Hebrews 6:18
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
2 of 19
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
πραγμάτων
things
G4229
πραγμάτων
things
Strong's:
G4229
Word #:
4 of 19
a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)
ἀμεταθέτων
immutable
G276
ἀμεταθέτων
immutable
Strong's:
G276
Word #:
5 of 19
unchangeable, or (neuter as abstract) unchangeability
οἷς
which
G3739
οἷς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀδύνατον
it was impossible
G102
ἀδύνατον
it was impossible
Strong's:
G102
Word #:
8 of 19
unable, i.e., weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible
ψεύσασθαι
to lie
G5574
ψεύσασθαι
to lie
Strong's:
G5574
Word #:
9 of 19
to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood
θεόν
for God
G2316
θεόν
for God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἔχωμεν
we might have
G2192
ἔχωμεν
we might have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
13 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τῆς
who
G3588
τῆς
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρατῆσαι
to lay hold
G2902
κρατῆσαι
to lay hold
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
16 of 19
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
τῆς
who
G3588
τῆς
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Numbers 23:19God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?Titus 1:2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;1 Samuel 15:29And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.2 Timothy 2:13If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.Romans 3:4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.Psalms 46:1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Joshua 20:3That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.Isaiah 51:12I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;1 John 1:10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.Hebrews 3:11So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Historical Context
The 'fleeing for refuge' imagery recalls cities of refuge (Numbers 35), where those accused of manslaughter found protection. Christ is the believer's refuge from wrath, providing absolute safety.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's inability to lie provide comfort in times of doubt?
- In what ways have you 'fled for refuge' to Christ, and what does this metaphor reveal about salvation?
Analysis & Commentary
Two 'immutable things' (God's promise and oath) in which 'it is impossible for God to lie' provide 'strong consolation' (Greek 'ischura paraklēsis' - powerful encouragement). God's inability to lie stems from His nature, not external constraint. Those who 'have fled for refuge' (Greek 'kataphugontes' - seeking asylum) to Christ find unshakeable hope. Reformed theology anchors assurance in God's character, not subjective feelings.