Hebrews 3:3

KJV

For this [man] was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} this {G3778} man was counted worthy {G515} of more {G4119} glory {G1391} than {G3844} Moses {G3475}, inasmuch as {G2596}{G3745} he who hath builded {G2680} the house {G3624} hath more {G4119} honour {G5092} than {G2192} the house {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yeshua deserves more honor than Moshe, just as the builder of the house deserves more honor than the house.

Berean Standard Bible

For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.

American Standard Version

For he hath been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by so much as he that built the house hath more honor than the house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 3:3 establishes the unparalleled superiority of Jesus Christ over Moses by employing a powerful analogy: just as the one who builds a house holds greater honor than the house itself, so Jesus, as the divine builder of God's spiritual household, is worthy of far more glory than Moses, who merely served within that house. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of Christ's inherent divinity and supreme authority, contrasting His creative and foundational role with Moses' faithful but subordinate position.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 3:3 is strategically positioned within the author's sustained argument for the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all previous revelations and figures of the Old Covenant, particularly Moses. Following the declaration in [Hebrews 3:1-2](/hebrews/3-1-2 "Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest, Faithful as Moses"), where Jesus is introduced as the "Apostle and High Priest" and acknowledged for His faithfulness, the author immediately elevates Christ above Moses. This verse initiates a crucial comparison that extends through [Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Jesus Greater Than Moses"), where Moses is depicted as a faithful servant *in* God's house, while Christ is presented as the Son *over* God's house, having built it. This comparison is vital for the overarching theological purpose of the epistle: to prevent Jewish Christians from reverting to Judaism by demonstrating the New Covenant's definitive superiority and finality in Christ.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For the original Jewish audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews, Moses was arguably the most revered figure in their history, revered as the great lawgiver, prophet, and mediator of the Old Covenant. His leadership in the Exodus, his reception of the Torah on Mount Sinai, and his unique relationship with God (as described in [Numbers 12:7](/numbers/12-7 "Moses' Unique Relationship with God")) cemented his unparalleled status. The author of Hebrews, writing to a community tempted to abandon their Christian faith for the perceived security of Judaism, directly addresses this reverence. By meticulously demonstrating Christ's superiority, the author aims to show that turning back to Moses and the Old Covenant rituals would be a step down from the ultimate revelation and salvation found in Jesus. The concept of "house" (Greek: *oikos*) would have resonated deeply, referring not only to a physical dwelling but also to a family, household, or even the temple, representing the community of God's people.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several major theological themes woven throughout Hebrews. Foremost is **Christ's Superiority**, unequivocally asserting His greater glory and honor compared to Moses, thereby establishing the New Covenant's preeminence. This theme is further developed by highlighting **Divine Sonship**, contrasting Moses as a servant with Jesus as the Son, who possesses inherent authority and glory, echoing the opening declarations of [Hebrews 1:1-4](/hebrews/1-1-4 "The Supremacy of Christ as Son"). The analogy of the "builder" also points to **Christ's Creative and Establishing Role**, not only in the physical universe (as seen in [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Christ as Creator of All Things") and [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "All Things Made Through Jesus")) but specifically in establishing God's spiritual "house"—His people, the church. This underscores the **New Covenant's Foundation**, built upon Christ Himself, which is superior to the Old Covenant mediated by Moses.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** This term (G1391) signifies inherent splendor, divine radiance, and honor. In the context of Hebrews 3:3, it refers to the intrinsic, uncreated majesty and renown of Jesus Christ. Unlike Moses, whose glory was a reflected glory from God's presence (as seen in [Exodus 34:29-35](/exodus/34-29-35 "Moses' Face Shines with Glory")), Christ's glory is His own, stemming from His divine nature and His role as Creator and Sustainer.
* **builded (Greek, _kataskeuázō'_):** The verb (G2680) means "to prepare thoroughly," "to construct," or "to create." It implies a comprehensive act of establishment and furnishing, going beyond mere physical construction. When applied to Jesus, it emphasizes His active, divine agency in bringing into existence and fully equipping God's "house" (His people, the church), highlighting His foundational and sovereign role.
* **house (Greek, _oîkos'_):** This noun (G3624) denotes a dwelling, but metaphorically it refers to a family, household, or even a temple. In this verse, "the house" represents the household of God, which comprises God's people, the community of faith. Moses served *in* this house, but Jesus *built* this house, signifying His ultimate authority and ownership over the community of believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this [man] was counted worthy of more glory than Moses":** This clause directly asserts Jesus' preeminence. The "this man" unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ. To be "counted worthy" implies a recognition of inherent merit and rightful honor. The comparison "more glory than Moses" is a qualitative statement, indicating that Jesus' glory is not merely greater in degree but fundamentally different and superior in kind due to His divine nature and unique relationship as Son.
* **"inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.":** This second clause provides the logical basis for the preceding assertion through an analogy. It establishes a universal principle: the creator or builder of something is inherently more honorable and significant than the thing created or built. The "he who hath builded the house" is Jesus, and "the house" refers to God's people or spiritual household, in which Moses served. The "honour" here is parallel to "glory," reinforcing the idea that Christ's role as the divine architect and establisher of God's people grants Him supreme dignity and praise above any who merely serve within that structure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Hebrews 3:3 is an **Analogy** or **Metaphor**, comparing Jesus to a builder and God's people to a house. This analogy effectively illustrates the profound difference in status and role between Jesus and Moses. Moses was a servant *in* the house, whereas Jesus is the one who *built* the house, thus inherently possessing greater authority and honor. This is further reinforced by **Comparison and Contrast**, as the verse explicitly contrasts the "glory" and "honour" due to Jesus with that of Moses, highlighting Christ's unparalleled superiority. The argument also functions as an **A Fortiori Argument** ("how much more"), implying that if a human builder is more honored than the house he builds, then how much more should the divine Son who built God's spiritual household be honored above any servant within it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 3:3 is a cornerstone of the epistle's Christology, firmly establishing Jesus' divine preeminence and His unique relationship with God as the Son. It underscores that the New Covenant, mediated by Christ, is not merely an upgrade but a complete fulfillment and ultimate revelation, far surpassing the Old Covenant and its most esteemed figure, Moses. This verse elevates Christ as the ultimate authority and foundation of God's people, the church, signifying that our faith and hope must be centered entirely on Him, the divine architect, rather than on any human leader or system, no matter how divinely appointed. The inherent glory of the Son, as the Builder, is qualitatively superior to the reflected glory of the faithful servant, Moses.

