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

HEBREWS 3:7KJV
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Hebrews 3:7 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 3:7 mean?

Hebrews 3:7 introduces a warning by quoting the Holy Spirit, urging the listeners to pay attention and respond if they hear God's voice today. The verse sets up a call to listen carefully and not ignore what God is saying in the present moment.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians, reminding them of what the Holy Spirit has said in the Scriptures. By saying "To day if ye will hear his voice," the verse points back to an earlier time in Israel’s history and prepares the reader for a lesson about listening to God and not hardening their hearts, as their ancestors once did.

The Greek behind Hebrews 3:7

  • Ἅγιον (hagion, "Holy") and πνεῦμα (pneuma, "Ghost" or "Spirit"): The phrase "Holy Ghost" emphasizes that the message comes with divine authority, not just human opinion.
  • σήμερον (sēmeron, "day"): The Greek word for "day" highlights urgency—this is about responding now, not delaying.
  • φωνή (phōnē, "voice"): "Voice" here means more than just sound; it refers to God's communication, whether through Scripture or the prompting of the Spirit.

Why Hebrews 3:7 matters

  • Hebrews 3:7 makes it clear that the message is not just ancient history but is meant for the present—God still speaks, and people are still responsible to listen today.
  • The verse connects the audience directly to the story of Israel in the wilderness, showing that their response to God’s voice is just as important as it was for their ancestors.
  • By introducing the quote with "as the Holy Ghost saith," the writer stresses that Scripture is living and active, and that the call to listen is ongoing, not just a one-time event.

Where else these words appear

“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:

“Whereforeas” Greek G1352 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 27:8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
  • Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

“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;