Hebrews 3:12
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Original Language Analysis
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
2 of 16
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καρδία
heart
G2588
καρδία
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
8 of 16
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
πονηρὰ
an evil
G4190
πονηρὰ
an evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
9 of 16
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
ἀπιστίας
of unbelief
G570
ἀπιστίας
of unbelief
Strong's:
G570
Word #:
10 of 16
faithlessness, i.e., (negatively) disbelief (lack of christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστῆναι
departing
G868
ἀποστῆναι
departing
Strong's:
G868
Word #:
13 of 16
to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
14 of 16
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Jeremiah 17:5Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.Jeremiah 7:24But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.Jeremiah 17:9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?Jeremiah 18:12And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.1 Corinthians 10:12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.Hebrews 10:38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;Jeremiah 11:8Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do; but they did them not.Hebrews 3:10Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
Historical Context
This warning applies the wilderness generation's failure (Psalm 95:7-11) to the current readers. Just as Israel's unbelief prevented entering Canaan, their unbelief could prevent entering God's rest.
Questions for Reflection
- Are there areas where unbelief is causing you to depart from fully trusting God?
- How can you guard your heart against the subtle onset of unbelief?
Analysis & 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.