Hebrews 3:14

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

For {G1063} we are made {G1096} partakers {G3353} of Christ {G5547}, if {G1437}{G4007} we hold {G2722} the beginning {G746} of our confidence {G5287} stedfast {G949} unto {G3360} the end {G5056};

For we have become sharers in the Messiah, provided, however, that we hold firmly to the conviction we began with, right through until the goal is reached.

We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.

for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:

Hebrews 3:14 offers a profound statement about the nature of a believer's relationship with Christ, emphasizing the critical role of steadfast perseverance in faith. This verse serves as both an assurance of salvation and a serious exhortation to maintain one's initial commitment.

Context

This verse is part of a larger warning within the book of Hebrews, urging believers not to follow the example of ancient Israel, who, despite experiencing God's deliverance from Egypt, failed to enter His promised rest due to unbelief and disobedience. The author parallels their wilderness journey with the Christian walk, stressing the danger of a hardened heart (Hebrews 3:12) and the need to exhort one another daily (Hebrews 3:13). Verse 14 makes clear that the promise of being "partakers of Christ" is contingent upon enduring faith, leading into further warnings about entering God's rest (Hebrews 4:1).

Key Themes

  • Union with Christ: To be "made partakers of Christ" signifies a deep, spiritual union and sharing in His benefits, nature, and destiny. This is not merely an intellectual agreement but a transformative relationship.
  • Perseverance in Faith: The crucial condition, "if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end," highlights that genuine faith is not a one-time event but a continuous, enduring commitment. It speaks to the necessity of perseverance for the full realization of one's spiritual inheritance.
  • The Nature of Confidence: The "beginning of our confidence" refers to the initial conviction, trust, and assurance received upon believing in Christ. This confidence must be held "stedfast," meaning firm, unwavering, and secure, throughout life's trials and temptations.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "partakers" is metochoi (μέτοχοι), which means sharers, associates, or companions. It emphasizes a deep partnership and commonality. The word translated "confidence" is hypostasis (ὑπόστασις), which can also mean "substance" or "assurance." It implies a firm foundation or a settled conviction, much like its use in Hebrews 11:1 as "the substance of things hoped for." Holding this hypostasis "stedfast" (βέβαιος - *bebaios*, meaning firm, secure, certain) is crucial.

Practical Application

Hebrews 3:14 calls believers to a continuous examination of their faith and a renewed commitment to Christ. It reminds us that spiritual growth and the full experience of salvation require ongoing faithfulness. This verse encourages us to:

  • Guard our hearts: Be vigilant against complacency, doubt, or unbelief that can erode our initial confidence.
  • Cultivate endurance: Recognize that the Christian walk involves challenges that require steadfastness, not just an initial burst of enthusiasm. As Jesus said, "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22).
  • Seek community: The surrounding verses in Hebrews 3 emphasize the importance of mutual encouragement to prevent anyone from being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Ultimately, this verse provides comfort that our union with Christ is real, but it also serves as a potent reminder that this precious relationship is nurtured and confirmed through persistent faith and obedience.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 3:6

    But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

  • Hebrews 6:11

    And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

  • 1 Peter 4:13

    But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

  • Hebrews 12:10

    For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.

  • Hebrews 6:4

    For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

  • Ephesians 3:6

    That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

  • Romans 11:17

    And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

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