King James Version

What Does Hebrews 3:10 Mean?

Hebrews 3:10 in the King James Version says “Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my way... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

Hebrews 3:10 · KJV


Context

8

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

9

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

10

Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

11

So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) They: Gr. If they shall enter

12

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.


Commentary

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) and fiducia (trust).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The wilderness generation knew God's law and witnessed His miracles, yet failed to truly know Him relationally. This serves as a warning that religious knowledge without heart transformation leads to judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can someone know about God intellectually while not knowing Him relationally?
  2. What does God's anger at unbelief reveal about the seriousness of sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
διὸ1 of 18

Wherefore

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

προσώχθισα2 of 18

I was grieved

G4360

to feel indignant at

τῇ3 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γενεᾷ4 of 18

generation

G1074

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

ἐκείνῃ,5 of 18

with that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

καὶ6 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπον7 of 18

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἀεὶ8 of 18

alway

G104

"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly

πλανῶνται9 of 18

They do

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

τῇ10 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καρδίᾳ11 of 18

in their heart

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

αὐτοὶ12 of 18

they

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δὲ13 of 18

and

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐκ14 of 18

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔγνωσαν15 of 18

have

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὰς16 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδούς17 of 18

ways

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

μου18 of 18

my

G3450

of me


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 3:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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