King James Version
Hebrews 3
19 verses with commentary
Jesus Greater Than Moses
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
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KJV Study Commentary
'Holy brethren' emphasizes believers' set-apart status and family relationship with Christ. 'Partakers of the heavenly calling' (Greek 'metochoi kleseos epouraniou') stresses that salvation originates from above, not human effort. Christ is presented with dual titles—'Apostle' (sent one) and 'High Priest'—combining His prophetic and priestly offices. 'Consider' (Greek 'katanoeo') means to fix atte...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **Wherefore.**—The address which here begins (the first direct address in the Epistle) bears the same relation to all that has preceded, as Hebrews 2:1-4 bears to the first chapter. In particular, the contents of the second chapter are gathered up in this verse, almost every word of which recalls some previous statement or result.
**Holy brethren.**—United in one brotherhood in virtue of a com...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. I charge thee--**rather as Greek, "I adjure thee"; so it ought to be translated (2Ti 4:1).
**before--**"in the presence of God."
**Lord--**omitted in the oldest manuscripts God the Father, and Christ the Son, will testify against thee, if thou disregardest my injunction. He vividly sets before Timothy the last judgment, in which God shall be revealed, and Christ seen face to face with Hi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle foretells the rise of dangerous enemies to the gospel.(1-9)
Proposes his own example to Timothy.(10-13)
And exhorts him to continue in the doctrine he had learned from the Holy Scriptures.(14-17)
**Verses 1-9**
Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; on account of persecution from without, still more on account of corruptions ...
Read full commentary →Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. appointed: Gr. made
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KJV Study Commentary
Christ's faithfulness to God matches Moses' faithfulness (Numbers 12:7), but with a crucial difference established in verse 3. The term 'appointed' (Greek 'poiesanti') shows both were divinely commissioned. Faithfulness is the essential qualification for ministry—reliability and trustworthiness in executing God's purposes.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Who was.**—Rather, *as being;* or *that He was. Not* merely, *fix your thought on Jesus;* but also (and especially), *think of Him as faithful* to God (Hebrews 2:17).
**Appointed him.**—Literally, *made Him, *an expression which some ancient (Ambrose and other Latin fathers,—apparently also Athanasius) and many modern writers have understood as relating to the creation of the human nature of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. Lay hands--**that is, ordain (1Ti 4:14; 2Ti 1:6; Tit 1:5). The connection is with 1Ti 5:19. The way to guard against scandals occurring in the case of presbyters is, be cautious as to the character of the candidate before ordaining him; this will apply to other Church officers so ordained, as well as to presbyters. Thus, this clause refers to 1Ti 5:19, as next clause, "neither be partaker of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle foretells the rise of dangerous enemies to the gospel.(1-9)
Proposes his own example to Timothy.(10-13)
And exhorts him to continue in the doctrine he had learned from the Holy Scriptures.(14-17)
**Verses 1-9**
Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; on account of persecution from without, still more on account of corruptions ...
Read full commentary →For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
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KJV Study Commentary
The builder/house analogy establishes Christ's superiority. Moses was faithful 'in' the house as a servant, but Christ is worthy of more glory as the builder/son 'over' the house. The Greek prepositions 'en' (in) versus 'epi' (over) mark the crucial distinction. The builder necessarily precedes and surpasses the building, just as Creator surpasses creation.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **For this man was counted.**—Rather, *For He hath been accounted, *by God, who hath crowned Him with glory and honour (Hebrews 2:9). In this reward lies contained the proof that He was faithful. This is probably the connection of thought; others join this verse with the first: “Consider Him . . . for He hath received higher glory than Moses.”
**Inasmuch as.**—That is, *in proportion as*: the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. no longer--**as a habit. This injunction to drink wine occasionally is a modification of the preceding "keep thyself pure." The presbyter and deacon were enjoined to be "not given to wine" (1Ti 3:3, 8). Timothy seems to have had a tendency to undue ascetical strictness on this point (compare Note, see on 1Ti 4:8; compare the Nazarene vow, Nu 6:1-4; John the Baptist, Lu 1:15; Ro 14). Paul the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle foretells the rise of dangerous enemies to the gospel.(1-9)
Proposes his own example to Timothy.(10-13)
And exhorts him to continue in the doctrine he had learned from the Holy Scriptures.(14-17)
**Verses 1-9**
Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; on account of persecution from without, still more on account of corruptions ...
