Heb 3:7-11 | RWP | e4.org | Wherefore ( διο ). Probably this inferential conjunction ( δια, ο , because of which) goes with μη σκληρυνητε (harden not) in verse rather than with βλεπετε (take heed) in verse unless the long quotation be considered a parenthesis. The long quotation in verses is from . After the quotation the author has "three movements" (Moffatt) in his discussion of the passage as applied to the Jewish Christians ( ; ; ). The peril of apostasy as shown by the example of the Israelites is presented with vividness and power. As the Holy Ghost saith ( καθως λεγε το πνευμα το αγιον ). Just this phrase nowhere else in the N.T., except (Agabus), though practically the same idea in ; . In the adjective "Holy" is wanting as in ; . But the writer quotes this Psalm as the Word of God and in attributes it to David. If ye shall hear ( εαν ακουσητε ). Condition of third class with εαν and first aorist active subjunctive of ακουω .

‏ Hebrews 3:7-11

Wherefore ( διο ). Probably this inferential conjunction ( δια, ο, because of which) goes with μη σκληρυνητε (harden not) in verse 8 rather than with βλεπετε (take heed) in verse 12 unless the long quotation be considered a parenthesis. The long quotation in verses 7-11 is from Ps 95:7-11. After the quotation the author has "three movements" (Moffatt) in his discussion of the passage as applied to the Jewish Christians (3:12-19; 4:1-10; 4:11-13). The peril of apostasy as shown by the example of the Israelites is presented with vividness and power.

As the Holy Ghost saith ( καθως λεγε το πνευμα το αγιον ). Just this phrase nowhere else in the N.T., except Act 21:11 (Agabus), though practically the same idea in 9:8; 10:15. In 1Ti 4:1 the adjective "Holy" is wanting as in Re 2; 3. But the writer quotes this Psalm as the Word of God and in 4:7 attributes it to David.

If ye shall hear ( εαν ακουσητε ). Condition of third class with εαν and first aorist active subjunctive of ακουω.

Harden not ( μη σκληρυνητε ). Prohibition with μη and first aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive of σκληρυνω, late verb from σκληρος (dried up, stiff, hard) as in Ac 19:9; Ro 9:18.

As in the provocation ( ως ην τω παραπικρασμω ). Late compound from παραπικραινω, late verb to embitter ( παρα, πικρος ), found only in LXX and here and verse 15. It means embitterment, exasperation. For the simple verb πικραινω, to make bitter, see Col 3:19. The reference is to Meribah (Ex. 17:1-7).

Like as in the day ( κατα την ημεραν ). "According to the day" as in Ac 12:1; 19:23.

Of the temptation ( του πειρασμου ). The reference is to Massah which took place at Rephidim.

Wherewith ( ου ). Literally, "where" (the wilderness) as in De 8:15.

Tempted me by proving me ( επειρασαν εν δοκιμασια ). No word for "me." The Israelites "tested" God "in putting to the proof" (only N.T. use of this word from δοκιμαζω and this from the LXX). They were not content with God's promise, but demanded objective proof ( εργα, deeds) of God.

And saw ( κα ειδον ). "And yet saw."

Wherefore ( διο ). Not in the LXX, but it makes clear the argument in the Psalm.

I was displeased ( προσωχθισα ). First aorist active of προσοχθιζω, late compound for extreme anger and disgust. In N.T. only here and verse 17.

Err ( πλανωντα ). Present middle indicative of πλαναω, to wander astray, common verb.

They did not know ( ουκ εγνωσαν ). In spite of God's works ( εργα ) and loving patience the Israelites failed to understand God's ways with them. Are we any better? They "cared not to take my road" (Moffatt).

As I sware ( ως ωμοσα ). "Correlating the oath and the disobedience" (Vincent). First aorist active indicative of ομνυω, old verb for solemn oath (6:13).

They shall not enter ( ε εισελευσοντα ). Future middle of εισερχομα with ε as an anacoluthon for the Hebrew im (not). Really it is a condition of the first class with the conclusion not expressed, common in the LXX as here (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1024).

Into my rest ( εις την καταπαυσιν μου ). Old word from καταπαυω (Heb 4:8), to give rest, in LXX, in N.T. only in Ac 7:49; Heb 3:11-4:11. Primarily the rest in Canaan and then the heavenly rest in which God dwells.