Hebrews 3 5

Hebrews 3:5 kjv

And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

Hebrews 3:5 nkjv

And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward,

Hebrews 3:5 niv

"Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house," bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future.

Hebrews 3:5 esv

Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later,

Hebrews 3:5 nlt

Moses was certainly faithful in God's house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later.

Hebrews 3 verses

Hebrews 3 5 Meaning

Hebrews 3:5 reveals Moses' specific role and character within God's divine order. It affirms Moses' unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling his duties within God's household, or among God's people. Crucially, it highlights that Moses acted not as the owner but as a dedicated servant, whose very life and ministry served as a foreshadowing testimony. This testimony pointed forward to the greater truths and revelations that would be spoken and established later through Christ. Moses’ ministry was integral, yet preparatory, leading up to the ultimate reality in the new covenant.

Hebrews 3 5 Context

Hebrews 3 begins a critical comparison between Moses and Christ, central to the epistle's argument about Christ's superiority. The preceding chapters establish Christ's divinity, humanity, and priesthood, setting the stage for His preeminence over all other figures. Chapter 3:1 exhorts believers to consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest. Verses 2-6 develop the theme of Christ being "counted worthy of more glory than Moses," focusing on His role in building God's "house." This specific verse (Heb 3:5) acknowledges Moses' undisputed greatness and faithfulness, particularly important for a Jewish-Christian audience deeply revering Moses. However, it carefully frames Moses' esteemed role as that of a servant preparing for something greater. It serves as a bridge, conceding Moses' faithful service while simultaneously pivoting to demonstrate Christ's ultimate authority and role as Son over His own house.

Hebrews 3 5 Word analysis

• And Moses (Καὶ Μωϋσῆς - Kai Mōysēs): Introduces the comparison directly. Moses is a highly venerated figure in Judaism, the lawgiver, the one through whom God revealed Himself to Israel. Acknowledging Moses' status is crucial for the epistle's Jewish audience.
• indeed (μὲν - men): A particle used for emphasizing the previous statement and preparing for a contrast (often followed by de for "but," which appears in the next verse, Heb 3:6, with Christ). It confirms the truth of Moses' faithfulness.
• was faithful (πιστὸς ἦν - pistos ēn): "Pistos" means trustworthy, reliable, dependable. It denotes allegiance and adherence to duties. God himself testifies to Moses' faithfulness in Num 12:7. This isn't just about Moses believing God, but actively performing his service with integrity and loyalty.
• in all his house (ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ - en holō tō oikō autou):
  • House (oikos) here refers to God's people, the chosen nation of Israel, and more broadly, God's administration or household. It encompasses the covenant, the Tabernacle, and the divine order established among Israel.
  • Moses' sphere of responsibility was complete and total within this "house" as ordained by God.
• as a servant (ὡς θεράπων - hōs therapōn):
  • "Therapon" denotes a high-status servant, a devoted attendant, or one who performs service (unlike doulos - slave, or oiketes - household servant). This term carries a nuance of respect and diligent service, often with an implication of ministering or acting on behalf of a superior. It implies proximity and entrusted responsibility, but unequivocally not ownership or headship.
  • This precisely defines Moses' role: honored, privileged, but fundamentally one who serves another's purpose and property. This contrasts with Christ's role as the Son.
• for a testimony (εἰς μαρτύριον - eis martyrion): "Martyrion" means evidence, witness, or testimony. Moses' entire life and work had a specific purpose beyond merely delivering the Law. His ministry bore witness to something beyond itself.
• of those things which were to be spoken afterward (τῶν λαληθησομένων - tōn lalēthēsoménōn):
  • This is a prophetic dative phrase with a future passive participle ("the things that would be spoken").
  • It directly points to the future revelation of God's ultimate plan, which is manifested fully in Jesus Christ. Moses' Law, the Tabernacle, and the very structure of the Old Covenant were preparatory types and shadows.
  • These "things spoken afterward" primarily refer to the new covenant, Christ's sacrificial work, His high priesthood, and the full disclosure of God's saving purposes in the gospel.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• And Moses indeed was faithful: This phrase sets up Moses as an undisputed exemplar of fidelity within God's service. His faithfulness is a conceded point, highlighting his revered status amongst the Israelites. It confirms his integrity and obedience to God's directives.
• in all his house as a servant: This highlights Moses' designated sphere of authority and the nature of that authority. While great, his position was defined by service. The "house" is God's covenant people, and Moses operated completely within it, but never over it as the proprietor. His role was one of diligent administration for God.
• for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken afterward: This is the pivotal phrase revealing the forward-looking, provisional nature of Moses' ministry. His life, leadership, and the Law itself were not the ultimate end but a divinely ordained witness. They prefigured, necessitated, and paved the way for the coming revelation of Christ and the new covenant, emphasizing continuity while establishing Christ's fulfillment and supremacy.

Hebrews 3 5 Bonus section

The distinction between therapon (servant, like Moses) and huios (Son, like Christ) is fundamental to Hebrews 3. While a therapon performs duties on behalf of another, a huios inherits and possesses authority over the household. Moses, as a therapon, signifies the limited and preparatory nature of the Old Covenant. He built "for" God (v. 2) but Christ builds "as" God, or "His own house" (v. 6). Moses was faithful in God's house, meaning he was entrusted with God's dwelling/people. Christ, being the Son, is over His own house. This structural comparison underscores the temporary nature of the Mosaic economy versus the enduring and complete reality in Christ. The concept of God's "house" can be understood dynamically: beginning with Israel under Moses, then the Temple, and ultimately culminating in the Church as the dwelling place of God in the New Testament. Moses' work faithfully contributed to the foundation for this evolving "house," which would find its perfection and completion in Christ.

Hebrews 3 5 Commentary

Hebrews 3:5 is a profound verse that deftly handles the reverence for Moses within the Jewish tradition while asserting Christ's supreme authority. It validates Moses' exemplary faithfulness, acknowledging that he performed his duties in God's household without deviation. However, it simultaneously places a crucial limitation on his role: he was a "servant." This isn't a derogatory term but rather an exact descriptor of his function. Moses, by God's own decree, administered the Old Covenant arrangements as a loyal deputy, but not as the Son who owns the house. The entire Mosaic dispensation, including the Law, the Tabernacle, and Israel's walk, served a singular, anticipatory purpose: "a testimony of those things which were to be spoken afterward." It was a divinely orchestrated prelude, pointing directly to the final and perfect revelation in Jesus Christ. Therefore, while great and foundational, Moses' ministry was a means to an end—that end being Christ, who brings the complete truth and ultimate covenant. This understanding prevented the Jewish Christians from mistakenly viewing the Mosaic system as superior or sufficient, reminding them it was designed to lead them to the Messiah.