Hebrews 3:6

Christ as a son. Christ is greater than Moses, even as a “son” is greater than a “servant” (Heb. 3:5; cf. Gal. 4:1). Moses proved “faithful” as a “servant,” and Christ as a “son.” See Matt. 21:34-37; cf. Gen. 15:2-4; see on Heb. 1:5; 5:8. Concerning Christ as the Son of God see on Luke 1:35; John 1:14.

His own house. See on v. 2; cf. ch. 10:21.

Whose house are we. The “house” over which Moses had supervision was the “house of Israel” (cf. ch. 8:8). The “house” over which Christ now presides is the Christian church (Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5).

Hold fast. See on Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:35, 36; cf. Rev. 3:11.

Confidence. Gr. parresia, “boldness,” “courage,” “confidence” (see on Acts 4:13; cf. Heb. 10:19, 35). This “confidence” consists of the conviction in the heart of the Christian of the certainty of the things he has learned to believe concerning Christ. It is the believer’s privilege to enjoy the blessed assurance of present acceptance with God (see on 1 John 5:10-12). He treasures in his heart “the earnest of the Spirit” (see on 2 Cor. 1:22) and has the “substance” of the things he hopes for (see on Heb. 11:1).

Rejoicing. Gr. kauchema, “boasting,” “exultation,” “pride.” The related verb, kauchaomai, is variously rendered “to rejoice,” “to glory,” “to boast,” etc. (see on Rom. 5:2). Compare the “glory” (kauchaomai) Paul took in the cross of Christ (Gal. 6:14). The Christian should take great pride in, and rejoice because of, the Christian hope.

Hope. See on Rom. 5:2-5; 8:24; Eph. 1:18. The Christian hope centers in “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession,” in “the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ,” in “the resurrection of the dead,” and in eternal life (Heb. 3:1; Titus 2:13; 3:7; Phil. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:12-23). Christians have good reason to be the most cheerful, hopeful, and optimistic people on earth.

Firm unto the end. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the omission of these words, though evidence as a whole favors their retention. The same expression is fully attested in v. 14. See on Matt. 24:13; Rev. 2:10.