While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

HEBREWS 3:15KJV
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Hebrews 3:15 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 3:15 mean?

Hebrews 3:15 urges readers not to stubbornly resist or ignore God’s voice when they sense it, using the example of an earlier generation that rebelled against God. The verse warns against hardening one’s heart, meaning to become unresponsive or closed off to what God is saying.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians, reminding them of the Israelites who provoked God during their time in the wilderness by refusing to trust and obey Him. By quoting this warning, the author stresses the urgency of responding to God “today”—not putting it off—so that they do not repeat the mistakes of their ancestors.

The Greek behind Hebrews 3:15

  • ἐὰν (ean, “if”): This word sets up a condition, emphasizing that listening to God’s voice is a choice that each person must make in the present moment.
  • σκληρύνητε (sklērynēte, “harden”): The Greek word here means to make stubborn or resistant. It suggests an active decision to close oneself off, not just a passive feeling.
  • παραπικρασμῷ (parapikrasmō, “provocation”): This term refers specifically to the time when the Israelites tested and provoked God in the wilderness. It calls to mind a well-known story of rebellion and its consequences, making the warning more vivid.

Why Hebrews 3:15 matters

  • Hebrews 3:15 clarifies that responding to God is urgent and should not be delayed, highlighting the importance of “today” rather than waiting for a more convenient time.
  • The verse connects the readers’ situation to the history of Israel, showing that ignoring God’s voice leads to serious consequences, just as it did for their ancestors.
  • By focusing on the heart’s attitude, Hebrews 3:15 warns that spiritual stubbornness is not just a feeling but a deliberate choice, making the responsibility personal and immediate.

Where else these words appear

“provocation” Greek G3894 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

“harden” Greek G4645 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
  • Romans 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
  • Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

“day” Greek G4594 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
  • Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
  • Acts 26:2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

“voice” Greek G5456 · used in 129 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
  • Revelation 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;