Hebrews 6:18

KJV

That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G2443} by {G1223} two {G1417} immutable {G276} things {G4229}, in {G1722} which {G3739} it was impossible {G102} for God {G2316} to lie {G5574}, we might have {G2192} a strong {G2478} consolation {G3874}, who {G3588} have fled for refuge {G2703} to lay hold {G2902} upon the hope {G1680} set before us {G4295}:

Complete Jewish Bible

so that through two unchangeable things, in neither of which God could lie, we, who have fled to take a firm hold on the hope set before us, would be strongly encouraged.

Berean Standard Bible

Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.

American Standard Version

that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 6:18 powerfully asserts the absolute certainty of God's promises, grounded in two unchangeable realities: His promise and His oath. This divine immutability provides an unshakable foundation for believers, offering a profound and strong consolation to those who have actively sought refuge in Him. It encourages a steadfast grasp of the hope of salvation, which is not a mere wish but a secure expectation rooted in God's unwavering character and His covenant faithfulness, serving as an anchor for the soul amidst life's uncertainties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 6:18 is situated within a crucial hortatory section of the Epistle to the Hebrews, specifically [Hebrews 6:13-20](/hebrews/6-13-20 "Hebrews 6:13-20 - God's Unchangeable Promise and Oath"). The author has just issued a stern warning against spiritual immaturity and apostasy in [Hebrews 5:11-6:12](/hebrews/5-11-6-12 "Hebrews 5:11-6:12 - Warning Against Spiritual Dullness and Apostasy"), urging his readers to "press on to maturity" ([Hebrews 6:1](/hebrews/6-1 "Hebrews 6:1 - Pressing on to Maturity")). To counteract the potential despair or weariness that might follow such a warning, he pivots to an encouraging affirmation of God's faithfulness. The immediate preceding verses ([Hebrews 6:13-17](/hebrews/6-13-17 "Hebrews 6:13-17 - God's Oath to Abraham")) recount God's oath to Abraham, emphasizing that God, "desiring more strongly to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath" ([Hebrews 6:17](/hebrews/6-17 "Hebrews 6:17 - God's Unchangeable Purpose")). This historical example serves as the concrete illustration of the "two immutable things" mentioned in verse 18, providing the bedrock for the believer's hope.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was likely a community of Jewish Christians facing significant persecution or social pressure, possibly contemplating a return to Judaism. They were familiar with the Old Testament Law, the sacrificial system, and the concept of a covenant God. The imagery of "fleeing for refuge" would have resonated deeply with them, recalling the Old Testament "cities of refuge" ([Numbers 35:6](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Cities of Refuge")), where those who had unintentionally killed someone could find safety from the avenger of blood. This legal and social institution provided a tangible example of secure sanctuary. Furthermore, the emphasis on God's oath would have been highly significant in a culture where oaths, particularly divine ones, were considered absolutely binding and inviolable. The author leverages these familiar concepts to build a compelling argument for the absolute reliability of God's New Covenant promises in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Foremost is the **Supremacy and Faithfulness of God**, highlighting His unchangeable nature and the absolute reliability of His word and oath. It underpins the theme of **Christian Assurance and Hope**, providing a firm foundation for believers' confidence in their salvation and future inheritance, especially in the face of trials. The concept of **Perseverance in Faith** is also crucial, as the "strong consolation" derived from God's immutability is intended to strengthen believers to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering" ([Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Hold Fast to Hope")). Finally, the imagery of "fleeing for refuge" subtly introduces the theme of **Christ as the Ultimate Sanctuary and High Priest**, foreshadowing the later exposition of His role as the guarantor of a better covenant and the one through whom believers draw near to God ([Hebrews 7:22](/hebrews/7-22 "Hebrews 7:22 - Christ, the Guarantor of a Better Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **immutable (Greek, _ametáthetos'_):** From G276, meaning "unchangeable, or (neuter as abstract) unchangeability." This word emphasizes the absolute constancy and reliability of God's character and His word. It signifies that God's promises and His very nature are not subject to alteration, reversal, or decay, providing an unshakeable foundation for human trust.
* **impossible (Greek, _adýnatos'_):** From G102, meaning "unable, i.e. weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible." When applied to God, as here, it highlights His moral perfection. It is not that God _cannot_ lie due to a lack of power, but that it is _contrary to His very nature_ to lie. His truthfulness is an intrinsic attribute, making falsehood an impossibility for Him.
* **consolation (Greek, _paráklēsis'_):** From G3874, meaning "imploration, hortation, solace." This term encompasses comfort, encouragement, and exhortation. It describes a deep, abiding sense of reassurance and strength that comes from knowing God's unwavering faithfulness. It is not a superficial comfort but a profound inner peace and conviction that enables believers to endure and persevere.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That by two immutable things":** This phrase refers to God's promise and His oath, as elaborated in [Hebrews 6:13-17](/hebrews/6-13-17 "Hebrews 6:13-17 - God's Promise and Oath to Abraham"). God first made a promise to Abraham, and then, to further underscore its certainty, He swore an oath by Himself, as there was no one greater by whom to swear. These two divine acts are "immutable," meaning unchangeable and absolutely reliable, serving as the bedrock of the believer's hope.
* **"in which [it was] impossible for God to lie":** This clause underscores the absolute moral perfection and integrity of God. It is not merely that God chooses not to lie, but that lying is fundamentally contrary to His holy and truthful nature. His word is truth, and His character guarantees the fulfillment of every promise He makes, providing the ultimate assurance for those who trust Him.
* **"we might have a strong consolation":** Because God's promise and oath are immutable and He cannot lie, believers are granted a "strong consolation." This is a profound, deep, and firm comfort, encouragement, and assurance. It is a solace that stands resilient against doubt, fear, and the trials of life, stemming directly from the unshakeable certainty of God's character and word.
* **"who have fled for refuge":** This vivid imagery evokes the Old Testament concept of the cities of refuge ([Numbers 35:6](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Cities of Refuge")), where unintentional manslayers could find safety. Spiritually, it describes the decisive and active choice of believers to turn away from self-reliance, worldly systems, or false hopes, and to run to God for salvation, security, and protection. It implies a conscious act of seeking shelter and safety in Him.
* **"to lay hold upon the hope set before us":** The purpose of fleeing for refuge is to "lay hold" (to seize or grasp firmly) the "hope set before us." This hope is not a mere wish or optimistic feeling, but a confident expectation and firm assurance of future blessings, particularly eternal life and the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ. It is a hope that is already established and presented to believers, inviting them to grasp it firmly as an anchor for their souls.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 6:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of assurance. The most prominent is **Imagery**, particularly the vivid metaphor of "fled for refuge." This immediately calls to mind the Old Testament cities of refuge, providing a concrete and relatable picture of seeking safety and security in a designated sanctuary. This imagery highlights the active, decisive nature of faith—a deliberate movement towards God for protection. Following this, the "hope set before us" is implicitly connected to the **Imagery** of an anchor in the very next verse ([Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")), which further solidifies the idea of stability and security. The phrase "two immutable things" uses **Merism** by referring to God's promise and oath, encompassing the totality of His divine assurances. The declaration that "it was impossible for God to lie" is an example of **Apotheosis** (in a theological sense), emphasizing God's absolute moral perfection and distinguishing His nature from that of fallible humanity. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Argumentation** for the certainty of God's promises, building from His character to the resulting consolation and firm hope for believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 6:18 serves as a theological cornerstone, firmly establishing the unshakeable foundation of Christian faith and hope in the immutable character of God. It underscores that our assurance is not based on our fluctuating feelings or performance, but on the inherent truthfulness and faithfulness of the Almighty. God's promise and His oath are not merely words, but expressions of His very being, making them utterly reliable. This divine integrity provides a "strong consolation" that transcends earthly uncertainties, offering profound peace and steadfastness to those who have committed their lives to Him. It is a powerful antidote to doubt and despair, reminding believers that their future is secure because it rests on the unchanging God.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie")
* [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God, Who Cannot Lie")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 6:18 offers profound encouragement and a vital anchor for our souls in a world characterized by constant change and uncertainty. When life's storms rage, when doubts creep in, or when our own faith feels weak, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security rests not on our strength, but on the unchangeable character of God Himself. His promises are not subject to the whims of human fallibility or the passage of time; they are as steadfast as His very being. This truth empowers us to persevere, knowing that the hope we cling to is not a fleeting wish but a guaranteed reality. It calls us to actively "flee for refuge" to Him, making a conscious decision to place our trust and dependence entirely on His faithfulness, finding in Him the ultimate sanctuary and source of unwavering comfort. This understanding should inspire us to live with greater confidence, courage, and unwavering hope, knowing that God's word is our sure foundation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself most prone to doubt God's promises, and how can the truth of His immutability strengthen your trust?**
* **How does the "strong consolation" offered in this verse differ from worldly comfort, and how can you more fully experience this divine assurance?**
* **What does it practically mean for you to "flee for refuge" to God in your daily life, and what specific anxieties or fears might you bring to Him for security?**

