.
Partakers of Christ
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K28:35Indwelling ChristEPH 3:6HEB 3:1HEB 3:6HEB 3:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of hardening one's heart towards God. He compares the hardening of the heart to a second death, from which there is no rising. The preacher urges the audience to fear and warns against being deceived by sin. He references Hebrews 3:7-8 and highlights the importance of holding onto faith and not hardening one's heart, as the Israelites did in the wilderness. The preacher also emphasizes the need to trust in God and not rely on oneself.
But We See Jesus - Part 2
By Stephen Kaung1.1K1:22:47HEB 3:1HEB 3:6HEB 5:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accurate representation of God. He uses the example of the parable of the vineyard and the wicked gardeners to illustrate how Moses misrepresented God to the Israelites. The speaker highlights that Jesus is the perfect representation of God and quotes Jesus' words that we should not worry about material things but instead focus on looking outward and heavenward. He also mentions how the Jews rejected Jesus and nailed him to the cross, despite him being the true representation of God.
Jesus Our Hope - Part 1
By Roy Hession89349:51HopePSA 42:11MAT 6:33ROM 15:132TH 2:161TI 1:1HEB 3:6HEB 6:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of Jesus Christ as our hope. He shares a personal experience of attending a conference in Uganda where the banner read "Jesus our hope." The speaker emphasizes that even sinners can find hope in Jesus, especially those who have experienced loss and discouragement. The sermon focuses on the idea that Jesus is our only hope, and that having him is all we need in our lives. The speaker references 1 Timothy 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 to support the message.
The House of God - Part 2
By Stephen Kaung77959:23EXO 19:5EXO 25:8EXO 25:401CH 28:19MAT 6:33HEB 3:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that in the New Testament, Jesus has restored believers to God's original plan. All believers are now considered priests and are called to live a life of service to God and His purpose. The speaker explains that the church is the holy place where believers serve, and within the church, there are three important furnishings: the golden table of shoe bread, representing communion with the life of Christ; the golden candlestick, symbolizing the need to walk in the light and have fellowship with one another; and the sanctuary, which God instructed the Israelites to build so that He could dwell among them. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing that everything we have is given by God and encourages believers to willingly offer back to Him as an expression of love.
The Humanity of Christ
By Rick Leibee7631:06:06HEB 3:1HEB 3:6HEB 3:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the difference between those who are born again and those who are not. He highlights the importance of having a relationship with Jesus Christ and being indwelt by the Spirit of God. The preacher encourages the listeners to consider the superiority of Jesus over Moses and the significance of the moral code given by Moses on Mount Sinai. He also discusses the innate desire of mankind to have dominion over the earth and explore its depths. The sermon concludes with a call to read and reflect on specific verses from the Bible, emphasizing the importance of holding fast until the end.
Possess Your Possessions
By G.W. North2021:19:57PossessionsDEU 12:1MAT 6:33LUK 12:49HEB 3:6In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Joshua, specifically chapter 11. He emphasizes the importance of having the mind and compassion of Christ, as well as the power to meet needs. The speaker shares his personal testimony of how God worked in his heart and led him to possess the gifts and blessings that God has for each believer. He highlights the need for deliverance and holiness of life in order to truly possess one's possessions. The sermon also mentions the significance of fire as a symbol of God's power and presence.
Word & Spirit Conference, Session 5
By David Ravenhill2553:21Habitation of GodHoliness and WorshipChristian LifeEXO 25:8PSA 139:23MAT 5:8JHN 4:24ROM 1:211CO 10:11TH 5:18HEB 3:6JAS 4:5REV 4:8David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of creating a habitation for God, drawing parallels between the physical tabernacle and our lives as temples for the Holy Spirit. He reflects on the necessity of holiness, obedience, and thanksgiving in our relationship with God, highlighting that while many may experience God's presence, few truly fulfill His purpose. Ravenhill warns against the dangers of complacency and the need for a culture that aligns with God's desires, urging believers to surrender their lives fully to Him. He illustrates that God desires to dwell among His people, but requires a clean and holy environment to do so. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's ways and a commitment to worship Him in spirit and truth.
