Hebrews 3:19
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
So
G2532
καὶ
So
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 8
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.Jude 1:5I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.Mark 16:16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.John 3:18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.1 John 5:10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
Historical Context
The promised land entrance was conditioned on faith, which the generation lacked. This establishes the pattern that salvation blessings always require faith, though faith itself is God's gift (Ephesians 2:8).
Questions for Reflection
- Why is unbelief the fundamental human problem beneath all other sins?
- How does this passage demonstrate that God's promises require faith to appropriate?
Analysis & Commentary
The conclusion: 'they could not enter because of unbelief' (Greek 'apistian' - faithlessness). This summarizes the root problem - not lack of opportunity or ability, but moral inability due to unbelief. Reformed theology distinguishes between natural ability (they could physically enter) and moral ability (their sinful nature prevented faith). God's command reveals human responsibility; human failure reveals need for sovereign grace.