Original Text
Χριστὸς δὲ ὡς υἱὸς ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ, οὗ οἶκός ἐσμεν ἡμεῖς, ἐὰνπερ τὴν παρρησίαν καὶ τὸ καύχημα τῆς ἐλπίδος μέχρι τέλους βεβαίαν κατάσχωμεν.
Literal English Translation
But Christ, as a Son over his house—whose house we are, if indeed we hold fast the confidence and the boast of hope firm to the end.
The Role of the Son and the People of the House
The phrase sets a contrast with Moses (v. 5), who was a servant “in” the house. Christ is a υἱός (“son”) ἐπὶ (“over”) his own house—indicating authority, not subordination. In Classical Greek, ἐπὶ + accusative can mean “over” in terms of rule or control (cf. Xenophon’s military reports). The possessive αὐτοῦ affirms that the house belongs to the Son.
The House That Lives
οὗ οἶκός ἐσμεν ἡμεῖς – “whose house we are.” The relative pronoun οὗ (genitive) refers back to τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ, and the predicate construction οἶκός ἐσμεν ἡμεῖς (“we are house”) expresses a metaphorical identity. In Classical Greek, such a statement would be poetic; in Hebrews, it’s ecclesiological. The house is not bricks but believers, built into the structure over which Christ presides (cf. 1 Peter 2:5).
The Conditional of Endurance
ἐὰνπερ… κατάσχωμεν – A strong conditional clause using ἐὰνπερ (“if indeed”), intensifying the condition. The verb κατάσχωμεν is aorist active subjunctive of κατέχω, “to hold fast, cling to.” In Classical rhetoric, it can mean holding ground or retaining control. Here it means persevering in faith, emotionally and mentally.
Confidence and Boast as Virtues
- τὴν παρρησίαν – “the boldness, freedom of speech.” In Classical Athens, παρρησία was a civic virtue—the right to speak freely in the assembly. In Christian Greek, it becomes a term for spiritual confidence before God (cf. Ephesians 3:12).
- τὸ καύχημα τῆς ἐλπίδος – “the boast of hope.” καύχημα (boasting) is not arrogance but proud confidence in what lies ahead. ἐλπίς (“hope”) is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation grounded in God’s promises.
- μέχρι τέλους βεβαίαν – “firm until the end.” βεβαίαν (secure, steadfast) is an accusative predicate adjective modifying both παρρησίαν and καύχημα. The phrase μέχρι τέλους (“until the end”) echoes Stoic and Classical ethical language—endurance proves authenticity.
Summary Table
| Phrase | Grammatical Feature | Function | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| ὡς υἱὸς ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον | Simile + accusative | Christ’s rulership | Contrasts Moses’ servanthood |
| οἶκός ἐσμεν ἡμεῖς | Predicate clause | Identity statement | The church is the living house |
| ἐὰνπερ… κατάσχωμεν | Conditional clause | Endurance requirement | Salvation is active, not automatic |
| παρρησίαν… καύχημα | Object of verb | Spiritual boldness | Internal assurance, not public pride |
Closing Reflection
The verse is rich in Classical echoes and Koine innovation. The participial construction and conditional syntax are tight and clear. But the metaphors—house, Son, confidence—reach deep into theology. Christ is not in the house; He is over it. And we are not merely guests—we are the structure itself, if we hold fast to hope with confidence unshaken.
