Hebrews 6:18
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)
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This verse highlights that God's promise and oath aren't just abstract concepts, but concrete anchors. For those who have "fled for refuge," meaning actively sought safety in God, these two unchangeable assurances provide such powerful encouragement that they can powerfully "hold fast" to the hope set before them.
The author has just warned believers against falling away, using the example of those who turned back in the wilderness. Now, to encourage them to persevere, he emphasizes the unbreakable nature of God's promises, secured by both a promise and an oath. This divine guarantee assures those who have taken refuge in Christ that their hope is solid and unwavering, providing strong encouragement to hold fast.
Ever felt like your faith was hanging by a thread? This verse points to two 'unchangeable things' that guarantee God's faithfulness, offering rock-solid assurance.
The author of Hebrews is talking about God's promise and God's oath. Think of it like this:
God's Promise
God makes a commitment. It's a declaration of His will and intention towards us.
God's Oath
Then, God backs His promise with an oath, swearing by Himself. This is an even deeper level of assurance. Since God is God, He cannot lie or go back on His word. As the text says, it's 'impossible' for Him to do so. These two things—His promise and His oath—are the unshakeable foundation upon which our hope rests.
Imagine being a fugitive, desperately seeking safety. This verse paints a vivid picture of believers as 'refugees' finding ultimate security.
The imagery here is powerful. Those who have 'fled for refuge' are like ancient fugitives running to a city of safety. In the Old Testament, cities of refuge were appointed places where someone who had accidentally killed another person could flee for protection from the avenger.
Here, the writer applies this to our spiritual lives. We are those who have recognized our own spiritual danger – the consequences of sin. We've 'fled' from that danger and are actively 'laying hold' of the hope set before us. This isn't a passive waiting; it's an active, determined grasp on the salvation found in Christ, our ultimate refuge.
What kind of 'encouragement' is so powerful it can hold you steady amidst life's storms? It's more than just a pep talk; it's a divine guarantee.
The word translated 'strong encouragement' speaks of a deep, robust assurance that can withstand pressure. It's not a fleeting feeling but an inner strength that arises from knowing God's character and His unbreakable commitments.
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.
This verse draws a powerful analogy to the ancient Israelite cities of refuge. Just as those cities offered physical safety to those who fled there, the New Covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection offers spiritual refuge and eternal hope for those who flee to Him in faith.
~2000 BC
God's Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and land, sealed with a promise of blessing for all nations through him. This covenant is foundational for the assurance of God's faithfulness.
c. 1400 BC
Establishment of Cities of Refuge
Following the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land, six cities are designated as places of refuge for those who accidentally caused someone's death, offering them protection from the avenger.
c. 930 BC
Division of the United Monarchy
After Solomon's death, the unified kingdom of Israel splits into two kingdoms: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This political division marks a period of instability.
c. 780 BC
Assyrian Empire's Rise
The Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its major expansion, becoming a dominant military and political force in the ancient Near East. This empire would later exert significant pressure on the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
This passage shows God swearing by Himself to Abraham, demonstrating the 'two immutable things' (promise and oath) that provide a basis for His unbreakable commitments.
Numbers 23:19This verse highlights God's unchanging nature, stating that He does not lie or change His mind, reinforcing the impossibility of God being unfaithful to His promises.
Psalm 89:35The Psalmist recounts God's declaration that He will not 'falsify' His promise or 'blot out' what has proceeded from His lips, emphasizing the unchangeable nature of God's word and oath.
Titus 1:2This verse explicitly states that God 'promised' eternal life 'before the ages began' and that He 'cannot lie,' directly echoing the sentiment of Hebrews 6:18.
1 Samuel 15:29This passage emphasizes God's inability to 'lie or change his mind,' underscoring the immutable character of God's promises and oaths which form the foundation for believer's hope.
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…
This verse highlights that God's promise and oath aren't just abstract concepts, but concrete anchors. For those who have "fled for refuge," meaning actively sought safety in God, these two unchangeable assurances provide such powerful encouragement that they can powerfully "hold fast" to the hope set before them.
The author has just warned believers against falling away, using the example of those who turned back in the wilderness. Now, to encourage them to persevere, he emphasizes the unbreakable nature of God's promises, secured by both a promise and an oath. This divine guarantee assures those who have taken refuge in Christ that their hope is solid and unwavering, providing strong encouragement to hold fast.
The author has just warned believers against falling away, using the example of those who turned back in the wilderness. Now, to encourage them to persevere, he emphasizes the unbreakable nature of God's promises, secured by both a promise and an oath. This divine guarantee assures those who have taken refuge in Christ that their hope is solid and unwavering, providing strong encouragement to hold fast.
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Because God has promised and sworn, and because we have fled to Him and are actively holding onto that hope, we are given this powerful, stabilizing encouragement. It's the confidence that allows us to persevere, knowing that our hope is not in our own strength or performance, but in God's immutable nature and His gracious provision through Christ. This 'encouragement' equips us to 'hold fast' to the hope of eternal life.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and deport a significant portion of the Jewish population to Babylon. This event marks a profound crisis of faith and national identity.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and rises from the dead, an event central to the Christian faith. This act forms the basis of the New Covenant and the ultimate hope for believers.
c. AD 60-65
Writing of the Epistle to the Hebrews
The author of Hebrews writes to a community of Jewish believers facing persecution and spiritual weariness. The letter encourages them to persevere in their faith in Christ, drawing on Old Testament figures and promises.
"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." — This verse highlights that God's promise and oath aren't just abstract concepts, but concrete anchors. For those who have "fled for refuge," meaning actively sought safety in God, these two unchangea…