Read full commentary →For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
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KJV Study Commentary
The universal principle stated—every house has a builder—leads to the conclusion that God built all things. Since Christ is identified as the builder (verse 3) and God is the builder of all, Christ's deity is implicitly affirmed. This is a logical argument from creation to Creator, from effect to cause.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **For every house is builded by some man.**—Rather, *by some one*: the thought of the house leads at once to the thought of the builder of it. The meaning of the several parts of this verse is very simple; but it is not easy to follow the reasoning with certainty. The second clause seems to be a condensed expression of this thought: “But He that built this house is He that built all things, Go...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
24. Two kinds of sins are specified: those palpably manifest (so the Greek for "open beforehand" ought to be translated; so in He 7:14, it is translated "evident"; literally, "before" the eyes, that is, notorious), further explained as "going before to judgment"; and those which follow after the men ("some men they, that is, their sins, follow after"), namely, not going beforehand, loudly accusing...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle foretells the rise of dangerous enemies to the gospel.(1-9)
Proposes his own example to Timothy.(10-13)
And exhorts him to continue in the doctrine he had learned from the Holy Scriptures.(14-17)
**Verses 1-9**
Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; on account of persecution from without, still more on account of corruptions ...
Read full commentary →And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
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KJV Study Commentary
Moses' role as 'therapon' (servant/attendant) emphasizes his faithful ministry while clearly subordinating him to Christ. His testimony was 'of those things which were to be spoken after'—he pointed forward to Christ. The entire Mosaic economy was anticipatory, typological, and temporary, serving as a tutor leading to Christ (Galatians 3:24).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **As a servant.**—What was before implied is now clearly expressed. Hebrews 3:3 associated Moses with the house, Jesus with Him who builded it; of what nature this relation was, is stated in this verse and the next. Moses was “in God’s house;” however exalted his position, he was in the house as a servant. The Greek word used here does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament, but is taken fro...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle foretells the rise of dangerous enemies to the gospel.(1-9)
Proposes his own example to Timothy.(10-13)
And exhorts him to continue in the doctrine he had learned from the Holy Scriptures.(14-17)
**Verses 1-9**
Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; on account of persecution from without, still more on account of corruptions ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
Christ's superiority as 'Son over his own house' contrasts with Moses as servant 'in' the house. The house is identified as 'we'—believers who maintain 'confidence' (Greek 'parresian'—boldness, free speech) and 'rejoicing' (boasting) in hope. Perseverance ('if we hold fast') evidences genuine faith; this is not salvation by works but works evidencing salvation.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **But Christ as a son over his own house.**—Rather, *over His house.* Throughout this passage (Hebrews 3:2; Hebrews 3:5-6) “His house” must be taken in the sense of the quotation, as the house of God. Whereas Moses was faithful as a servant in this house of God, Christ was faithful as a son set over His Father’s house. The antithesis is complete: the one is a servant for witness, the other a S...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The apostle foretells the rise of dangerous enemies to the gospel.(1-9)
Proposes his own example to Timothy.(10-13)
And exhorts him to continue in the doctrine he had learned from the Holy Scriptures.(14-17)
**Verses 1-9**
Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; on account of persecution from without, still more on account of corruptions ...
Read full commentary →Warning Against Unbelief
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
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KJV Study Commentary
Introducing Psalm 95:7-11, the author emphasizes the Holy Spirit's authorship of Scripture ('the Holy Spirit says'). The present tense indicates Scripture's ongoing authority. 'Today' (Greek 'sēmeron') creates urgency - every day is the day to hear and obey God's voice. Reformed theology emphasizes the immediate applicability of Scripture and the Spirit's role in illuminating it to believers.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Wherefore.**—Since without steadfastness all will be lost. With the words introducing the quotation compare Hebrews 9:8; Hebrews 10:15.
Whether the marks of parenthesis here introduced in our ordinary Bibles (not inserted by the translators of 1611) express the true connection of the verses is a question very hard to decide, and one that does not admit of full discussion here. It is very pos...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 6
1Ti 6:1-21. Exhortations as to Distinctions of Civil Rank; the Duty of Slaves, in Opposition to the False Teachings of Gain-seekers; Timothy's Pursuit Is to Be Godliness, Which Is an Everlasting Possession: Solemn Adjuration to Do So against Christ's Coming; Charge to Be Given to the Rich. Concluding Exhortation.
