Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

HEBREWS 3:10KJV
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Hebrews 3:10 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 3:10 mean?

Hebrews 3:10 describes how God was deeply displeased with a certain generation because they constantly went astray in their hearts and did not truly understand His ways. The verse highlights a repeated pattern of inward error and a lack of genuine knowledge of God’s path.

The writer of Hebrews is quoting God’s words about the Israelites during their time in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. God is speaking about the generation that witnessed His works but still failed to trust and follow Him. The verse sets up a warning to the readers, urging them not to repeat the same mistakes of having hearts that turn away and miss what God is doing.

The Greek behind Hebrews 3:10

  • "Err" (πλανῶνται, planaō): This Greek word means to wander or go astray, especially in a moral or spiritual sense. Here, it shows that the problem was not just outward actions, but a deep, ongoing misdirection of the heart.
  • "Heart" (καρδία, kardia): In Greek thought, "heart" refers to the center of a person’s inner life—thoughts, will, and emotions. The verse points out that the error started from within, not just in behavior.
  • "Known" (ἔγνωσαν, egnōsan): This word means more than just having information; it suggests a relational or experiential knowledge. The verse stresses that the people did not truly grasp or live out God’s ways, despite seeing His works.

Why Hebrews 3:10 matters

  • Hebrews 3:10 clarifies that God’s concern was not just about outward disobedience, but about a persistent inward attitude—a heart that keeps turning away.
  • The verse connects the ancient Israelites’ failure to know God’s ways with the warning to the readers of Hebrews, urging them to pay attention to their own hearts and understanding.
  • This verse helps the reader see that knowing God’s ways involves more than witnessing miracles or religious activity; it requires a real, inward response of trust and understanding.

Where else these words appear

“grieved” Greek G4360 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 3:17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

“alway” Greek G104 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
  • Titus 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

“generation” Greek G1074 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
  • Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

“do” Greek G4105 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
  • John 7:12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
  • 2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;