Hebrews 3:16
For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
παρεπίκραναν
did provoke
G3893
παρεπίκραναν
did provoke
Strong's:
G3893
Word #:
4 of 13
to embitter alongside, i.e., (figuratively) to exasperate
ἀλλ'
howbeit
G235
ἀλλ'
howbeit
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξ
out of
G1537
ἐξ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Numbers 14:2And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!Numbers 14:30Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.Deuteronomy 1:38But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.Psalms 78:17And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.Numbers 14:4And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.Numbers 14:24But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.Numbers 26:65For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.Numbers 14:38But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.
Historical Context
The Exodus generation experienced the most dramatic redemption in OT history, yet most died in unbelief. This historical reality served as a powerful warning to Jewish Christians tempted to abandon faith under persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between initial enthusiasm for God and genuine saving faith?
- How does this warning against presuming on past spiritual experiences challenge you?
Analysis & Commentary
A rhetorical question exposes the tragedy: 'who were they that heard and rebelled?' Answer: those who came out of Egypt. Initial deliverance doesn't guarantee final salvation - a sobering truth. This passage is often cited in Reformed discussions of apostasy, showing that outward participation in God's people doesn't guarantee regeneration. True faith perseveres; those who fall away show they never truly believed (1 John 2:19).