Walking With Christ

Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.(ESV)

The word “exhort” is an odd word in modern English. It’s not a commonly used word, and I would guess that a good percentage of people couldn’t guess at a definition without Google. I admit that I hit Google to be sure I knew what it meant. I excel in language, so imagine my surprise to find that I was only half right. Webster’s Dictionary says that the word means: (transitive verb) to incite by argument or advice: urge strongly: (intransitive verb) to give warnings or advice: make urgent appeals.

This is another case where the original Greek actually adds a lot more nuance and depth to the words we read.

The original Greek word that users would have read would have been “parakaleo”. It has multiple meanings including summoning someone, encouraging or comforting someone, imploring or inviting someone to join or do something, or as an urgent call to action. In nearly every case, the word is used with a strong sense of urgency paired with a deep sense of intimacy. Side note, Googling the word parakaleo nets nearly exclusively Christian sites explaining the word in the biblical context.

The Greek definition adds a little bit of depth to the possible meaning behind the word, but where it gets really interesting is that Greek is a contextual language meaning that the meaning of a phrase is largely dependent on the context clues within the passage. Many Greek words can have multiple meanings depending on how they are used and the structure of the language around the given word. In many cases, the interpretation is often intended to mean more than one of the possible meanings at the same time.

Let me say it again in another way, Paul knew the possible meanings of the words he used when writing Hebrews, and I would suggest that in this case, at least, he intended for several of them.

My take on Hebrews 3:13: But come along side one another to encourage and support each other with urgency, and to invite each other into a deeper relationship with Jesus, knowing that today might be the only opportunity to do so, so that we all stand firm together in mutual self-defense of our faith knowing that our enemy seeks to take advantage of our moments of weakness and weariness. Standing together with brothers and sisters on all sides gives no room for the enemy arrows to find purchase and no vile seed of weeds to take root.

This is a “united we stand, divided we fall” message to all believers and followers of Jesus Christ. Paul said so much with just a few words that people today often miss the depth of the actual message. This is why today I call upon every reader to stand firm in the faith. Lift each other up. Pray for and with one another. Ask what prayer requests there are and celebrate with every praise report.

This is also a good time to remind everyone that I’m open to critiques, suggestions, comments, concerns, and am always interested in the things that our Lord is showing each of you. Feel free to ask any questions about things you are struggling with or have struggled with. I don’t promise to have the answer, but it is guaranteed to spark some great discussion.