**1. servants--**to be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are un...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Days of temptation are often days of provocation. But to provoke God, when he is letting us see that we entirely depend and live upon him, is a provocation indeed. The hardening of the heart is the spring of all other sins. The sins of others, especially of our relations, should be warnings to us. All sin, especially sin committed by God's professing, privileged people, not onl...
Read full commentary →Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
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KJV Study Commentary
The warning against hardening hearts recalls Israel's rebellion at Massah and Meribah (Exodus 17, Numbers 20). The Greek 'sklērynēte' (harden) can be reflexive - don't harden yourselves. This assumes human responsibility in belief/unbelief, though Reformed theology also affirms God's sovereign grace in softening hearts. The 'provocation' (Greek 'parapikrasmou') refers to bitter rebellion against G...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **In the day of temptation.**—Better, *like the day of the temptation.* As in the LXX., so here, two words which in the Hebrew are proper names (“as at Meribah, and as in the day of Massah”) are translated according to their intrinsic meaning. (For the former see Exodus 17:7; Numbers 20:13; and for the latter Exodus 17:7.) We may believe that these places are here chosen for reference partly o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. And--**rather, "But." The opposition is between those Christian slaves under the yoke of heathen, and those that have believing masters (he does not use the phrase "under the yoke" in the latter case, for service under believers is not a yoke). Connect the following words thus, "Let them (the slaves) not, because they (the masters) are brethren (and so equals, masters and slaves alike being C...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Days of temptation are often days of provocation. But to provoke God, when he is letting us see that we entirely depend and live upon him, is a provocation indeed. The hardening of the heart is the spring of all other sins. The sins of others, especially of our relations, should be warnings to us. All sin, especially sin committed by God's professing, privileged people, not onl...
Read full commentary →When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
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KJV Study Commentary
Israel tested God 'and saw my works forty years' - unbelief persisted despite constant evidence of God's power and provision. The Greek 'dokimazō' (tested) implies challenging God to prove Himself. This demonstrates the irrationality of unbelief - even abundant evidence doesn't compel faith apart from God's grace. Reformed epistemology recognizes that the problem is not lack of evidence but the no...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) According to our best MSS. this verse will run thus: *Where* (or, *wherewith*)* your fathers tempted by trial, and saw My works forty years.* The meaning of the Hebrew (with which the LXX. very nearly agrees) is: “Where your fathers tempted Me, proved Me; also saw My work.” The change of reading is more interesting than important, as the sense is not materially different. Both here and in the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. teach otherwise--**than I desire thee to "teach" (1Ti 6:2). The Greek indicative implies, he puts not a merely supposed case, but one actually existing, 1Ti 1:3, "Every one who teaches otherwise," that is, who teaches heterodoxy.
**consent not--**Greek, "accede not to."
**wholesome--**"sound" (1Ti 1:10): opposed to the false teachers' words, unsound through profitless science and immorali...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Days of temptation are often days of provocation. But to provoke God, when he is letting us see that we entirely depend and live upon him, is a provocation indeed. The hardening of the heart is the spring of all other sins. The sins of others, especially of our relations, should be warnings to us. All sin, especially sin committed by God's professing, privileged people, not onl...
Read full commentary →Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's grief ('prosōchthisa' - was angry/disgusted) over persistent unbelief shows sin's serious offense against God's holiness. The diagnosis is hearts that 'always go astray' - total depravity, constant tendency toward sin apart from grace. 'They have not known my ways' indicates practical ignorance despite intellectual knowledge, emphasizing the Reformed distinction between notitia (awareness) a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **I was grieved with that generation.**—Rather, *I was angry with this generation.* The Hebrew is very strong: “I loathed a (whole) generation.” The first word, “Wherefore,” is not found in the Psalm, but is added to make the connection more distinct.
**And they have not known my ways.**—Better, *yet they took not knowledge of My ways.* Although throughout the forty years He had shown to them...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. He is proud--**literally, "wrapt in smoke"; filled with the fumes of self-conceit (1Ti 3:6) while "knowing nothing," namely, of the doctrine which is according to godliness (1Ti 6:3), though arrogating pre-eminent knowledge (1Ti 1:7).
