Hebrews 3:8
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίας
hearts
G2588
καρδίας
hearts
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
4 of 17
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
6 of 17
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
in
G2596
κατὰ
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
10 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραν
the day
G2250
ἡμέραν
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
12 of 17
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πειρασμοῦ
of temptation
G3986
πειρασμοῦ
of temptation
Strong's:
G3986
Word #:
14 of 17
a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity
Cross References
Proverbs 28:14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.Exodus 17:7And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?Jeremiah 7:26Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers.Daniel 5:20But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:Psalms 78:56Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies:Psalms 78:18And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.Job 9:4He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?Proverbs 29:1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.Exodus 8:15But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.Matthew 13:15For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Historical Context
Massah and Meribah were watershed moments where Israel tested God by demanding water. These incidents became paradigmatic examples of unbelief in Jewish tradition, used to warn subsequent generations.
Questions for Reflection
- What circumstances tempt you to harden your heart against God's word?
- How does remembering past instances of God's faithfulness prevent present unbelief?
Analysis & Commentary
The warning against hardening hearts recalls Israel's rebellion at Massah and Meribah (Exodus 17, Numbers 20). The Greek 'sklērynēte' (harden) can be reflexive - don't harden yourselves. This assumes human responsibility in belief/unbelief, though Reformed theology also affirms God's sovereign grace in softening hearts. The 'provocation' (Greek 'parapikrasmou') refers to bitter rebellion against God.