What does Hebrews 3:13 mean?

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13

Explanation

Hebrews 3:13, which reads, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin,” emphasizes the importance of continual encouragement and support within the Christian community. The literal meaning of the verse speaks to the practice of believers urging one another toward faithfulness and spiritual growth. The deeper meaning suggests that human hearts are susceptible to being hardened by sin’s deceitful nature, and the antidote to this hardening is mutual encouragement and accountability, particularly with an urgency because of the fleeting nature of “today.”

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians, potentially facing persecution, who were at risk of reverting to Judaism or incorporating elements of Judaism into their Christian faith. The author of Hebrews is unknown, but the epistle was written before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in A.D. 70. The historical context involves a community in a transitional period, grappling with their identity and the pressure to abandon their newfound faith in Christ.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the verse gives insights into several concepts. Firstly, it deals with the nature of sin, characterizing it as deceitful and capable of hardening one’s heart, drawing from the Old Testament’s depiction of Pharaoh’s heart-hardening in Exodus. Different Christian traditions may interpret the nature and impact of sin differently, but broadly agree on its insidious character. Secondly, there is a focus on the communal dimension of faith. The idea is that salvation is not a purely individual effort but is aided by the Christian community’s mutual encouragement. Additionally, the referenced “Today” evokes the concept of kairos, meaning the opportune time or the right moment, which is a significant theme in Christian eschatology.

Practical Applications

This verse implies practical applications such as the active participation in fellowship with other believers. Christians are encouraged to engage in regular conversations that build up faith, confront sin, and motivate good deeds. This underscores the value of accountability groups, mentoring relationships, and open, honest, and vulnerable communication within the church. The verse also underscores the urgency of addressing issues expediently, without postponement.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:25: “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
• James 5:16: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Language Study

The phrase “exhort one another” translates from the Greek “parakaleite allelous”, implying not just encouragement but also admonishment, urging toward action or change. The Greek word “skleruno” for “hardened” carries connotations of becoming stubborn or obstinate. “Apate,” translated as “deceitfulness,” conveys the concept of being led astray or deluded. The original language underscores the dynamics of community and the pernicious nature of sin.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, the community played an integral role in religious practice. This concept is not unique to Christianity. In Judaism, from which Christianity emerged, the idea of communal study, prayer, and correction is paramount—the community helps in discerning God’s will and living rightly. In other religious traditions, such as Buddhism, there is a focus on sangha or community, which supports each individual’s path to enlightenment.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology supports the notion that interpersonal relationships can influence behavior and that social support is critical for personal change. Positive social support can reduce stress and its physiological and psychological effects, making communal support a mechanism that aligns with the biblical encouragement of mutual exhortation. Additionally, the concept of a deceitful sin may be paralleled with research on cognitive biases and irrational behaviors that often lead individuals astray from their goals and values.

commentaries

Expert biblical commentators offer diverse perspectives. Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the need for daily exhortation as a preventer of sin’s deceitfulness and hardening effect. The Pulpit Commentary notes the significance of the communal effort in Christian perseverance and the importance of the present moment for spiritual attentiveness. John Calvin highlights the communal aspect of shared admonition as a means of fostering perseverance in the faith. These and other commentaries reflect on the practicality of daily encouragement as essential for a lively and enduring faith.