More Precious Than Gold
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfareFaith in TrialsEST 8:16ROM 8:372CO 4:17EPH 6:10PHP 4:19COL 2:152TI 4:7HEB 3:6JAS 1:21PE 1:7David Wilkerson emphasizes the spiritual warfare depicted in the story of Queen Esther, where Esther's bravery and faith led to the salvation of her people from Haman's evil plot. The sermon illustrates how trials and battles not only strengthen our faith but also yield spiritual riches that are more precious than gold. Wilkerson highlights that through Christ's victory at Calvary, believers are endowed with grace, mercy, and the resources needed to maintain their spiritual lives. He encourages the congregation to tap into the Holy Spirit's treasury to sustain their faith and character amidst conflicts. Ultimately, the message conveys that there is value in every battle we face, as it contributes to our growth and the glory of God.
The House of God: The Greatness of Christ and His Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Greatness of ChristThe Nature of the ChurchEZK 43:7MAT 16:18ACT 2:4ROM 11:331CO 3:16EPH 3:9COL 1:18HEB 3:61PE 2:51JN 5:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the House of God as depicted in Ezekiel, warning against reducing spiritual truths to mere technical systems that can stifle the life within the Church. He highlights that the House is not a system but a spiritual entity centered on Christ, where God's glory, government, and life flow freely. Sparks urges believers to recognize the vastness of Christ and His Church, cautioning against the tendency to confine them to human understanding. He stresses the importance of maintaining a spiritual perspective to ensure the Church remains vibrant and effective under God's governance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper appreciation of the life that emanates from the true House of God.
The Transcendent Thought of Sonship
By T. Austin-Sparks0SonshipSpiritual GrowthJHN 4:21ACT 13:33ROM 8:19EPH 1:23HEB 1:2HEB 2:5HEB 2:10HEB 3:6HEB 6:1HEB 12:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of sonship as presented in the Letter to the Hebrews, illustrating that true sonship is not merely an initial relationship with God but a mature and responsible state of being that reflects spiritual growth. He highlights the importance of moving beyond spiritual infancy to embrace the fullness of life in Christ, warning against the dangers of stagnation and the temptation to revert to earthly traditions. The sermon connects the concept of sonship with the divine purpose of bringing many sons to glory, underscoring the spiritual nature of this relationship and its implications for believers. Sparks also draws parallels between the teachings in Hebrews and the Gospel of John, emphasizing the inner, spiritual relationship between the Father and the Son. Ultimately, he calls for a recovery of life and fullness in Christ, urging believers to transcend mere tradition and embrace the living reality of their faith.
The Notion of a Clergyman a Sin Against the Holy Ghost
By John Nelson Darby0Clericalism and ApostasyThe Role of the Holy SpiritMAT 12:31JHN 14:16ACT 7:51ROM 8:91CO 12:7EPH 4:111TH 5:192TI 3:16HEB 3:61PE 5:2John Nelson Darby addresses the concept of a clergyman as a significant sin against the Holy Ghost, arguing that this notion substitutes human authority for the divine power of the Holy Spirit, leading to the church's destruction. He emphasizes that true ministry should be based on the Spirit's guidance rather than human appointment, and warns against the dangers of clericalism, which he believes hinders the work of God. Darby reflects on his own journey of faith, recognizing the importance of being united with Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. He calls for a return to scriptural principles and a rejection of worldly influences that corrupt the church's mission. Ultimately, he urges Christians to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and to discern the true nature of the church as God's dwelling place.
The Committed Life
By Watchman Nee0Commitment to GodFellowship in the ChurchGEN 12:6GEN 13:18JHN 4:14ACT 7:2ROM 12:1GAL 3:29HEB 3:61JN 5:19Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of a committed life through the example of Abraham, who was called by God during a time of great moral decline. God revealed Himself to Abraham, sharing His plans and establishing a covenant that included a land and a people to bear witness to His glory. The sermon highlights the importance of building altars in our lives, representing our commitment to God, and the necessity of fellowship within the Church as a reflection of the Body of Christ. Nee stresses that true knowledge and strength come from a shared life in Christ, rather than mere information or individualism. Ultimately, the message calls believers to recognize their role as witnesses in the world, rooted in the life and strength that comes from God.