**doting about--**literally, "sick about"; the opposite of "wholesome" (1Ti 6:3). Truth is not the center about which his investigations move, but mere word-s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Days of temptation are often days of provocation. But to provoke God, when he is letting us see that we entirely depend and live upon him, is a provocation indeed. The hardening of the heart is the spring of all other sins. The sins of others, especially of our relations, should be warnings to us. All sin, especially sin committed by God's professing, privileged people, not onl...
Read full commentary →So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) They: Gr. If they shall enter
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KJV Study Commentary
God's oath ('ōmosa' - I swore) carries absolute certainty. 'They shall not enter my rest' pronounces irrevocable judgment on the unbelieving generation. The 'rest' typologically points beyond Canaan to the eternal rest of salvation. Reformed theology sees this as illustrating God's justice in judging persistent unbelief and the reality of reprobation - not all will be saved, despite outward religi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **So**.—Rather, *as* (Hebrews 4:3). It is with these as it was with their fathers, the generations that came out of Egypt, unto whom God sware, “They shall not enter into My rest” (Numbers 14:21-24). The form in which these words appear below (Hebrews 4:3; Hebrews 4:5) in the Authorised version, “If they shall enter into my rest,” is an imitation of the original construction. See Numbers 14:2...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. Perverse disputings--**useless disputings. The oldest manuscripts read, "lasting contests" [Wiesinger]; "incessant collisions" [Alford]. "Strifes of words" had already been mentioned so that he would not be likely to repeat the same idea (as in the English Version reading) again.
**corrupt minds--**Greek, "of men corrupted (depraved) in mind." The inmost source of the evil is in the pervert...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Days of temptation are often days of provocation. But to provoke God, when he is letting us see that we entirely depend and live upon him, is a provocation indeed. The hardening of the heart is the spring of all other sins. The sins of others, especially of our relations, should be warnings to us. All sin, especially sin committed by God's professing, privileged people, not onl...
Read full commentary →Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Evil heart of unbelief' identifies the root problem—not intellectual doubt but moral rebellion against God. The warning 'departing from the living God' uses apostasia language, suggesting apostasy. Unbelief is not passive skepticism but active departure. The title 'living God' contrasts with dead idols and emphasizes covenant relationship.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Lest there be in any of you.**—Better, *lest haply there shall be in any one of you.* (See above, on Hebrews 3:7.)
**In departing**.—Better, *in falling away from a Living God.* The heart of unbelief will manifest its evil in apostasy. The Greek word *apistia* stands in direct contrast to “faithful” (*pistos*)*, *Hebrews 3:2, and combines the ideas of “unbelief” and “faithlessness.” He whos...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. But--**Though they err in this, there is a sense in which "piety is" not merely gain, but "great means of gain": not the gaining which they pursue, and which makes men to be discontented with their present possessions, and to use religion as "a cloak of covetousness" (1Th 2:5) and means of earthly gain, but the present and eternal gain which piety, whose accompaniment is contentment, secures ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Days of temptation are often days of provocation. But to provoke God, when he is letting us see that we entirely depend and live upon him, is a provocation indeed. The hardening of the heart is the spring of all other sins. The sins of others, especially of our relations, should be warnings to us. All sin, especially sin committed by God's professing, privileged people, not onl...
Read full commentary →But exhort one another daily , while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Exhort one another daily' establishes the necessity of mutual encouragement in the Christian community. 'Today' (repeated from Psalm 95:7) emphasizes urgency—the present opportunity for repentance and faith. 'Deceitfulness of sin' (Greek 'apate tes hamartias') shows sin's deceptive nature, promising pleasure but delivering hardness. Hardening is progressive, making daily exhortation essential.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **While it is called To day**.—Literally, *as long as the “to-day” is called* (to you), *lest any one of you be hardened by deceit of sin.* As long as they heard the word of God speaking in the Scripture, “To-day if ye shall hear,” so long is the way of obedience open to them. Sin is here personified as the Deceiver (Romans 7:11), alluring from God by the offer of “pleasures” (Hebrews 11:25),...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. For--**confirming the reasonableness of "contentment."
**and it is certain--**Vulgate and other old versions support this reading. The oldest manuscripts, however, omit "and it is certain"; then the translation will be, "We brought nothing into the world (to teach us to remember) that neither can we carry anything out" (Job 1:21; Ec 5:15). Therefore, we should have no gain-seeking anxiety, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
Days of temptation are often days of provocation. But to provoke God, when he is letting us see that we entirely depend and live upon him, is a provocation indeed. The hardening of the heart is the spring of all other sins. The sins of others, especially of our relations, should be warnings to us. All sin, especially sin committed by God's professing, privileged people, not onl...