* [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Christ as Heir and Creator")
* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Believers as God's Household")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Believers as a Spiritual House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of Hebrews 3:3 calls believers to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jesus Christ's supreme authority and inherent glory. Recognizing that Jesus is the Builder and Head of God's spiritual house means that our ultimate allegiance, trust, and worship belong to Him alone. This understanding should inspire us to fix our eyes upon Him, the author and perfecter of our faith, acknowledging that no human leader, tradition, or system can offer the same foundational security and eternal hope that Christ provides. As members of the "house" that Christ built, we are called to live in a manner that honors Him, participating in His divine purposes and reflecting His character to the world. Our identity and security are found not in our own efforts or achievements, but in the one who is worthy of more glory than all others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's superiority over Moses impact my view of His authority in my daily life and decisions?**
* **In what practical ways can I, as part of God's "house," live in a manner that reflects the glory of its divine Builder?**
* **What does it mean for my faith to fully trust in Jesus as the "builder" of God's people, rather than placing reliance on human institutions or leaders?**

### FAQ
**Why is Moses chosen for comparison with Jesus in this passage?**

Answer: Moses was chosen for comparison with Jesus because he was the most revered and foundational figure in Jewish history and tradition, representing the Old Covenant, the Law, and God's direct revelation to Israel. For the original audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews, who were Jewish Christians tempted to revert to Judaism, a direct comparison with Moses was essential to demonstrate Christ's ultimate superiority. The author acknowledges Moses' faithfulness as a servant but then elevates Jesus as the divine Son and Builder of God's house, thereby establishing the New Covenant's definitive supremacy and the finality of Christ's work. This comparison helps the audience understand that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that Moses represented and more, as foreshadowed in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Prophet Like Moses").

**What does "the house" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Hebrews 3:3, "the house" (Greek: `oîkos`) metaphorically refers to the household or family of God. This encompasses the entire community of God's people, both Old Testament saints and New Testament believers, who constitute the spiritual dwelling place of God. While Moses served faithfully *in* this house (representing God's people under the Old Covenant), Jesus is presented as the one who *built* this house, signifying His role as the divine architect and foundation of the church, the new covenant community. This concept is further developed in passages like [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Believers as a Spiritual House"), where believers are called "living stones" built into a spiritual house, and [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "God's Household"), which speaks of believers as members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 3:3 powerfully declares Christ's unique and ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan by presenting Him as the divine Builder of God's spiritual house. While Moses faithfully served within the Old Covenant "house" of Israel, Jesus, the eternal Son, *is* the very architect and foundation of the New Covenant "house"—the church, the community of all believers. This highlights His pre-existence and creative power, as "all things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "All Things Made Through Jesus")). Christ's glory surpasses Moses' because His is inherent, the glory of the Creator, not merely a reflection. He did not merely mediate a law; He established a new covenant with His own blood, building a living temple composed of His redeemed people. This fulfillment is seen in His incarnation, where "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). As the one "who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created" ([Colossians 1:15-16](/colossians/1-15-16 "The Supremacy of Christ")), Jesus is the ultimate cornerstone upon which God's eternal dwelling is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ as the Cornerstone")), establishing a foundation no one else can lay ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "Christ as the Only Foundation")). He is the one who promised, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Christ Building His Church")), thus fulfilling the longing for a permanent, spiritual dwelling place for God among His people.

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.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

Zechariah 6:12

And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:

Zechariah 6:13

Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:7

Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Hebrews 1:2

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;