Hebrews 3:14

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 3:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:
Hebrews 3:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For we are made partakers of Christ, etc..] Being loved by him, given to him, and chosen in him before the foundation of the world; and so participate of all spiritual blessings in him; for this respects something past, and may be rendered, “we have been made”. The phrase is expressive of union to Christ, which is not by faith on man's part, and by the Spirit on Christ's part, but by his everlasting love, taking his people into an oneness with himself; thereby becoming their head, surety, and representative, which is the ground and foundation of all the blessings of grace being imparted to them: hence arises communion; as this is a conjugal union, there is communion of names, of persons, of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For, &c.--enforcing the warning, Heb 3:12. partakers of Christ--(Compare Heb 3:1, Heb 3:6). So "partakers of the Holy Ghost" (Heb 6:4). hold--Greek, "hold fast." the beginning of our confidence--that is, the confidence (literally, substantial, solid confidence) of faith which we have begun (Heb 6:11; Heb 12:2). A Christian so long as he is not made perfect, considers himself as a beginner [BENGEL]. unto the end--unto the coming of Christ (Heb 12:2).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For we are made partakers of Christ - We are spiritually united to the Saviour. We become one with him. We partake of his spirit and his allotments. The sacred writers are accustomed to describe the Christian as being closely united to the Saviour, and as being one with him see the John 15:1-7; John 17:21, John 17:23 notes; Ephesians 5:30 note; 1 Corinthians 12:27 note. The idea is, that we participate in all that pertains to him. It is a union of feeling and affection; a union of principle and of congeniality; a union of dependence as well as love; a union where nothing is to be imparted by us, but everything gained; and a union, therefore, on the part of the Redeemer of great…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For we are made partakers of Christ - And we shall still partake of him and all his benefits, if we hold fast our faith unto the end. If - But not else; and a supposition made by the Holy Ghost is equal to the, strongest assertion. Both the sentiment and the manner of expression are the same as Heb 3:6. Hebrews 3:16”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:14 For if we are faithful: Those who persevere in the faith have assurance that they are indeed part of God’s family (see 3:6; Rom 8:9, 17; 11:22; 2 Cor 13:5; Col 1:22-23).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“we are: Heb 3:1, Heb 6:4, Heb 12:10; Rom 11:17; Co1 1:30, Co1 9:23, Co1 10:17; Eph 3:6; Ti1 6:2; Pe1 4:13, Pe1 5:1; Jo1 1:3 if: Heb 3:6, Heb 6:11 Hebrews 3:15”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification