What does Hebrews 3:6 mean?

The author of Hebrews is pointing out that Jesus is a greater, higher example to follow than even Moses. While Moses was a faithful servant in God's house, who foretold many things, Jesus is the Son in God's house, and the Creator, and the One who fulfilled those things (Hebrews 3:3–5). This ties in to the end of chapter 2, where the author points to Jesus as our ultimate example. The importance of following Jesus, even above Moses, is crucial for the audience this letter addresses: Jewish Christians of the first century.

The context of this letter also helps to explain the next point made in Hebrews. These believers are suffering under pressure and persecution. There is intense pressure, both from the world and the Jewish community, for these men and women to "fall back" into Judaism rather than pursue Christ. This verse points out that the blessings and victory we are promised in Christ are meant for those who "hold fast."

The terminology shifts from discussing a "house" as a building to a "house" as a collection of people: the family. Being able to function as part of God's "family" is a question of conditions, just as a priest or other Israelite's fellowship with God was conditional. Their status as a part of the nation of Israel, like our salvation, is not at stake. But there are consequences when we fall out of fellowship with God.

In the next verse, this will be illustrated with the example of Israel's wandering in the desert. That passage begins the second warning of Hebrews, running through the middle of chapter 4.