King James Version

What Does Hebrews 6:18 Mean?

Hebrews 6:18 in the King James Version says “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fl... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

16

For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.

17

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: confirmed: Gr. interposed himself by

18

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:

19

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

20

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two 'immutable things' (God's promise and oath) in which 'it is impossible for God to lie' provide 'strong consolation' (Greek 'ischura paraklēsis' - powerful encouragement). God's inability to lie stems from His nature, not external constraint. Those who 'have fled for refuge' (Greek 'kataphugontes' - seeking asylum) to Christ find unshakeable hope. Reformed theology anchors assurance in God's character, not subjective feelings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'fleeing for refuge' imagery recalls cities of refuge (Numbers 35), where those accused of manslaughter found protection. Christ is the believer's refuge from wrath, providing absolute safety.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's inability to lie provide comfort in times of doubt?
  2. In what ways have you 'fled for refuge' to Christ, and what does this metaphor reveal about salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἵνα1 of 19

That

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

διὰ2 of 19

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

δύο3 of 19

two

G1417

"two"

πραγμάτων4 of 19

things

G4229

a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)

ἀμεταθέτων5 of 19

immutable

G276

unchangeable, or (neuter as abstract) unchangeability

ἐν6 of 19

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οἷς7 of 19

which

G3739

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

ἀδύνατον8 of 19

it was impossible

G102

unable, i.e., weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible

ψεύσασθαι9 of 19

to lie

G5574

to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood

θεόν10 of 19

for God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἰσχυρὰν11 of 19

a strong

G2478

forcible (literally or figuratively)

παράκλησιν12 of 19

consolation

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

ἔχωμεν13 of 19

we might have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τῆς14 of 19

who

G3588

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

καταφυγόντες15 of 19

have fled for refuge

G2703

to flee down (away)

κρατῆσαι16 of 19

to lay hold

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

τῆς17 of 19

who

G3588

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

προκειμένης18 of 19

set before us

G4295

to lie before the view, i.e., (figuratively) to be present (to the mind), to stand forth (as an example or reward)

ἐλπίδος·19 of 19

upon the hope

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence


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 6:18 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 6:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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