Devine Scripture

Hebrews 3:14

What does Hebrews 3:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 3:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 3:14 means

Believers have become sharers in Christ, but this participation is confirmed as genuine only as they hold fast the initial confidence firm to the end. Perseverance is the fruit and proof of a real union with Christ, not a substitute for it. The “beginning of our confidence” recalls the bold assurance that marked their early faith; the call is to maintain that same trust through trials. This verse binds assurance and endurance together: those truly joined to Christ continue with Him. The promise is rich—we partake of Christ Himself—yet the path is steadfast faith across time.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For if we keep the substance of the faith which we had at the start, even till the end, we have a part with Christ;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for partakers we have become of the Christ, if the beginning of the confidence unto the end we may hold fast,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For we are made partakers of Christ: yet so, if we hold the beginning of his substance firm unto the end.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For we are become companions of the Christ if indeed we hold the beginning of the assurance firm to the end;

Context

Verse 14 provides theological grounding for the practices urged in verses 12–13. The community’s exhortations serve the perseverance that reveals true participation in Christ. By tying endurance to the very identity of believers as “partakers,” the author raises the stakes: this is not a minor matter but the essence of Christian life. Verse 15 will repeat the Psalm’s warning to keep “Today” in view, and verses 16–18 will unpack Israel’s failure through three rhetorical questions, preparing for the concluding summary about unbelief in verse 19.

v.13but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin:

v.14This passage

v.15while it is said, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 John 1:3

    that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ:

  • Hebrews 6:4

    For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

  • Hebrews 3:1

    Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, evenJesus;

  • 1 Corinthians 1:30

    But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

  • Romans 11:17

    But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou, being a wild olive, wast grafted in among them, and didst become partaker with them of the root of the fatness of the olive tree;

  • Hebrews 3:6

    but Christ as a son, over his house; whose house are we, if we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end.

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