Hebrews 3 6

Hebrews 3:6 kjv

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Hebrews 3:6 nkjv

but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

Hebrews 3:6 niv

But Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

Hebrews 3:6 esv

but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

Hebrews 3:6 nlt

But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God's entire house. And we are God's house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.

Hebrews 3 verses

Hebrews 3 6 Meaning

Hebrews 3:6 conveys that Christ, unlike Moses who was a faithful servant in God's house, stands as a Son with inherent authority and ownership "over His own house." This house is identified as believers—the Church. The verse further establishes a critical condition for being authentically part of this house: one must continually and firmly hold onto the "confidence" (boldness before God) and the "rejoicing of the hope" in Christ, steadfastly enduring to the very end of one's earthly life.

Hebrews 3 6 Context

Hebrews chapter 3 opens by exhorting believers to "consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus" (Heb 3:1), directly leading into a comparison between Christ and Moses. Moses was greatly revered by the Jewish audience of the epistle as the mediator of the Old Covenant and the leader who brought Israel out of slavery and into the wilderness, representing God's divine presence and authority.

The immediate context (Heb 3:1-6) presents Moses as a "servant" who was "faithful in all His house" (referring to God's ancient covenant people, Israel, and the tabernacle system which pointed to future realities). He was faithful in administrating that which was given to him. However, the writer elevates Christ far above Moses. Christ is not merely a servant in the house but is the Son, the Owner, and Builder over His own house. This spiritual "house" refers to the new covenant people of God, the Church, which believers are built into through faith in Christ. The comparison highlights Christ's inherent superiority, not merely His role. The chapter then transitions into a severe warning against unbelief, drawing a parallel to the Israelites who failed to enter God's rest due to their lack of faith in the wilderness (Heb 3:7-19). Therefore, being part of "Christ's house" entails persevering in faith, unlike the Israelites who hardened their hearts.

Hebrews 3 6 Word analysis

• But Christ: (ἀλλὰ Χριστὸς - alla Christos) - "But" signals a strong contrast, marking the turning point from Moses' servant status in verse 5. "Christ" identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the Anointed One, indicating His unique identity and role.
• as a Son: (ὡς υἱὸς - hos huios) - "As a Son" here does not imply similitude in the sense of "like a son," but rather points to His essential nature and identity. It signifies inherent deity, ownership, and unique authority derived from His divine relationship with the Father (cf. Heb 1:2-3, 1:8). Unlike a servant who carries out another's bidding, a son is an heir and owner.
• over His own house: (ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ - epi ton oikon autou) - "Over" indicates authority, superintendence, and dominion. "His own house" powerfully emphasizes Christ's personal ownership and proprietorship. Oikos (house) in this context refers to the spiritual household of God, the community of believers, the Church, rather than a physical dwelling. This contrasts with Moses, who was "in" the house (as part of it) and faithful as a servant within it, but Christ is over it as the owner and builder.
• whose house we are: (οὗ οἶκός ἐσμεν ἡμεῖς - hou oikos esmen hēmeis) - A clear statement of identification. "Whose house" refers back to Christ's house. "We are" unequivocally identifies believers (the readers of Hebrews and all Christians) as this spiritual edifice, living stones in His dwelling (1 Pet 2:5). It denotes corporate belonging and being the people over whom Christ exercises His divine headship and ownership.
• if indeed we hold fast: (ἐάνπερ κατέχωμεν - eanper katechomen) - This is a crucial conditional clause. Eanper is a strong conditional particle, emphasizing a true and necessary condition. "Hold fast" (katechomen) means to grasp firmly, maintain, possess securely, or keep from relinquishing. It signifies an active, continuous, and determined clinging to one's faith, despite pressures or temptations. It indicates the necessary evidence of true faith—perseverance.
• the confidence: (τὴν παρρησίαν - tēn parrēsian) - "Confidence" here translates parrhesia, which means boldness, freedom of speech, frankness, and spiritual courage. In a New Testament context, it refers to the believer's assured access and fearlessness before God (Heb 4:16, Eph 3:12), resulting from Christ's completed work. It implies a fearless and unwavering testimony to the truth.
• and the rejoicing of the hope firm: (καὶ τὸ καύχημα τῆς ἐλπίδος βεβαίαν - kai to kauchema tēs elpidos bebaian) -
  • the rejoicing: (kauchema) refers to the ground of boasting or glorying, an object of joy or pride. Here, it is not boasting in oneself but in the glorious reality and certainty of the hope. It speaks of the joyous expression arising from that hope.
  • of the hope: (tēs elpidos) - Christian hope (elpis) is not mere wishful thinking, but a confident expectation and certainty based on God's promises and Christ's resurrection. It is future-oriented, pertaining to Christ's return and the full realization of salvation.
  • firm: (bebaian) - This adjective modifies "hope," indicating that our hope must be unshakeable, secure, steadfast, and stable. It's not a fleeting optimism but an unyielding anchor for the soul (Heb 6:19).
• to the end: (μέχρι τέλους - mechri telous) - "To the end" emphasizes the lifelong nature of this steadfastness. It refers to the conclusion of one's life, or the culmination of the present age (parousia), demanding sustained endurance in faith and perseverance through all trials.

