Hebrews 3:6
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 24
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
υἱὸς
a son
G5207
υἱὸς
a son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
4 of 24
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
ἐπὶ
over
G1909
ἐπὶ
over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 24
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκός
house
G3624
οἶκός
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
7 of 24
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ·
G846
αὐτοῦ·
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 24
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
οὗ
whose
G3739
οὗ
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οἶκός
house
G3624
οἶκός
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
10 of 24
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
ἐάνπερ
if
G1437
ἐάνπερ
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
13 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παῤῥησίαν
the confidence
G3954
παῤῥησίαν
the confidence
Strong's:
G3954
Word #:
15 of 24
all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καύχημα
the rejoicing
G2745
καύχημα
the rejoicing
Strong's:
G2745
Word #:
18 of 24
a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλπίδος
of the hope
G1680
ἐλπίδος
of the hope
Strong's:
G1680
Word #:
20 of 24
expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence
μέχρι
unto
G3360
μέχρι
unto
Strong's:
G3360
Word #:
21 of 24
as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl
Cross References
1 Corinthians 3:16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?2 Corinthians 6:16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.Hebrews 6:11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:1 Corinthians 6:19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?Hebrews 10:35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.Hebrews 1:2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;Hebrews 4:11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.Hebrews 10:23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
Historical Context
The conditional 'if' introduces the theme of perseverance crucial to Hebrews. The original readers faced pressure to abandon Christianity, making steadfast hope essential evidence of authentic faith.
Questions for Reflection
- Is your confidence in Christ growing or wavering under present pressures?
- What gives you reason to rejoice and boast in your hope?
Analysis & Commentary
Christ's superiority as 'Son over his own house' contrasts with Moses as servant 'in' the house. The house is identified as 'we'—believers who maintain 'confidence' (Greek 'parresian'—boldness, free speech) and 'rejoicing' (boasting) in hope. Perseverance ('if we hold fast') evidences genuine faith; this is not salvation by works but works evidencing salvation.