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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Hebrews 3:1 - 3:1
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
The leading ideas of the preceding section are echoed in this verse: brethren, of whom Christ made himself the brother: holy, in virtue of the work of the sanctifier.
Wherefore (ὅθεν)
Drawing a conclusion from Heb 2:9-18.
Holy brethren (ἀδελφοὶ ἅγιοι)
The phrase N.T.o. Ἀδελφοί brethren, in address, is not found in the Gospels. In Acts mostly ἄνδρες ἀδελφοὶ brother men. In Paul, ἀδ. ἀγαπητοί brethren beloved, or ἀδ. ἀγαπ. καὶ ἐπιπόθητοι brethren beloved and longed for (once, Phi 4:1), ἀδ. ἠγαπημένοι ὐπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ and τοῦ κυρίου brethren beloved of God or of the Lord, and ἀδ. μου my brethren. In James mostly ἀδ. μου. In Hebrews, except here, ἀδελφοὶ simply. Holy brethren (see Heb 2:11) are worshippers of God, taking the place of God's O.T. people, as called and consecrated to ethical and spiritual service according to the Christian ideal.
Partakers of a heavenly calling (κλήσεως ἐπουρανίου μέτοχοι)
Μέτοχοι partakers only in Hebrews except Luk 5:7. See on μετέσχεν took part, Heb 2:14. The phrase heavenly calling N.T.o. Comp. τῆς ἄσω κλήσεως the upward calling, Phi 3:14. The expression points to the lordship of the world to be (Heb 2:5); and the world to be is the abiding world, the place of realities as contrasted with types and shadows. The calling comes from that world and is to that world. See Heb 13:14.
Consider (κατανοήσατε)
Attentively, thoughtfully (κατὰ). See on Jam 1:23. The writer's habit is to use the communicative we or us identifying himself with his readers.
The apostle and high priest (τὸν ἀπόστολον καὶ ἀρχιερέα)
In calling Jesus apostle, the writer is thinking of Moses as one sent by God to lead Israel to Canaan. Comp. lxx, where ἀποστέλλειν to send is often used of Moses. See Exodus 3-7. Often of Jesus, as Luk 10:16; Joh 3:17; Joh 5:36; Joh 6:29.
Of our profession (τῆς ὁμολογίας ἡμῶν)
Rend. confession for profession. The apostle and high priest whom we confess. Comp. 1Ti 6:12.