Read full commentary →For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
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KJV Study Commentary
'Partakers of Christ' (Greek 'metochoi tou Christou') indicates participation in Christ's life and benefits. The conditional 'if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end' again emphasizes perseverance as evidence of genuine faith. 'Beginning' (Greek 'arche') refers to the initial confidence or foundation of faith that must be maintained throughout life.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **For.**—Take heed (Hebrews 3:12) lest there be anything that may lead astray, *for we have become partakers of the Christ if* (and only if) w*e hold the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end.* In Hebrews 3:6, since Israel had been spoken of as God’s house, the Christian hope finds expression in “whose house are we,” Here the comparison with Israel journeying to the land of promise su...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. And--**Greek, "But." In contrast to the greedy gain-seekers (1Ti 6:5).
**having--**so long as we have food. (The Greek expresses "food sufficient in each case for our continually recurring wants" [Alford]). It is implied that we, as believers, shall have this (Is 23:16).
**raiment--**Greek, "covering"; according to some including a roof to cover us, that is, a dwelling, as well as clothin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The saints' privilege is, they are made partakers of Christ, that is, of the Spirit, the nature, graces, righteousness, and life of Christ; they are interested in all Christ is, in all he has done, or will do. The same spirit with which Christians set out in the ways of God, they should maintain unto the end. Perseverance in faith is the best evidence of the sincerity of our f...
Read full commentary →While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
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KJV Study Commentary
Repeating the 'today' exhortation emphasizes urgency and ongoing applicability. The Greek construction suggests continuous action - 'keep hearing...don't keep hardening.' This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of perseverance - true believers continue hearing and responding to God's voice throughout their lives. Hardening is progressive; so must be softening through the Spirit's work.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **If ye will hear.**—Rather, as before (Hebrews 3:7), *if ye shall hear.* The true connection of this verse is not easily decided. By many it is held that the words should be joined with what follows, and commence a new paragraph; but this does not seem probable. Either Hebrews 3:14 is parenthetical, so that this verse emphasises the reference to “today” in Hebrews 3:13; or the thought of the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. will be rich--**have more than "food and raiment." Greek, "wish to be rich"; not merely are willing, but are resolved, and earnestly desire to have riches at any cost (Pr 28:20, 22). This wishing (not the riches themselves) is fatal to "contentment" (1Ti 6:6). Rich men are not told to cast away their riches, but not to "trust" in them, and to "do good" with them (1Ti 6:17, 18; Psa 62:10).
*...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The saints' privilege is, they are made partakers of Christ, that is, of the Spirit, the nature, graces, righteousness, and life of Christ; they are interested in all Christ is, in all he has done, or will do. The same spirit with which Christians set out in the ways of God, they should maintain unto the end. Perseverance in faith is the best evidence of the sincerity of our f...
Read full commentary →For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
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KJV Study Commentary
A rhetorical question exposes the tragedy: 'who were they that heard and rebelled?' Answer: those who came out of Egypt. Initial deliverance doesn't guarantee final salvation - a sobering truth. This passage is often cited in Reformed discussions of apostasy, showing that outward participation in God's people doesn't guarantee regeneration. True faith perseveres; those who fall away show they neve...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **For.**—The connecting link is the thought of “the provocation.” A slight change in the accentuation of the first Greek word effects a complete change in the sense: *For who when they had heard did provoke? Nay, was it not all that came out of Egypt through Moses*? Those who were disobedient were the people whom God, through Moses, had but now delivered from bondage! The two exceptions (Numb...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. the love of money--**not the money itself, but the love of it--the wishing to be rich (1Ti 6:9)--"is a root (Ellicott and Middleton: not as English Version, 'the root') of all evils." (So the Greek plural). The wealthiest may be rich not in a bad sense; the poorest may covet to be so (Psa 62:10). Love of money is not the sole root of evils, but it is a leading "root of bitterness" (He 12:15)...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The saints' privilege is, they are made partakers of Christ, that is, of the Spirit, the nature, graces, righteousness, and life of Christ; they are interested in all Christ is, in all he has done, or will do. The same spirit with which Christians set out in the ways of God, they should maintain unto the end. Perseverance in faith is the best evidence of the sincerity of our f...
