Hebrews 3:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

NIV: But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

NASB: But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called 'today,' so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

CSB: But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.

NLT: You must warn each other every day, while it is still 'today,' so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.

KJV: But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

NKJV: but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

This passage is a warning to Christian believers not to allow stubbornness, sin, or a lack of faith to rob them of God's promised blessings. The nation of Israel suffered when it failed to "hold fast," and spent forty years wandering in the desert. So too can a Christian suffer when they lack trust and faith in God.

One key to avoiding this pitfall is the influence of other Christian believers. One of the great benefits of healthy church relationships is loving correction. Having a meaningful, personal relationship with other Christians means "watching each other's back." This means warning our brothers and sisters in Christ when they are being pulled away into sin and helping them to resist temptation and error. The author's urgency is highlighted by using the phrase "as long as it is called 'today.'" This, in more modern terms, could be stated as "do it while you still can."

The New Testament often explains that sin is deceptive, destructive, and deadly (2 Timothy 3:13; Titus 3:3). It can also create a spiritual callous, making us less sensitive to our own sin (1 Timothy 4:2). Fellow Christians should love each other enough to "exhort," meaning "encourage, uplift, or challenge" each other when it comes to living a righteous life.

Hebrews 3:7–14 uses the example of Israel's forty years in the wilderness (Numbers 13—14) as a warning. This is directed at Christians who fail to ''hold fast'' their faith in God during persecution. Israel was saved from Egypt, as believers are saved from eternal death through salvation. Israel was offered the Promised Land, as believers are promised victory through our spiritual inheritance. Israel lost faith and didn't trust God against the ''giants'' of Canaan, as believers can be tempted to lose faith in the face of persecution. The ancient Israelites were not sent back to Egypt, just as God does not revoke the salvation of Christian believers. However, both can expect hardship and a loss of fellowship if they fail to trust in God.

Hebrews chapter 3 uses a reference to Israel's wandering in the desert from the story of the Exodus. In this incident, the nation of Israel came to the border of the Promised Land and then lost confidence in God. Rather than trusting Him, most of the people gave up hope. As a result, only a tiny remnant of the nation was allowed to enter into Canaan. This chapter explains that Jesus Christ is superior to Moses and all of Moses' accomplishments. Christians, therefore, need to encourage each other to fully trust in God, in order to see fulfillment of His promises.

In chapters 1 and 2, the author of Hebrews showed that Jesus was not an angel. In fact, Jesus' role as Messiah required Him to be fully human. Starting in chapter 3, the author will explain how Jesus is also superior to various Old Testament characters such as Moses. This will help to set the stage for later references to Christ's superiority. Part of the warning in this chapter extends into chapter 4. Namely, that Christians who doubt God's promises risk missing out on the victories He has in store for us.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.