Hebrews 3:2
What does Hebrews 3:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 3:2 means
Jesus was perfectly faithful to the Father who appointed Him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s household. The point is not to diminish Moses but to affirm his real, honored role. Yet the comparison shows that the measure of faithfulness will lead to a greater conclusion about Jesus. He fulfills His commission fully. For wavering believers, this highlights that the One they confess stands in an unbroken line of fidelity to God’s purposes, like Moses, yet will soon be shown to occupy a higher place. Faithfulness is the shared trait; the status and role will prove the difference.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who kept faith with God who gave him his place, even as Moses did in all his house.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862being stedfast to Him who did appoint him, as also Moses in all his house,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who is faithful to him that made him, as was also Moses in all his house.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who is faithful to him that has constituted him, as Moses also in all his house.
Context
Having called readers to consider Jesus, the author immediately connects Him with Moses at the level of faithfulness. This builds credibility with Jewish Christians who esteem Moses deeply. It avoids a harsh break with their heritage and sets a respectful tone. The next verses will move from similarity (both faithful) to superiority (Jesus’ status and work). Verse 3 introduces the builder-versus-house analogy, and verse 4 anchors the analogy in God as the ultimate Builder. The flow is deliberate: honor Moses, then elevate Christ without dishonoring the past.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 7:18
He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
- John 15:10
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
- Numbers 12:7
My servant Moses is not so; he is faithful in all my house:
- 1 Samuel 12:6
And Samuel said unto the people, It is Jehovah that appointed Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.
- John 8:29
And he that sent me is with me; he hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that are pleasing to him.
- Ephesians 2:22
in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.
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