Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

HEBREWS 3:1KJV
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Hebrews 3:1 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 3:1 mean?

Hebrews 3:1 urges believers, whom the writer calls "holy brethren" and "partakers of the heavenly calling," to thoughtfully focus on Jesus, described here as both the Apostle and High Priest of their faith. The verse highlights Jesus’ unique role as the one sent by God and the one who represents people before God.

The letter to the Hebrews is written to Jewish Christians who are being encouraged to hold firmly to their faith in Jesus. The writer calls them "holy brethren," emphasizing their shared spiritual identity, and reminds them they share in a "heavenly calling," meaning their purpose and hope come from God. By calling Jesus both "Apostle" (one sent) and "High Priest" (one who mediates), the verse sets up the main theme of the letter: Jesus is the ultimate leader and mediator for believers.

The Greek behind Hebrews 3:1

  • ἀδελφοί (adelphoi, "brethren"): This word means "brothers" or "siblings" and here refers to fellow believers, highlighting the close spiritual family bond among Christians.
  • κλήσεως (klēseōs, "calling"): This word often refers to a summons or invitation, and in this context, it points to the divine invitation to share in God's purposes and promises.
  • ἀπόστολον (apostolon, "Apostle"): The Greek here means "one who is sent." Calling Jesus the Apostle is unusual in the New Testament and emphasizes that Jesus is sent directly from God with authority.
  • ἀρχιερέα (archierea, "High Priest"): This word refers to the chief priest responsible for representing the people before God. Here, it stresses Jesus’ unique role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.

Why Hebrews 3:1 matters

  • Hebrews 3:1 clarifies that Jesus is both the messenger from God and the mediator for people, a combination not commonly highlighted together elsewhere in the New Testament.
  • The verse reminds believers that their identity and calling come from God, not from their own efforts or background.
  • This verse sets the stage for the following chapters, which will explain in detail how Jesus fulfills and surpasses the roles of both Moses (as a leader) and the high priests of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“partakers” Greek G3353 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 5:7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
  • Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
  • Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

“profession” Greek G3671 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
  • 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
  • Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

“calling” Greek G2821 · used in 11 verses

  • Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
  • Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
  • Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

“consider” Greek G2657 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
  • Luke 20:23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
  • Acts 27:39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.