God Hath Spoken - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks0SonshipSpiritual MaturityJHN 4:21ACT 13:33ROM 8:19EPH 1:23HEB 1:2HEB 2:9HEB 3:6HEB 6:1HEB 12:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound meaning of sonship in his sermon 'God Hath Spoken - Part 3', illustrating that sonship is not merely an initial relationship with God but a call to spiritual maturity and responsibility. He highlights that the fullness of Christ and the divine purpose of sonship are central themes in the Letter to the Hebrews, urging believers to progress beyond spiritual infancy. Sparks warns that many may fail to realize the full intention of their birth as children of God, and he connects the concept of sonship to the resurrection and eternal life. He stresses the importance of moving away from earthly traditions to embrace a living relationship with Christ, which leads to spiritual fullness. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to pursue a deeper understanding of their identity as sons and daughters of God, which carries the promise of dominion and glory in the world to come.
Training in the House of God (Genesis 14:14)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual TrainingCommunity in FaithGEN 14:14JHN 13:1ROM 12:101CO 12:26GAL 6:2EPH 6:12PHP 1:271TI 3:152TI 2:20HEB 3:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the House of God serves as a training ground for believers, akin to Abram's trained men who were prepared for spiritual warfare. He highlights that spiritual training occurs within the community of faith, where believers learn to love, support, and fight for one another, especially for those who falter like Lot. The sermon underscores the importance of enduring spiritual discipline and the necessity of being equipped to face spiritual conflicts, as Abram did when he rescued Lot. Sparks reminds us that true training involves not just knowledge but the embodiment of biblical truths through shared experiences in the household of faith. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace their role in God's household, prepared for every good work through the Holy Spirit's guidance.
The Sacred Anchor
By Thomas Watson0PRO 10:28ROM 5:2GAL 6:9PHP 1:272TH 2:16TIT 2:13HEB 3:61PE 1:31JN 3:3REV 22:12Thomas Watson preaches about the Christian's chief happiness being in the future, looking for the blessed hope of heaven. He emphasizes the act of 'looking' with desire, joy, and patience, and delves into the nature of hope as a supernatural grace planted by God. Watson explains the difference between hope and faith, highlighting the importance of a well-built hope that is quickening, purifying, good, and persevering. He contrasts the hope of a believer with that of a wicked person, urging Christians to maintain their hope against discouragements and to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
The Sealing of His Brethren
By T. Austin-Sparks0ACT 4:13EPH 1:13EPH 4:30HEB 3:6HEB 6:11JN 2:271JN 3:14T. Austin-Sparks preaches about being sealed with the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is the seal given by God the Father, not by the Spirit Himself. The sealing is the receiving of a Person for indwelling, ensuring a real, secure, and certain transaction in the believer's life. The Holy Spirit as the seal brings a mark of reality, certainty, and distinction, giving believers a resemblance to the Lord. This sealing with the Spirit as an earnest of our inheritance signifies a legal pledge, a promise, and a token of the glorious future inheritance in God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But Christ as a Son over his own house - Moses was faithful as a servant In the house; Jesus was faithful, as the first-born Son, Over the house of which he is the Heir and Governor. Here, then, is the conclusion of the argument in reference to Christ's superiority over Moses. Moses did not found the house or family, Christ did; Moses was but in the house, or one of the family, Christ was over the house as its Ruler; Moses was but servant in the house, Christ was the Son and Heir; Moses was in the house of another, Christ in his own house. It is well known to every learned reader that the pronoun αυτου, without an aspirate, signifies his simply; and that with the aspirate, αὑτου, it signifies his own: the word being in this form a contraction, not uncommon, of ἑαυτου. If we read αυτου without the aspirate, then his must refer to God, Heb 3:4. But Christ as a Son over his (that is, God's) house: if we read αὑτου, with the aspirate, as some editions do, then what is spoken refers to Christ; and the words above convey the same sense as those words, Act 20:28 : Feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Some editions read the word thus; and it is evident that the edition which our translators used had the word αὑτου, his own, and not αυτου, his. The Spanish and London Polyglots have the same reading. From the most ancient MSS. we can get no help to determine which is to be preferred, as they are generally written without accents. The two first editions of the Greek Testament, that of Complutum, 1514, and that of Erasmus, 1516, have αυτου, his; and they are followed by most other editions: but the celebrated edition of Robert Stephens, 1550, has αὑτου, his own. The reading is certainly important; but it belongs to one of those difficulties in criticism which, if the context or collateral evidence do not satisfactorily solve it, must remain in doubt; and every reader is at liberty to adopt which reading he