Hebrews 3:1
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Original Language Analysis
Ὅθεν
Wherefore
G3606
Ὅθεν
Wherefore
Strong's:
G3606
Word #:
1 of 16
from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
2 of 16
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἅγιοι
holy
G40
ἅγιοι
holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
3 of 16
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
μέτοχοι
partakers
G3353
μέτοχοι
partakers
Strong's:
G3353
Word #:
6 of 16
participant, i.e., (as noun) a sharer; by implication, an associate
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπόστολον
the Apostle
G652
ἀπόστολον
the Apostle
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
9 of 16
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀρχιερέα
High Priest
G749
ἀρχιερέα
High Priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
11 of 16
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,Philippians 3:14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.Hebrews 7:26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.Hebrews 10:21And having an high priest over the house of God;Ephesians 4:1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Ephesians 4:4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;Romans 15:8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:1 Corinthians 9:23And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Historical Context
Moses was the supreme figure in Judaism, the lawgiver and mediator of the old covenant. By calling Christ both Apostle and High Priest, the author shows He surpasses Moses (prophet) and Aaron (priest) combined.
Questions for Reflection
- How often do you deliberately consider or meditate on Christ's person and work?
- What does it mean practically to be a partaker of a heavenly rather than earthly calling?
Analysis & 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 attention upon, demanding sustained meditation.