Hebrews 3 6 Bonus section

• The term "house" (oikos) throughout this chapter and epistle is rich in meaning, encompassing the entire household of God—not just a building, but God's people (past Israel, now the Church), His dwelling place among them, and the administrative system for their fellowship with Him.
• The comparison between Christ's Sonship and Moses' servanthood is a primary example of how Hebrews consistently demonstrates Christ's superiority over foundational aspects of the Old Covenant, drawing its Jewish audience's attention from types and shadows to the ultimate reality in Christ.
• The "if indeed" clause challenges shallow or superficial professions of faith, implying that genuine faith is characterized by its resilience and ongoing fidelity to Christ. It is a powerful pastoral warning against apostasy, encouraging self-examination and persistent faithfulness rather than presuming security without commitment.
• "Confidence" (parrhesia) signifies the boldness not only to approach God's throne (Heb 4:16, 10:19) but also to openly confess and proclaim the Gospel without fear or shame. This spiritual courage is intrinsic to maintaining one's connection to Christ's house in a hostile world.

Hebrews 3 6 Commentary

Hebrews 3:6 is a pivotal verse, continuing the author's argument for the supremacy of Christ. The stark contrast between Moses and Christ is foundational: Moses, though greatly esteemed and faithful, was a "servant" in God's house, charged with its administration according to God's design. His role pointed to what was to come. Christ, however, is presented as the divine "Son," the very Owner and Builder "over His own house." This highlights Christ's inherent deity and supreme authority; He is not merely administering someone else's property, but He owns and possesses the house—the spiritual community of all true believers—because He built it (cf. Heb 3:3).

The verse then makes a crucial connection between this divine ownership and the identity of believers: "whose house we are." This corporate identification underscores that the Church is not merely an organization or a collection of individuals, but the very dwelling place of God through Christ. It is a living, spiritual edifice built upon Christ as the cornerstone.

The conditional phrase, "if indeed we hold fast," introduces a vital qualification for being truly and perpetually identified with Christ's house. This is not about salvation being earned by works, but about true faith being evidenced by endurance. Genuine faith is not merely an initial assent, but a steadfast grip on truth, even amid trials and temptations. The "confidence" refers to the believer's bold, unhindered access and assurance before God, granted through Christ's finished work. It implies a courage and clarity in profession. Coupled with this is "the rejoicing of the hope firm"—a profound, joyful assurance rooted in God's promises, concerning future glory with Christ, which must remain unshaken.

Therefore, the verse serves as both an assurance and an exhortation. It assures believers of their position in Christ's house under His sovereign ownership but exhorts them to a persevering faith. This endurance is the authentic mark of being a true member of His household. Failure to "hold fast" points not to a loss of salvation for genuinely saved individuals, but rather suggests that the initial profession was perhaps not genuine faith unto salvation. Practical examples include enduring through persecution, maintaining fidelity to sound doctrine against heresies, and not allowing the trials of life or the allure of the world to diminish one's expectation of Christ's return or one's confident trust in His finished work. It calls for active, diligent pursuit of Christ and His truth to the very end of life.