Hebrews 3:7
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 13
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
the Holy
G40
ἅγιον
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
7 of 13
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Σήμερον
To day
G4594
Σήμερον
To day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
8 of 13
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 #:
9 of 13
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 #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνῆς
voice
G5456
φωνῆς
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
11 of 13
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
Cross References
Hebrews 3:15While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.Isaiah 55:3Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.Revelation 3:20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.Hebrews 4:7Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.John 10:27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:Psalms 81:13Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!Hebrews 3:13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.Matthew 17:5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.Psalms 81:11But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.John 10:3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Historical Context
Psalm 95 was used in Jewish synagogue worship as a call to worship. The author applies it as a warning against unbelief, using Israel's wilderness failure as a type of potential Christian apostasy from the faith.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is 'today' always the appropriate time to respond to God's voice?
- How does recognizing the Holy Spirit as Scripture's author affect your Bible reading?
Analysis & Commentary
Introducing Psalm 95:7-11, the author emphasizes the Holy Spirit's authorship of Scripture ('the Holy Spirit says'). The present tense indicates Scripture's ongoing authority. 'Today' (Greek 'sēmeron') creates urgency - every day is the day to hear and obey God's voice. Reformed theology emphasizes the immediate applicability of Scripture and the Spirit's role in illuminating it to believers.