### FAQ

**What are the "two immutable things" mentioned in Hebrews 6:18?**

Answer: The "two immutable things" refer to God's **promise** and His **oath**. As explained in the preceding verses ([Hebrews 6:13-17](/hebrews/6-13-17 "Hebrews 6:13-17 - God's Promise and Oath")), God first made a promise to Abraham (e.g., to multiply his descendants and bless him). To provide even greater assurance and underscore the absolute certainty of His word, God then reinforced this promise by swearing an oath by Himself, as there was no one greater by whom to swear. Both the promise and the oath are expressions of God's unchanging nature and His perfect integrity, making them completely reliable and unalterable.

**Why is it significant that "it was impossible for God to lie"?**

Answer: This statement highlights a core attribute of God's character: His absolute truthfulness and moral perfection. It's not merely that God chooses not to lie, but that lying is fundamentally contrary to His holy nature. Because God is inherently truthful, His promises are completely trustworthy. This divine inability to lie provides the ultimate guarantee for believers, ensuring that everything God has spoken, especially concerning salvation and eternal life, will certainly come to pass. It is the bedrock of our "strong consolation" and the reason we can "lay hold upon the hope set before us" with unwavering confidence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 6:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The "hope set before us" is not an abstract concept but a living reality embodied in Christ, who is "the author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Finisher of Faith")). The "two immutable things"—God's promise and oath—culminate in the New Covenant, which is guaranteed by Christ Himself. He is the "surety of a better testament" ([Hebrews 7:22](/hebrews/7-22 "Hebrews 7:22 - Christ, the Surety of a Better Covenant")), having offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that truly takes away sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Our "fleeing for refuge" is a decisive turning to Christ, who serves as our ultimate High Priest, having entered "into that within the veil" ([Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor Entering the Veil"))—the very presence of God—on our behalf. Thus, the strong consolation and secure hope described in this verse are inextricably linked to Christ's finished work, His ongoing intercession, and His promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). He is the living embodiment of God's unchangeable faithfulness.

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

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

1 Samuel 15:29

And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he [is] not a man, that he should repent.

2 Timothy 2:13

If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Romans 3:4

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Psalms 46:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Joshua 20:3

That the slayer that killeth [any] person unawares [and] unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.