3:12 3:12

Hebrews 3:13

3:14 3:14

Bible Versions

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
But {G235} exhort {G3870} one another {G1438} daily {G2596}{G1538}{G2250}, while {G891}{G3739} it is called {G2564} To day {G4594}; lest {G3363} any {G5100} of {G1537} you {G5216} be hardened {G4645} through the deceitfulness {G539} of sin {G266}.
Instead, keep exhorting each other every day, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you will become hardened by the deceit of sin.
But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin:

Hebrews 3:13 delivers a vital instruction to the Christian community, emphasizing the ongoing need for mutual encouragement to prevent spiritual decline. It serves as a practical application of the warnings against unbelief and disobedience that precede it in the chapter.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in the Book of Hebrews (chapters 3-4) where the author contrasts the faithfulness of Christ with that of Moses, ultimately demonstrating Christ's superiority. The primary audience is Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and temptation to abandon their new faith and revert to traditional Judaism. The author draws a strong parallel between their situation and the Israelites in the wilderness who, despite witnessing God's mighty works, failed to enter His rest due to unbelief and disobedience. The warning against a "hardened heart" is directly quoted from Psalm 95:7-11, reminding believers not to repeat the mistakes of their ancestors, as seen in the rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 14:22-23). Verse 13 flows directly from the exhortation in Hebrews 3:12 to guard against an "evil heart of unbelief."

Key Themes

  • Mutual Exhortation and Encouragement: The phrase "exhort one another" translates the Greek word parakaleō, which means to call alongside, to comfort, to encourage, to urge, or even to admonish. It implies an active, supportive role within the community, where believers uplift, challenge, and counsel each other in their faith journey. This isn't just about gentle words but also about confronting sin and apathy with love.
  • The Urgency of "To Day": The repeated emphasis on "daily, while it is called To day" highlights the critical importance of immediate and continuous spiritual vigilance. Procrastination in addressing sin or growing in faith can lead to a gradual hardening of the heart. The present moment is the only one guaranteed for spiritual response.
  • The Deceitfulness of Sin: Sin is not merely a mistake; it is a deceptive force. It promises pleasure, freedom, or satisfaction but ultimately leads to bondage, spiritual death, and a dulling of one's spiritual senses. The "deceitfulness" (Greek: apatē) implies that sin actively misleads, blinds, and seduces, making its consequences appear less severe than they truly are.
  • Prevention of Spiritual Hardening: The ultimate goal of mutual exhortation is to prevent believers from becoming "hardened" (Greek: sklērynō), meaning stiff, stubborn, or callous. This hardening is a process where the heart becomes insensitive to God's voice, His truth, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, making repentance and faith increasingly difficult.
  • Community and Accountability: The verse strongly underscores the necessity of Christian community. Individual perseverance is deeply intertwined with corporate support. Believers are called to be their "brother's keeper," providing accountability and spiritual support to one another, preventing isolation which can make one vulnerable to sin's deceit.

Linguistic Insights

The term "exhort" comes from the Greek parakaleō, which is rich in meaning, encompassing comfort, encouragement, and strong appeal. It's the same root word for Paraclete, referring to the Holy Spirit as our Helper or Comforter (John 14:26). This suggests that the mutual encouragement among believers is a Spirit-empowered act.

The word "deceitfulness" is apatē, emphasizing the fraudulent and misleading nature of sin. Sin doesn't just tempt; it actively tricks and deludes, making its destructive power seem benign or even beneficial.

"Hardened" is sklērynō, vividly portraying the spiritual state of a heart that has become unresponsive, like a muscle that has atrophied or a stone that has lost its sensitivity. This is a progressive condition, hence the daily need for vigilance.

Practical Application

Hebrews 3:13 calls believers to active participation in their spiritual community. It's a reminder that faith is not a solitary journey. We are to:

  • Engage Actively: Seek out opportunities to encourage and be encouraged by other believers. This could be through formal church gatherings, small groups, or informal interactions.
  • Be Proactive: Do not wait for a crisis. Daily encouragement helps prevent spiritual drift and the subtle onset of sin's hardening effect.
  • Confront Sin Lovingly: Part of exhortation involves gentle but firm correction when a brother or sister is straying (Galatians 6:1). This is done not in judgment, but out of love and concern for their spiritual well-being.
  • Cultivate Sensitivity: Remain aware of sin's deceptive nature. What seems harmless today can, over time, lead to a hardened heart and a diminished walk with God.
  • Value "Today": Respond to God's call and the conviction of the Holy Spirit promptly. Do not put off spiritual growth or repentance, as "today" is the day of salvation and opportunity.

This verse underscores that staying spiritually vibrant and responsive to God requires intentional, ongoing mutual support within the body of Christ, guarding against the subtle, yet powerful, influence of sin.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11

    ¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

  • Hebrews 10:24

    And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

  • Hebrews 10:25

    Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

  • 2 Timothy 4:2

    Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:18

    Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

  • Romans 7:11

    For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].

  • Acts 11:23

    Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
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