thinks best. Whose house are we - We Christians are his Church and family; he is our Father, Governor, and Head. If we hold fast the confidence - We are now his Church, and shall continue to be such, and be acknowledged by him If we maintain our Christian profession, την παρῥησιαν, that liberty of access to God, which we now have, and the rejoicing of the hope, i.e. of eternal life, which we shall receive at the resurrection of the dead. The word παρῥησια, which is here translated confidence, and which signifies freedom of speech, liberty of access, etc., seems to be used here to distinguish an important Christian privilege. Under the old testament no man was permitted to approach to God: even the very mountain on which God published his laws must not be touched by man nor beast; and only the high priest was permitted to enter the holy of holies, and that only once a year, on the great day of atonement; and even then he must have the blood of the victim to propitiate the Divine justice. Under the Christian dispensation the way to the holiest is now laid open; and we have παρῥησιαν, liberty of access, even to the holiest, by the blood of Jesus. Having such access unto God, by such a Mediator, we may obtain all that grace which is necessary to fit us for eternal glory; and, having the witness of his Spirit in our heart, we have a well grounded hope of endless felicity, and exult in the enjoyment of that hope. But If we retain not the grace, we shall not inherit the glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But Christ--was and is faithful (Heb 3:2). as a son over his own house--rather, "over His (GOD'S, Heb 3:4) house"; and therefore, as the inference from His being one with God, over His own house. So Heb 10:21, "having an High Priest over the house of God." Christ enters His Father's house as the Master [OVER it], but Moses as a servant [IN it, Heb 3:2, Heb 3:5] [CHRYSOSTOM]. An ambassador in the absence of the king is very distinguished--in the presence of the king he falls back into the multitude [BENGEL]. whose house are we--Paul and his Hebrew readers. One old manuscript, with Vulgate and LUCIFER, reads, "which house"; but the weightiest manuscripts support English Version reading. the rejoicing--rather, "the matter of rejoicing." of the hope--"of our hope." Since all our good things lie in hopes, we ought so to hold fast our hopes as already to rejoice, as though our hopes were realized [CHRYSOSTOM]. firm unto the end--omitted in LUCIFER and AMBROSE, and in one oldest manuscript, but supported by most oldest manuscripts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Christ as a Son over his own house,.... As Moses was not, though the Jews say that he was (a) and (b), "lord and master of the house"; yea, and , "the Son of the house" (c); but this he was not: Christ is the Son and heir, the Lord and master; he is a Son, not by creation, or by adoption, or by office, but by nature: hence it appears that he is God, and is equal with God; and this his sonship is the foundation of his office, and he becomes the heir of all things: and when he is said to be "as a Son", it does not intend mere resemblance; but is expressive of his right to heirship and government, and of the esteem and reverence he had in his house, and of his fidelity as a Son there; and though he was a servant, as man and Mediator, and had a great piece of service to perform, and which he has performed with diligence and faithfulness, yet he was also a Son, Lord and heir, as Moses was not; and he is over the house of God, as King, priest, and prophet in it, and as the firstborn, Son and heir, and as the master and governor of it; and which is called his own, because given him by the Father, purchased by himself, and which he has built, and in which he dwells: whose house are we; believers in Christ, whether Jews or Gentiles; who, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, in whom Christ dwells by faith, and over whom he presides and reigns: if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. These words are not to be understood as a condition of the former assertion; nor is a final falling away from grace to be inferred from hence, for the supposition proves not such an inference, but the contrary; namely, that they that have true faith, hope, and confidence, shall keep them to the end; and therefore are the house of Christ: besides, the doctrine of apostasy is quite repugnant to the apostle's argument; according to which, Christ might have no house, and can have none till men have persevered: but the apostle's design is to give a word of exhortation to himself and others, to hold fast the confidence; and so the words are rather descriptive of the persons, who are the house of Christ; such who have a good hope, through grace, wrought in them, and can rejoice in hope of the glory of God; and can use freedom of speech and boldness at the throne of grace; and have an holy confidence of interest in the love of God, and salvation by Christ, and go on in the exercise of these graces to the end of their days. (a) Zohar in Lev. fol. 2. 2. (b) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 35. 2. (c) Lexic. Cabalist. p. 203.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:6 We are part of Christ’s house if we keep our courage. The author could not give unqualified assurance to those who were drifting away from Christ and the church. Those who persevere in the faith have assurance that they are part of God’s house (see 3:14; Rom 8:9, 17; 11:22; 2 Cor 13:5; Col 1:22-23).