Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 3:6

"but Christ as a son, over his house; whose house are we, if we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end." — Hebrews 3:6 (ASV)

The name “Christ” (GK 5986) is used here for the first time in this letter, without the article (as in 9:11, 24). Here, where a name of dignity is called for, it is a proper name. Christ is contrasted with Moses “as a son over God’s house.” Moses was no more than a member—though a very distinguished member—of the house. He was essentially one with all the others. But Christ has an innate superiority. He is the Son and as such is “over” the household. The author adds a most important explanation as to the composition of this house. One might easily suppose that he was referring to the Jews or at least to the Jews of the OT. They were, of course, in mind. But he is not thinking of the Jews as a race nor of a group of historical figures. He is thinking of the people of God. In OT days this had been the people Israel. But Israel had rejected the Son of God when he came, and now the people of God is the church. Perseverance is one of the marks of being a Christian. Without it we are not Christ’s. The teaching about final perseverance implies that the saints are the people who persevere. We must hold on to “our courage [GK 4244].” The word used here has the feeling of being quite at home when words flow freely and so means “confidence” or “courage.” “The hope of which we boast [GK 3017]” brings out the truth that membership in God’s household is something of which we may be proud. Instead of being ashamed of this gift, we should glory in it. “Boast” is connected with “hope” (GK 1828), a word that in the NT usually refers to the certainty that God will carry out his promises, especially those in the Gospel. The Christian looks forward eagerly, expecting God’s triumph. To be God’s house, then, means to persevere in quiet confidence, knowing that one has matter for pride in the Christian hope. III. The Promised Rest (3:7–4:13) The comparison between Christ and Moses leads to one between their followers. The writer uses the conduct of the Israelites as a means of challenging his readers to a closer walk with God. There was a promise in the OT that God’s people would enter into rest. The writer sees this promise as fulfilled—not in anything in the OT—but in Christ. In drawing attention to this, he shows from another angle that Christ is God’s final word to humankind (cf. 1:2).