Lexical Summary bebaios: Firm, secure, steadfast, sure Original Word: βέβαιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance firm, steadfast, sure. From the base of basis (through the idea of basality); stable (literally or figuratively) -- firm, of force, stedfast, sure. see GREEK basis HELPS Word-studies 949 bébaios (an adjective, derived from bainō, "to walk where it is solid") – properly, solid (sure) enough to walk on; hence, firm, unshakable; (figuratively) absolutely dependable, giving guaranteed support (security, surety). 949 /bébaios (literally, "what can be tread upon") then refers to what is fully dependable, i.e. worthy of confidence because on "solid footing." This describes what is fully secure (stable), and therefore can be trusted to give full support. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as basis Definition firm, secure NASB Translation certain (1), firm (2), firmly grounded (1), guaranteed (1), more sure (1), steadfast (1), unalterable (1), valid (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 949: βέβαιοςβέβαιος, βεβαία (Winers Grammar, 69 (67); Buttmann, 25 (22)), βέβαιον (ΒΑΩ, βαίνω) (from Aeschylus down), stable, fast, firm; properly: ἄγκυρα, Hebrews 6:19; metaphorically, sure, trusty: ἐπαγγελία, Romans 4:16; κλῆσις καί ἐκλογή, 2 Peter 1:10; λόγος προφητικός, 2 Peter 1:19; unshaken, constant, Hebrews 3:14; ἐλπίς, 2 Corinthians 1:7 (6) (4 Macc. 17:4); παρρησία, Hebrews 3:6 (but WH Tr marginal reading in brackets); valid and therefore inviolable, λόγος, Hebrews 2:2; διαθήκη, Hebrews 9:17. (With the same meanings in Greek writings from Herodotus down.) Topical Lexicon The Thread of Divine CertaintyStrong’s number 949 gathers nine New Testament uses that highlight the unshakable character of God’s work, word and promises. In every occurrence the term expresses a reality that cannot be overturned by time, circumstance or human weakness. It binds together covenant, salvation, hope, prophetic revelation and apostolic ministry with the single idea of enduring reliability. Survey of Biblical Occurrences 2 Corinthians 1:7 – the apostles’ pastoral confidence Hebrews 9:17 – the legal force of a will once death has occurred Romans 4:16 – the guaranteed nature of Abrahamic promise fulfilled in Christ Hebrews 3:6, 3:14 – the believer’s perseverance as evidence of belonging to God’s household Hebrews 6:19 – a hope that anchors the soul within the heavenly sanctuary 2 Peter 1:10 – the believer’s responsibility to confirm divine calling and election Hebrews 2:2 – the binding authority of the word spoken through angels at Sinai 2 Peter 1:19 – the prophetic word rendered even “more sure” in the light of Christ’s transfiguration God’s Promises: Guaranteed by Grace, Sealed by Christ Romans 4:16 ties the concept of certainty to grace: “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring.” What God initiates in grace He also secures in permanence. The inheritance is not fragile; it is as immovable as the righteousness of God Himself. This assurance lies at the heart of gospel proclamation—believers do not cling to a tentative hope but to a pledge that cannot fail. Perseverance: The Mark of the True Household Hebrews 3 twice links firmness to perseverance. “But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast” (Hebrews 3:6). The same writer adds, “We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first” (Hebrews 3:14). The present-tense condition underscores that genuine faith endures; a failure to persevere exposes a heart that was never truly part of God’s household. Hope: The Anchor within the Veil No verse captures the experiential value of 949 better than Hebrews 6:19: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.” As ancient ships depended on an anchor to grip unseen rock beneath the sea, believers depend on a hope fastened behind the heavenly veil where Christ appears for them. The firmness of that anchor is not subjective confidence but the objective reality of the ascended Lord. The Testament in Force Hebrews 9:17 uses legal imagery to show why the death of Christ was necessary: “For a will is in force only after the death of its maker; it is not valid while the testator is living.” The inheritance promised in the covenant could not be delivered without the cross. Christ’s death sets the covenant into irrevocable operation, providing a solid ground for forgiveness and eternal life. The Binding Word—Old and New Hebrews 2:2 recalls the Mosaic Law: “For if the message spoken by angels was binding….” Even a mediated word carried binding force; how much more does the salvation now announced by the Lord Himself. Likewise, 2 Peter 1:19 elevates the prophetic Scriptures: “And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it….” Peter insists that the written word, illumined by the transfiguration, offers an unassailable guide until Christ returns. Assurance and Responsibility 2 Peter unites divine guarantee with human diligence. “Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). The believer does not create certainty but confirms it by cultivating the virtues listed in verses 5–7. Assurance grows as obedience validates what God has already decreed. Historical and Theological Significance 1. Covenant Theology: Reformed expositors have long appealed to 949 to defend the immutability of God’s covenant promises. Ministerial Applications • Preaching: Emphasize the unbreakable link between God’s promise and its fulfillment, driving listeners to faith rather than self-reliance. Conclusion Wherever Strong’s 949 appears, Scripture insists that what God establishes stands firm. His covenant, His word, His hope and His salvation are irreversibly set in place by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Believers therefore live and minister not with tentative optimism but with settled assurance, knowing that “He who promised is faithful.” Forms and Transliterations βεβαια βεβαία βεβαιαν βεβαίαν βέβαιαν βεβαιος βέβαιος βεβαιοτερον βεβαιότερον bebaia bebaía bebaian bebaían bebaios bébaios bebaioteron bebaióteronLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 4:16 Adj-AFSGRK: τὸ εἶναι βεβαίαν τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν NAS: that the promise will be guaranteed to all KJV: might be sure to all INT: to be sure the promise 2 Corinthians 1:7 Adj-NFS Hebrews 2:2 Adj-NMS Hebrews 3:6 Adj-AFS Hebrews 3:14 Adj-AFS Hebrews 6:19 Adj-AFS Hebrews 9:17 Adj-NFS 2 Peter 1:10 Adj-AFS 2 Peter 1:19 Adj-AMS-C Strong's Greek 949 |
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