Hebrews 3:15
While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγεσθαι
it is said
G3004
λέγεσθαι
it is said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Σήμερον
To day
G4594
Σήμερον
To day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
4 of 18
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 18
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνῆς
voice
G5456
φωνῆς
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
7 of 18
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 18
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
Μὴ
not
G3361
Μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
σκληρύνητε
harden
G4645
σκληρύνητε
harden
Strong's:
G4645
Word #:
11 of 18
to indurate, i.e., (figuratively) render stubborn
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίας
hearts
G2588
καρδίας
hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
13 of 18
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
15 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
Psalms 95:7For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,Hebrews 10:38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.Hebrews 10:29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Historical Context
The repetition creates a rhetorical pattern, hammering home the warning. In oral cultures where this letter would be read aloud, such repetition aided memorization and emphasized importance.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate a 'soft' heart that remains responsive to God's word daily?
- What role does the Christian community play in preventing heart hardening?
Analysis & Commentary
Repeating the 'today' exhortation emphasizes urgency and ongoing applicability. The Greek construction suggests continuous action - 'keep hearing...don't keep hardening.' This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of perseverance - true believers continue hearing and responding to God's voice throughout their lives. Hardening is progressive; so must be softening through the Spirit's work.