Hebrews 3:18
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
Original Language Analysis
τίσιν
to whom
G5101
τίσιν
to whom
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 13
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 13
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 #:
11 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Hebrews 4:6Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: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.Numbers 20:12And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.Hebrews 4:2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.Numbers 14:11And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?Numbers 14:23Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:Hebrews 3:11So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)Deuteronomy 9:23Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadesh-barnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God, and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice.
Historical Context
The oath in Numbers 14:21-23 specifically targeted the disobedient generation. This divine decree was irrevocable, demonstrating that there is a point beyond which persistent unbelief hardens into final rejection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your obedience or disobedience reveal the genuineness of your faith?
- What does God's oath teach about the possibility of final, irrevocable rejection of grace?
Analysis & Commentary
The third rhetorical question: to whom did God swear exclusion from rest? 'Those who disobeyed' (Greek 'apeithēsasin' - were disobedient/unbelieving). The term carries both meanings, showing unbelief's practical expression in disobedience. Reformed theology emphasizes that true faith always produces obedience (James 2:17); persistent disobedience evidences lack of saving faith.