Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

HEBREWS 3:12KJV
Know the Bible

Hebrews 3:12 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 3:12 mean?

Hebrews 3:12 warns believers to be watchful so that none of them develop a heart that turns away from trusting the living God. The verse calls attention to the danger of unbelief, describing it as "evil" because it leads a person to depart from God.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing fellow believers ("brethren"), urging them to pay careful attention to their own hearts. The context is a warning based on the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, who failed to trust God and suffered the consequences. The verse stresses personal responsibility and the real risk of drifting away from faith in God.

The Greek behind Hebrews 3:12

  • ἐπισκοπῶν (G991; "heed"): The Greek word here is often understood as "see to it" or "watch out," carrying a sense of active, ongoing attention rather than a one-time check. The writer is urging constant vigilance.
  • ἀδελφοί (G80; "brethren"): This word means "brothers" or "fellow believers," making it clear the warning is meant for those inside the faith community, not outsiders.
  • ἀπιστίας (G570; "unbelief"): This word refers to a lack of trust or faith, not just intellectual doubt. In this context, it is seen as something that can grow in a person's heart and lead them away from God.
  • ἀποστῆναι (G868; "departing"): This verb means "to fall away" or "to withdraw." It suggests a deliberate turning away from a relationship with the living God, not just a passive drifting.

Why Hebrews 3:12 matters

  • Hebrews 3:12 clarifies that unbelief is not just a neutral or harmless state, but something "evil" that can actively lead someone away from God.
  • The verse emphasizes that even people within the faith community are at risk and need to be alert, not assuming they are immune to doubt or drifting.
  • This warning connects to the broader theme of Hebrews 3, which uses Israel's history as a cautionary example, urging readers to learn from past failures and remain faithful.

Where else these words appear

“unbelief” Greek G570 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
  • Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
  • Romans 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

“departing” Greek G868 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
  • Acts 5:37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
  • Acts 22:29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

“lest” Greek G3379 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
  • Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

“evil” Greek G4190 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.