Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 3:18

"And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were disobedient?" — Hebrews 3:18 (ASV)

The third question refers to those to whom the oath was sworn (cf. v.11). Those who would not enter God’s rest were “those who disobeyed” (GK 578). This verb usually means “disobey,” though some accept the meaning “disbelieve” (cf. NIV note). This translation is possible since for the early Christians the supreme disobedience was refusing to believe the Gospel. God did much for these people. Yet in the end they went their own way and refused to obey him.