Hebrews 3:2

Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses [was faithful] in all his house.

Who was {G5607} faithful {G4103} to him that appointed {G4160} him {G846}, as {G5613} also {G2532} Moses {G3475} was faithful in {G1722} all {G3650} his {G846} house {G3624}.

He was faithful to God, who appointed him; just as

“Moshe was faithful in all God’s house.”

He was faithful to the One who appointed Him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.

who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house.

Commentary

Hebrews 3:2 introduces a foundational comparison central to the book's argument: the faithfulness of Jesus Christ versus the faithfulness of Moses. The author of Hebrews, writing primarily to Jewish believers, carefully lays out Jesus' credentials by first acknowledging the esteemed position of Moses within Israelite history and then demonstrating Christ's unparalleled preeminence.

Context

This verse immediately follows Hebrews 3:1, where Jesus is called the "Apostle and High Priest of our profession." The overarching theme of Hebrews is the superiority of Christ over Old Covenant figures, institutions, and practices. By comparing Jesus to Moses, a figure revered as Israel's greatest prophet and lawgiver, the author sets the stage to highlight Jesus' unique role and ultimate authority. Moses was the mediator of the Old Covenant, and his faithfulness was unquestioned within Judaism, as seen in Numbers 12:7.

Key Themes

  • Faithfulness as a Core Virtue: Both Jesus and Moses are presented as examples of profound faithfulness. Moses was faithful in his stewardship of God's people (His "house" or household), leading them through the wilderness and delivering God's law. Jesus, however, demonstrated an even greater faithfulness, not merely as a servant in the house, but as the Son who built the house. This distinction is elaborated in subsequent verses, particularly Hebrews 3:3-6.
  • Divine Appointment: The verse emphasizes that both figures were "appointed" by God. Their authority and roles were not self-proclaimed but divinely ordained. This highlights God's sovereign plan throughout salvation history, from the leadership of Moses to the ultimate appointment of Christ.
  • God's "House": The term "house" (Greek: oikos) here refers to God's people, Israel, and by extension, the community of believers—the Church. Moses was faithful in administering God's laws and leading His people; Jesus is faithful as the very foundation and builder of this spiritual house.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "faithful" is pistós (πιστός), which conveys the idea of trustworthiness, reliability, and constancy. It speaks to a character that is true to one's word and commitments. The word for "house" is oíkos (οἶκος), which can mean a physical dwelling, but often refers to a household, family, or the spiritual community of God's people. In this context, it signifies the people over whom Moses was entrusted to lead, and over whom Christ has ultimate authority.

Practical Application

Hebrews 3:2 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness in service to God. Just as Moses was faithful in his assigned task and Jesus was supremely faithful in His divine appointment, believers are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts and responsibilities God has given them. It also reinforces the unique and supreme position of Jesus Christ as the ultimate leader and builder of God's spiritual household. Our trust and obedience should therefore be directed to Him, recognizing His perfect faithfulness and sinless nature.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 12:7 (9 votes)

    My servant Moses [is] not so, who [is] faithful in all mine house.

  • 1 Timothy 3:15 (6 votes)

    But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

  • Ephesians 2:22 (4 votes)

    In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

  • John 6:38 (4 votes)

    For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

  • John 6:40 (4 votes)

    And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

  • Hebrews 3:5 (4 votes)

    And Moses verily [was] faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

  • Hebrews 3:6 (4 votes)

    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.