ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Hebrews 3

3:1–10:18 Jesus Is Superior to the Mosaic Law. Having concluded that Jesus is superior to the mediators of the Mosaic law (angels, 2:2), the author now establishes Jesus’ superiority to Moses (3:1–6), to the Aaronic high priesthood (4:14–7:28), to the former covenant (8:1–13), and to the Mosaic sacrifices (9:1–10:18). This section includes three exhortations to Christian perseverance (3:7–4:13; 5:11–6:12; 10:19–39).

Heb. 3:1 Therefore. In light of Jesus’ high priesthood (2:17). holy brothers. Members of the family of God (3:12; 10:19; 13:22); also called “saints” or sanctified ones (13:24). heavenly calling. “Heavenly” elsewhere describes God’s perfect order (8:5; 9:23) and the future life with God (11:16; 12:22). For “calling,” see 2:11 and 9:15. Jesus is an apostle in that he is “one who is sent” (see Luke 4:18). our confession. The content of the Christian faith (see Heb. 4:14; 10:23).

Heb. 3:3–6 more glory. Despite Moses’ great faithfulness, Jesus is superior. house. Jesus as the Son of God has a privileged place in the household of God (1 Chron. 17:14). Moses remains a valued servant in that household (Num. 12:7).

Heb. 3:6 Christ is the Greek equivalent of “Messiah,” meaning “anointed one” (see 1:9). we are his house.

Heb. 3:7–4:13 The contrasting of Jesus and Moses (3:1–6) leads to a comparison of their followers’ responses.

Heb. 3:7–11 Therefore. Citing Ps. 95:7–11, the author contrasts Moses’ faithfulness with the faithless people of Moses’ day. Hebrews attributes this psalm to the Holy Spirit (compare Mark 12:36; Acts 1:16).

Heb. 3:12–13 Drawing on Psalm 95, Hebrews warns against allowing the unbelief of a hardened, sinful heart to cause one to fall away (“turn away from, forsake”; compare Luke 8:13; 1 Tim. 4:1). as long as it is called “today.” From the perspective of God’s saving plans for world history, the church lives in a special moment in which the Lord has come, spoken, and gone, and believers await his return—faith is called for in this hour.

Heb. 3:14 The true Christian will endure to the end. The condition (if indeed) has been understood in various ways. Some have argued that the condition (“if”) indicates that true Christians can lose their salvation. Scripture is clear, however, that true believers cannot lose their salvation (John 6:39–40; 10:27–29; Rom. 8:35, 38–39; Eph. 1:4; Phil. 1:6; 1 Pet. 1:3–5). Hebrews 3:14 should be understood in connection with v. 13, as is indicated by the linking word For. That is, those who become hardened (v. 13) give outward evidence that they never have been genuine believers who “share in Christ,” because genuine believers hold on to their original confidence to the end. Of course, Scripture also encourages believers to pray for and seek to reclaim any who have fallen away (James 5:20; 1 John 5:16), in the hope that they will turn back. Still, this passage should be viewed as a sober warning—intended as a means that God uses to keep Christians resolved in faith and obedient until the end.

Heb. 3:15–19 Quoting Ps. 95:7–8 again, the author draws several points from the failure of the exodus generation (see especially Ex. 17:1–7; Num. 14:20–38). They witnessed God’s salvation and many miracles in the exodus, and yet they had responded in disobedience and unbelief, so they were unable to enter into the rest of the Promised Land.