That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

HEBREWS 6:18KJV
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Hebrews 6:18 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 6:18 mean?

Hebrews 6:18 says that God has given two unchangeable guarantees, and because it is impossible for God to lie, these promises give strong comfort to people who have run to Him for safety and are holding tightly to the hope He offers. The verse assures readers that God’s promises are completely reliable and meant to encourage those who trust in Him.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to Jewish Christians who may feel uncertain or discouraged. He reminds them that God’s word and His oath are both unbreakable, so their hope is secure. The picture is of people fleeing to a safe place—here, God Himself—where they can confidently hold on to the hope He has set before them.

The Greek behind Hebrews 6:18

  • ἀμετάθετος (ametathetos, "immutable"): This word means "unchangeable" or "unalterable." The verse uses it to stress that God’s promises and oath cannot be changed or revoked, giving a sense of absolute security.
  • παραμυθία (paraklēsis, "consolation"): This word is often translated as "encouragement" or "comfort." Here, it means a deep reassurance that comes from knowing God’s promises are trustworthy.
  • καταφεύγω (katapheugō, "fled for refuge"): This word paints a vivid picture of someone running to a place of safety. In the context, it refers to people seeking protection and hope in God, much like someone would flee to a city of refuge in ancient times.
  • ἐλπίς (elpis, "hope"): This word means confident expectation, not just wishful thinking. The hope set before believers is something firm and dependable because it is anchored in God’s unchangeable nature.

Why Hebrews 6:18 matters

  • Hebrews 6:18 clears up any doubt about whether God might go back on His word; the verse insists that God’s promises are absolutely trustworthy.
  • The verse connects the readers’ hope to God’s character, not their own feelings or circumstances, which is especially important for people facing hardship or uncertainty.
  • By using the image of fleeing for refuge, Hebrews 6:18 ties into the broader biblical theme of God as a safe place, helping readers see that hope in God is both a promise and a protection.

Where else these words appear

“immutable” Greek G276 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

“refuge” Greek G2703 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 14:6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

“us” Greek G4295 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
  • Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
  • Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

“impossible” Greek G102 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
  • Acts 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
  • 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,