Hebrews 6:18-20
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The "two immutable things" aren't just abstract divine qualities, but God's promise and His oath, making salvation an unshakeable certainty grounded in His character. This isn't just a comfort, but a powerful "strong encouragement" for those who have actively "fled for refuge" to grasp this 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. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author has just warned against falling away after experiencing God's blessings, referencing the Israelites' failure to enter the promised land despite God’s faithfulness. Now, to strengthen believers who are struggling with doubt and have "fled for refuge" to the hope found in Christ, he emphasizes God's promise and oath as unchangeable guarantees. This means that despite past failures or present difficulties, God's commitment to His people is absolutely secure, providing a solid foundation for their enduring hope.
Ever feel like God's promises are a bit... fuzzy? This verse points to an incredible reason why you don't have to doubt.
The author highlights "two immutable things" that make God's word absolutely solid. What are they? Most scholars agree it's God's promise and God's oath.
Think about it: God gave His word (a promise), and then He backed it up with an oath, swearing by Himself. This wasn't just for Abraham; it's for us too!
This isn't just a nice idea; it's the bedrock for our faith. It’s impossible for God to lie because it would be a contradiction of His very being.
The image here is intense – we're not just 'hoping' for good things; we've actively run for our lives to find safety.
The verse describes believers as those "who have fled for refuge." This isn't a casual stroll; it's a desperate flight from danger.
Imagine someone charged with a crime, running with all their might to reach a city of refuge. That’s the picture the author paints for us.
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This isn't about finding comfort in our own strength, but in the secure place we've run to: Jesus.
God’s unshakeable promises don't just offer comfort; they fuel a powerful, resilient hope that changes everything.
The result of God’s two immutable things (promise and oath) is "strong encouragement." This isn't a gentle nudge; it's a powerful, bolstering force.
Think of it like a fortress or a mighty anchor. This encouragement gives us:
Because God cannot lie, His promise and oath create a deep, unshakeable certainty within us. This assurance empowers us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that the hope we cling to is as real and as eternal as God Himself.
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.
esōteron tou katapetasmatos · Greek Noun phrase
The Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle/Temple, representing the immediate presence of God’s glory.
prodromos · Greek Noun
One who goes ahead to prepare the way or secure a position for those who are to follow, indicating that Jesus has opened the way to God's presence for all believers.
archiereus · Greek Noun
A mediator between God and man who offers sacrifices for sin; Jesus is the perfect, eternal High Priest who offered Himself as the final sacrifice.
taxin Melchisedek · Greek Noun phrase
A royal priesthood characterized by being without genealogical record, representing a priesthood that is superior to the Levitical line and eternal in duration.
The writer to the Hebrews is urging his audience, who have likely faced intense pressure and persecution, to hold onto their faith. He reminds them that God's promises, confirmed by His oath to Abraham and further secured through the eternal priesthood of Christ (established by God's oath in Psalm 110), are unchangeable. This echoes the ancient concept of God's faithfulness, even amidst the failures and judgments seen throughout Israel's history, providing a strong foundation for hope.
~2000 BC
God's Promise to Abraham
God promises Abraham that through his offspring, all nations on earth will be blessed, establishing a foundational covenant.
c. 1400 BC
The Law Given at Sinai
God gives the Law to Moses, establishing clear commands and consequences for obedience and disobedience.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Covenant and Promise of an Eternal Dynasty
God promises King David that his royal line will endure forever, pointing towards an eternal king.
c. 930 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's reign, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two kingdoms, Judah and Israel, leading to periods of spiritual decline and judgment.
c. 700 BC
Prophetic Warnings of Judgment
Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah warn Israel and Judah about impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness, often calling them to repentance.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile the Jewish people, fulfilling prophetic warnings of judgment.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and resurrected, fulfilling prophecies and establishing the new covenant through his sacrifice.
This passage recounts God swearing by himself to Abraham, emphasizing the immutability of His promise. It directly relates to the 'two immutable things' (God's promise and oath) that give believers strong encouragement.
Numbers 23:19This verse states that God is not a man, so He does not lie, nor is He fickle. This underscores the impossibility of God being untruthful, which is central to the solid hope described in Hebrews 6:18.
Psalm 110:4The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.' This oath serves as one of the immutable grounds for believers' hope in Christ's eternal priesthood and saving work.
Titus 1:2Paul describes God as promising eternal life 'before the ages began' and states that 'God, who never lies, promised this long ago.' This directly supports the concept of God's unchangeable character as the foundation for our hope.
1 Samuel 15:29The prophet Samuel tells Saul that 'the Glory of Israel will not lie or have cause to change his mind.' This emphasizes God's faithfulness and unchangeableness, mirroring the assurance the author of Hebrews gives to believers.
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 "two immutable things" aren't just abstract divine qualities, but God's promise and His oath, making salvation an unshakeable certainty grounded in His character. This isn't just a comfort, but a powerful "strong encouragement" for those who have actively "fled for refuge" to grasp this hope.
The author has just warned against falling away after experiencing God's blessings, referencing the Israelites' failure to enter the promised land despite God’s faithfulness. Now, to strengthen believers who are struggling with doubt and have "fled for refuge" to the hope found in Christ, he emphasizes God's promise and oath as unchangeable guarantees. This means that despite past failures or present difficulties, God's commitment to His people is absolutely secure, providing a solid foundation for their enduring hope.
The author has just warned against falling away after experiencing God's blessings, referencing the Israelites' failure to enter the promised land despite God’s faithfulness. Now, to strengthen believers who are struggling with doubt and have "fled for refuge" to the hope found in Christ, he emphasizes God's promise and oath as unchangeable guarantees. This means that despite past failures or present difficulties, God's commitment to His people is absolutely secure, providing a solid foundation for their enduring 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. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a ho…" — The "two immutable things" aren't just abstract divine qualities, but God's promise and His oath, making salvation an unshakeable certainty grounded in His character. This isn't just a comfor…
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Last reviewed October 2026
