Hebrews 3:7

¶ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

Wherefore {G1352}(as {G2531} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} saith {G3004}, To day {G4594} if {G1437} ye will hear {G191} his {G846} voice {G5456},

Therefore, as the Ruach HaKodesh says,

“Today, if you hear God’s voice,

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice,

Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice,

Hebrews 3:7 serves as a pivotal introduction to a crucial warning within the Epistle to the Hebrews. The author, having established the supremacy of Christ over Moses and angels, now pivots to caution his readers against the dangers of unbelief and disobedience, drawing a powerful lesson from Israel's history in the wilderness.

Context

This verse initiates a significant section of the book (extending through Hebrews 3 and 4) that uses the historical example of the Israelites' forty years in the wilderness. The phrase "Wherefore" links this warning directly to the preceding arguments about Christ's divine authority and faithfulness, which surpasses that of Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6). The author quotes directly from Psalm 95:7-11, attributing its words directly to the "Holy Ghost," thereby emphasizing the timeless and divine authority of this ancient scripture for the current generation of believers.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority of Scripture: The declaration "as the Holy Ghost saith" underscores that the words of the Old Testament are not merely human writings but are divinely inspired and spoken by God Himself through the Spirit. This lends immense weight and urgency to the message that follows.
  • Urgency of Response: The phrase "To day" (Greek: sēmeron) is paramount. It highlights the immediacy of God's call and the critical nature of responding in the present moment. It implies that opportunities to hear and obey God's voice are time-sensitive and should not be deferred.
  • Hearing God's Voice: This is more than just an auditory experience; it signifies an active, receptive, and obedient response to God's revelation and guidance. True hearing involves not just perceiving His word but acting upon it. This concept is foundational to a living faith, as seen in Christ's own words about His sheep hearing His voice.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word for "To day" is sēmeron (σήμερον). Its repetition throughout Hebrews 3 and 4 (e.g., Hebrews 4:7) intensifies the call to immediate action. It stands in contrast to the procrastination and rebellion of the wilderness generation, whose failure to respond "to day" led to their inability to enter God's rest. The emphasis is on the present opportunity for faith and obedience before it is lost.

Practical Application

Hebrews 3:7 serves as a perpetual call to vigilance for all believers. It reminds us that God is continually speaking through His Word, through the Holy Spirit, and through circumstances. The critical question is whether we are truly "hearing His voice" and responding with prompt obedience. Procrastination in spiritual matters, or a hardening of the heart against divine promptings, can lead to serious spiritual consequences, as illustrated by Israel's wandering. This verse urges us to cultivate a habit of immediate and humble submission to God's will, ensuring that our faith remains vibrant and responsive to His ongoing call.

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.

  • Psalms 95:7

    ¶ For he [is] our God; and we [are] the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

  • Psalms 95:11

    Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

  • Hebrews 3:15

    While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

  • Isaiah 55:3

    Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

  • Revelation 3:20

    Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

  • Hebrews 4:7

    Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

  • John 10:27

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

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