Read full commentary →But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
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KJV Study Commentary
Another rhetorical question: 'with whom was He angry forty years?' Answer: those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness. The connection between sin, divine anger, and death is explicit. The Reformed doctrine of original sin recognizes that sin brings both physical death and, apart from grace, eternal death. God's wrath against sin is not vindictive but the necessary response of holy justi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **But**.—Better, *And with whom was He angry forty years*?
**Whose carcases.**—Literally, *limbs.* The word is taken from the Greek version of Numbers 14:29; and seems intended to convey the thought of bodies falling *limb from limb* in the wilderness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. But thou--**in contrast to the "some" (1Ti 6:10).
**man of God--**who hast God as thy true riches (Ge 15:1; Psa 16:5; La 3:24). Applying primarily to Timothy as a minister (compare 2Pe 1:21), just as the term was used of Moses (De 33:1), Samuel (1Sa 9:6), Elijah, and Elisha; but, as the exhortation is as to duties incumbent also on all Christians, the term applies secondarily to him (so 2T...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The saints' privilege is, they are made partakers of Christ, that is, of the Spirit, the nature, graces, righteousness, and life of Christ; they are interested in all Christ is, in all he has done, or will do. The same spirit with which Christians set out in the ways of God, they should maintain unto the end. Perseverance in faith is the best evidence of the sincerity of our f...
Read full commentary →And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
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KJV Study Commentary
The third rhetorical question: to whom did God swear exclusion from rest? 'Those who disobeyed' (Greek 'apeithēsasin' - were disobedient/unbelieving). The term carries both meanings, showing unbelief's practical expression in disobedience. Reformed theology emphasizes that true faith always produces obedience (James 2:17); persistent disobedience evidences lack of saving faith.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **That believed not.**—Rather, *that disobeyed.* Every part of the solemn sentences of the Psalm is applied to the reader’s conscience, that the effect of the whole warning may be deepened: the nature of the transgression is thus brought out with the strongest emphasis. Those with whom God was angry had provoked God (Hebrews 3:16), had sinned (Hebrews 3:17), had been disobedient, had refused ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. Fight the good fight--**Birks thinks this Epistle was written from Corinth, where contests in the national games recurred at stated seasons, which will account for the allusion here as in 1Co 9:24-26. Contrast "strifes of words" (1Ti 6:4). Compare 1Ti 1:18; 2Ti 4:7. The "good profession" is connected with the good fight (Psa 60:4).
**lay hold on eternal life--**the crown, or garland, the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The saints' privilege is, they are made partakers of Christ, that is, of the Spirit, the nature, graces, righteousness, and life of Christ; they are interested in all Christ is, in all he has done, or will do. The same spirit with which Christians set out in the ways of God, they should maintain unto the end. Perseverance in faith is the best evidence of the sincerity of our f...
Read full commentary →So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
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KJV Study Commentary
The conclusion: 'they could not enter because of unbelief' (Greek 'apistian' - faithlessness). This summarizes the root problem - not lack of opportunity or ability, but moral inability due to unbelief. Reformed theology distinguishes between natural ability (they could physically enter) and moral ability (their sinful nature prevented faith). God's command reveals human responsibility; human fail...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **So we see.**—Rather, *And we see.* It is not the general conclusion that is here expressed; but, as in Hebrews 3:18 we read of the *oath* of exclusion, this verse records the *fact, *and also states the cause under an aspect which is most suitable for the exhortation which is in the writer’s thought. There is force in “could not enter”:—not only disobedience, but cowardice and weakness, spr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. quickeneth all things--**that is, "maketh alive." But the oldest manuscripts read, "preserveth alive"; as the same Greek means in Ac 7:19; compare Ne 9:6. He urges Timothy to faithfulness here by the present manifestation of God's power in preserving all things, as in 1Ti 6:14, by the future manifestation of God's power at the appearing of Christ. The assurance that "eternal life," 1Ti 6:12,...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The saints' privilege is, they are made partakers of Christ, that is, of the Spirit, the nature, graces, righteousness, and life of Christ; they are interested in all Christ is, in all he has done, or will do. The same spirit with which Christians set out in the ways of God, they should maintain unto the end. Perseverance in faith is the best evidence of the sincerity of our f...
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