Devine Scripture

Hebrews 3:7

What does Hebrews 3:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 3:7 means

The writer quotes the Holy Spirit, underscoring that Scripture speaks God’s present voice: “Today, if you hear his voice.” The word “Today” makes the call immediate. God speaks now, not only in the past. Hearing implies more than receiving sound; it means receptive, obedient faith. The Spirit’s living voice through Scripture confronts the heart in the present moment. By introducing the Psalm this way, the author prepares readers to treat what follows not as ancient history but as a divine address to them, summoning a fresh, believing response while the window called “Today” remains open.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And so, as the Holy Spirit says, Today if you let his voice come to your ears,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Wherefore, (as the Holy Spirit saith, `To-day, if His voice ye may hear--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Wherefore, as the Holy Ghost saith: To-day if you shall hear his voice,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Wherefore, even as says the Holy Spirit, To-day if ye will hear his voice,

Context

With Christ’s Sonship and our conditional belonging established, the argument turns to warning through Psalm 95. Verse 7 frames the citation as the Spirit’s ongoing speech, making the ancient text directly relevant. Verses 8–11 will recount Israel’s wilderness provocation and God’s oath barring them from rest. The immediate purpose is to draw a sobering line from past unbelief to the readers’ present danger. After the quotation, verses 12–14 will apply the warning to the community’s mutual care and perseverance. The structure alternates theology, Scripture citation, and pastoral application.

v.6but 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.

v.7This passage

v.8Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, Like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness,

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 55:6

    Seek ye Jehovah while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near:

  • Ecclesiastes 9:10

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest.

  • James 4:13

    Come now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain:

  • Acts 1:16

    Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.

  • 2 Peter 1:21

    For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

  • John 10:27

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

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