King James Version

What Does Hebrews 3:13 Mean?

Hebrews 3:13 in the King James Version says “But exhort one another daily , while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But exhort one another daily , while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 3:13 · KJV


Context

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.

13

But exhort one another daily , while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

14

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

15

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.


Commentary

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The communal nature of faith contrasts with modern individualism. First-century churches met daily (Acts 2:46), facilitating this mutual care and accountability.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your Christian community needs your exhortation and encouragement today?
  2. How have you experienced sin's deceitfulness, and how do you guard against it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 20

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

παρακαλεῖτε2 of 20

exhort

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ἑαυτοὺς3 of 20

one another

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καθ'4 of 20

daily

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἑκάστην5 of 20
G1538

each or every

ἡμέραν6 of 20
G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἄχρις7 of 20

while

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

οὗ8 of 20
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὸ9 of 20
G3588

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

Σήμερον10 of 20

To day

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

καλεῖται11 of 20

it is called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ἵνα12 of 20
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ13 of 20
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

σκληρυνθῇ14 of 20

be hardened

G4645

to indurate, i.e., (figuratively) render stubborn

τις15 of 20

any

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐξ16 of 20

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὑμῶν17 of 20

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἀπάτῃ18 of 20

through the deceitfulness

G539

delusion

τῆς19 of 20
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίας20 of 20

of sin

G266

a sin (properly abstract)


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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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