so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "impossible for God to lie" is powerful because it points to God's very nature; lying is so fundamentally contrary to who He is that it's not just a rule He follows, but a moral impossibility for Him to break. This isn't about God being bound by rules, but about His intrinsic truthfulness being the unshakeable foundation of our hope.
so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is addressing Jewish believers who are struggling with doubt and have grown weary, warning them against falling away from their faith. Having just discussed the superiority of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice, he emphasizes that the promise and oath of God, given to Abraham and confirmed in the oath establishing Christ as High Priest, provide an unshakeable foundation for hope. This divine assurance is meant to encourage believers, who have fled to Christ for refuge, to persevere in holding onto the hope of salvation.
Why does the writer of Hebrews mention 'two unchangeable things'?
The verse points to God's incredible commitment to us. These "two unchangeable things" are understood to be God's promise and God's oath.
Because God is truth itself, it's impossible for Him to lie. These two guarantees—promise and oath—form an unbreakable foundation for our faith.
What does it mean to 'flee for refuge' and 'hold fast' to hope?
The imagery here is powerful! It speaks of us, as believers, being like someone desperately running to a city of refuge.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
adunaton pseusasthai theon · Greek Verb phrase
The ontological inability of God to state anything contrary to truth; truth is an essential attribute of His divine nature.
kataphugē · Greek Noun
A safe place to which one runs to escape danger or judgment; in a spiritual sense, it refers to finding safety in God's provision and character.
elpis · Greek Noun
The confident expectation of future good based on God’s promises; it is not a mere wish but a firm conviction of what God will perform.
The reference to "two immutable things" points to God's covenant promises and His oath, powerfully illustrated by His oath to Abraham and His unbreakable commitment through Jesus Christ's priesthood and resurrection. This provides immense assurance for believers who, like ancient fugitives seeking refuge, have fled to Christ for salvation.
c. 2000 BC
God's Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him countless descendants and land, and swearing by himself to seal the promise. This event is foundational to the concept of God's unchangeable promises.
c. 1400 BC
Establishment of Cities of Refuge
Under Mosaic Law, six cities are designated as places of refuge for those who accidentally killed someone, providing them safety from the avenger of blood. This system illustrates the concept of fleeing for refuge and finding safety.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Covenant
God makes a covenant with King David, promising that his descendant will reign forever. This covenant reinforces the idea of God's enduring, unchangeable commitments through His chosen line.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Jerusalem is conquered and the Temple destroyed by the Babylonians, leading to the exile of many Judeans. This devastating event would have severely tested the faith and hope of God's people.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and then raised from the dead, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. His resurrection serves as the ultimate confirmation of God's promises and the foundation of Christian hope.
c. AD 40-50
Early Christian Expansion
The Gospel spreads rapidly through the Roman Empire, with new believers facing persecution and uncertainty. The letter to the Hebrews likely addressed believers undergoing such trials.
This passage shows God swearing an oath to Abraham, reinforcing His promises with an immutable vow. It directly relates to the 'two immutable things' mentioned in Hebrews, as it highlights God's oath as a foundational element of His unbreakable promises.
Numbers 23:19This verse explicitly states that God is not a man, that He should lie, or change His mind. It underscores the impossibility of God being untruthful, which is central to the encouragement found in Hebrews 6:18.
Psalm 110:4The immutability of God's promise is further seen in the eternal priesthood of Melchizedek established for Christ through an oath. This divine decree, unchangeable and eternal, offers strong security for believers.
Titus 1:2This verse echoes the concept that God cannot lie, attributing it to His eternal life and faithfulness. It provides a foundational theological reason for the unshakeable hope believers can cling to.
1 Peter 1:3-4Peter speaks of a 'living hope' and an 'inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven.' This resonates with the 'hope set before us' in Hebrews, emphasizing its secure and eternal nature, grounded in God's character.
wesleyHebrews 6:18: "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:"
6:18 That by two unchangeable things - His promise and his oath, in either, much more in both of which, it was impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation - Swallowing up all doubt and fear. Who have fled - After having been tossed by many storms. To lay hold on the hope set before us - On C…
pooleHebrews 6:18: "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:"
That by two immutable things: another end of the Mediator’s oath is here added, God’s oath and a promise spoken to before, which are firm and stedfast to eternity; heaven and earth may pass away, but they cannot. In which it was impossible for God to lie, i.e. to cease to be himself, for essential truth to…
The phrase "impossible for God to lie" is powerful because it points to God's very nature; lying is so fundamentally contrary to who He is that it's not just a rule He follows, but a moral impossibility for Him to break. This isn't about God being bound by rules, but about His intrinsic truthfulness being the unshakeable foundation of our hope.
The author is addressing Jewish believers who are struggling with doubt and have grown weary, warning them against falling away from their faith. Having just discussed the superiority of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice, he emphasizes that the promise and oath of God, given to Abraham and confirmed in the oath establishing Christ as High Priest, provide an unshakeable foundation for hope. This divine assurance is meant to encourage believers, who have fled to Christ for refuge, to persevere in holding onto the hope of salvation.
The author is addressing Jewish believers who are struggling with doubt and have grown weary, warning them against falling away from their faith. Having just discussed the superiority of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice, he emphasizes that the promise and oath of God, given to Abraham and confirmed in the oath establishing Christ as High Priest, provide an unshakeable foundation for hope. This divine assurance is meant to encourage believers, who have fled to Christ for refuge, to persevere in holding onto the hope of salvation.
"so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us." — The phrase "impossible for God to lie" is powerful because it points to God's very nature; lying is so fundamentally contrary to who He is that it's not just a rule He follows, but a moral impossibil…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026