What does Hebrews 3:5 mean?

And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; Hebrews 3:5

Explanation

Hebrews 3:5 speaks of Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, and acknowledges his faithfulness as a servant in God’s house, which, metaphorically, represents the people of Israel whom Moses led. This verse points out Moses’ role as a faithful servant who bore witness to God’s works and foreshadowed future revelations. The phrase “for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after” suggests that Moses’ life and work prefigured the greater revelation that would come through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that Moses was a part of God’s plan and that his faithful service was intended to point to a more complete revelation that would occur with the coming of Christ.

Historical Context

Hebrews is a book in the New Testament that was likely written before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 A.D. The authorship is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle, though this is debated among scholars. The epistle was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to revert to Judaism. In that context, Hebrews 3:5 aims to present Jesus as superior to the Old Testament figures like Moses, asserting the supremacy of Christ and the new covenant. By highlighting the faithfulness and importance of Moses in God’s plan, the verse also serves as a bridge for Jewish Christians, validating their religious heritage while steering them towards the fulfillment found in Christ.

Theological Insights

In Christian theology, Moses is often understood as a type of Christ, meaning he is a precursor who prefigures Christ in some way. However, the verse implies a distinction between servant and son, and between the house of a servant and the house of the Son. From a covenant theology perspective, this verse underlines a transition from the old covenant, represented by Moses, to the new covenant, represented by Jesus. Dispensationalists might see this as an indication of the different ways God interacts with humanity during different biblical epochs.

Practical Applications

Hebrews 3:5 can inspire believers to consider their own faithfulness in serving God’s purpose. As Moses was faithful in all of God’s house, individuals are called to be faithful in all aspects of their lives, whether in times of hardship or ease. The verse can also encourage people to acknowledge the faithfulness of others and to see the value in God’s larger plan, even when their role seems small or obscure. It teaches a respect for tradition and the foundations of faith, while also urging believers to embrace the fullness of revelation in Christ.

Cross-References

• Numbers 12:7: “My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.”
• Deuteronomy 18:15: “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;”
• Hebrews 3:2: “Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.”
• Hebrews 8:6: “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the word “οἴκῳ” (oiko), translated as “house,” reflecting not just a physical structure but also a household or a family lineage. The term “θεράπων” (therapon) translated as “servant,” conveys the idea of servitude beyond that of a mere employee; it suggests a higher calling of service out of devotion. “Μαρτύριον” (martyrion), translated as “testimony,” bears the meaning of a witness, indicating that Moses’s service was a testament to the truths later revealed in Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, revered figures often prefigured later, more significant individuals or events. For instance, in Egyptian mythology, figures like Imhotep performed roles that foreshadowed later deities or kings. In a religious context, Moses is comparable to figures in other traditions that serve as precursors or prophets who validate the legitimacy of subsequent revelation or the authority of later leaders.

Scientific Perspectives

Hebrews 3:5, being a theological and historical statement, does not directly intersect with scientific perspectives. However, in considering the role of Moses and the historical context of the verse, there may be discussions about the archaeological evidence for Moses and the Exodus, which are areas of interest within biblical archaeology, though these discussions lie outside the realm of the verse’s primary theological focus.

Commentaries

According to Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Moses was faithful as a servant within God’s house, indicating a status inferior to that of a son, which is attributed to Christ. The expositors of the Geneva Bible note that Moses was a servant in testifying of the truth that came by Christ, emphasizing his role as a witness. John Calvin’s Commentary refers to Moses as a figure governing the house of God (the Church), and yet as inferior to Christ, who is the builder and Lord of the house, highlighting the hierarchy between Moses and Christ. Many modern commentaries echo these views, emphasizing the distinction between Moses’ faithful service and the superior, sonship role of Jesus.