Hebrews 6 18

Hebrews 6:18 kjv

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Hebrews 6:18 nkjv

that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

Hebrews 6:18 niv

God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.

Hebrews 6:18 esv

so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

Hebrews 6:18 nlt

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

Hebrews 6 verses

Hebrews 6 18 Meaning

Hebrews 6:18 states that God, through two unchangeable things—His promise and His oath—has provided unwavering assurance. These elements are rooted in God's immutable character, making it impossible for Him to deceive or fail. This divine guarantee offers strong encouragement and firm confidence to those who have sought refuge in Him through faith. The purpose is for believers to steadfastly cling to the hope of salvation and eternal blessings that has been presented to them, serving as a powerful anchor for their souls.

Hebrews 6 18 Context

Hebrews chapter 6 presents a solemn warning against spiritual stagnation and potential apostasy (Heb 6:4-8). The author contrasts the "dullness" of some recipients with the diligent faith of others, expressing a strong desire for their perseverance. Following this warning, the passage transitions to provide powerful assurance based on God's unchanging nature. The immediate verses (Heb 6:13-17) cite God's promise and oath to Abraham as a foundational example, illustrating God's absolute commitment to His word. Hebrews 6:18 thus functions as a bridge, connecting the historical demonstration of God's faithfulness (through Abraham) to the present-day encouragement for the struggling Jewish Christians. These believers faced pressure and potential persecution, prompting them to consider reverting to earlier Jewish practices. The verse anchors their hope in the unshakable character of God, providing the ultimate encouragement to endure and hold fast to their confession in Christ, emphasizing the superiority and certainty of the new covenant over the old.

Hebrews 6 18 Word analysis

• so that by two unchangeable things:

  • two unchangeable things: Greek dýo aprósheta (δύο ἀμετάθετος). This term means "fixed," "unalterable," "immutable." The two things refer to God's promise (spoken word) and His oath (sworn declaration), particularly demonstrated to Abraham in Gen 12, 15, and especially Gen 22 (as cited in Heb 6:13-17). Their unchangeableness stems directly from God's character.
  • Significance: These two divine acts remove any shadow of doubt regarding the certainty of God's intentions and plans.

• in which it is impossible for God to lie:

  • impossible for God to lie: Greek adýnaton pseýsasthai theón (ἀδύνατον ψεύσασθαι θεόν). This emphasizes an absolute impossibility. God's truthfulness is not merely a virtue He possesses but an intrinsic aspect of His divine nature. He cannot act contrary to His nature.
  • Significance: This foundation of God's absolute veracity validates all His promises and serves as the ultimate guarantee. Reflected in Num 23:19; Titus 1:2.

• we who have fled for refuge:

  • fled for refuge: Greek hoi kataphygóntes (οἱ καταφυγόντες). This evokes the image of someone escaping danger or judgment and finding safety in a secure place, like the cities of refuge in the Old Testament. It implies a conscious act of seeking protection.
  • Significance: It describes the active choice of believers to trust in God's salvation and protection, abandoning other forms of security for Him alone. It denotes their desperate need for divine help.

• might have strong encouragement:

  • strong encouragement: Greek paráklēsin iskhyrán (παράκλησιν ἰσχυράν). Paraklēsis can mean comfort, exhortation, or strong urging. Ischyrán means mighty, powerful. This is more than gentle comfort; it's a powerful, compelling assurance.
  • Significance: The immutable character and promises of God do not just soothe; they empower and enable perseverance.

• to hold fast:

  • hold fast: Greek kratêsai (κρατῆσαι). This verb implies seizing or grasping firmly, to master, to keep a strong hold on something.
  • Significance: It conveys the active and intentional effort required by believers to maintain their commitment to the Christian hope amidst trials and temptations.

• to the hope set before us:

  • hope set before us: Greek tês prokeiménēs elpídos (τῆς προκειμένης ἐλπίδος). The word prokeimenēs means "lying before" or "set forth." This is the ultimate hope of eternal life, heavenly reward, and ultimate salvation, presented to believers as a goal and future reality.
  • Significance: This hope is a definitive, tangible future reality that drives present endurance and provides meaning to the believer's journey.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie": This phrase succinctly identifies the absolute foundation of Christian assurance: God's immutable character expressed through His confirmed word. His divine essence necessitates truthfulness, making His promises utterly reliable.
  • "we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us": This group connects the believer's active pursuit of salvation ("fled for refuge") with the resultant powerful internal conviction ("strong encouragement") that enables their perseverance ("hold fast") in anticipation of future blessedness ("the hope set before us"). It portrays a secure, empowered, and future-oriented faith.

Hebrews 6 18 Bonus section

The concept of the "two unchangeable things" being God's promise and His oath sets the stage for the powerful imagery in the very next verse (Heb 6:19), describing this hope as "an anchor of the soul, firm and secure." Just as an anchor provides stability to a ship in turbulent waters, so God's infallible character provides ultimate security for the believer's soul in life's storms. This emphasis on God's immutability directly counters any human tendency to doubt divine faithfulness or succumb to apostasy, which the preceding verses warned against. The Abrahamic covenant is presented not merely as a historical event, but as a paradigm demonstrating God's covenant-keeping nature across all dispensations. The fulfillment of promises, like those to Abraham, showcases God's steadfastness as a model for how believers can trust His future promises concerning their salvation and the ultimate entry into His heavenly sanctuary.

Hebrews 6 18 Commentary

Hebrews 6:18 underscores the unshakeable certainty of God's commitment to His people, providing a potent antidote to doubt and weariness. The divine promise and oath—exemplified by Abraham's experience—are not mere declarations but two unbreakable anchors rooted in God's immutable character, from whom deception is utterly impossible. This absolute trustworthiness of God serves as a mighty wellspring of encouragement for those who have, by faith, "fled for refuge" to Him from the dangers of sin and judgment. The intent is to bolster believers, especially those undergoing trials, to maintain their unwavering grip on the ultimate hope presented in the Gospel: full salvation, inheritance in the heavenly city, and eternal communion with God. This hope is not wishful thinking but a secure reality guaranteed by the unchanging nature of the One who promised.

• Examples:
  • When a believer faces job loss, the "strong encouragement" from God's unchangeable promises reminds them God will provide, even if the path is unclear (Phil 4:19).
  • During seasons of doubt about one's salvation, remembering God's inability to lie and His covenant oath confirms that He "who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" (Phil 1:6).
  • Facing persecution for their faith, believers find assurance in God's oath, knowing their ultimate hope in Christ far outweighs any temporal suffering, enabling them to "hold fast" to their conviction (1 Pet 4:12-14).