Hebrews 3:9
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπείρασαν
tempted
G3985
ἐπείρασαν
tempted
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
2 of 15
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρες
fathers
G3962
πατέρες
fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 15
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἐδοκιμασάν
proved
G1381
ἐδοκιμασάν
proved
Strong's:
G1381
Word #:
7 of 15
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδον
saw
G1492
εἶδον
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
10 of 15
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 7:36He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.Exodus 19:4Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.Deuteronomy 4:9Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;Deuteronomy 4:3Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baal-peor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.
Historical Context
The forty years refers to Israel's wilderness wandering after refusing to enter Canaan (Numbers 14). Despite daily manna, water from rocks, and God's presence in the cloud, the generation that left Egypt died in unbelief.
Questions for Reflection
- Why doesn't evidence alone produce faith?
- What 'works' of God have you witnessed that should strengthen your faith?
Analysis & Commentary
Israel tested God 'and saw my works forty years' - unbelief persisted despite constant evidence of God's power and provision. The Greek 'dokimazō' (tested) implies challenging God to prove Himself. This demonstrates the irrationality of unbelief - even abundant evidence doesn't compel faith apart from God's grace. Reformed epistemology recognizes that the problem is not lack of evidence but the noetic effects of sin.