What does Hebrews 6:18 mean?
What is the meaning of Hebrews 6:18?

Thus by two unchangeable things

The writer points back to the scene in Genesis 22, where God swore to Abraham by Himself. Here the “two unchangeable things” are:

• God’s promise—His spoken word that can never fail (Isaiah 55:11).

• God’s oath—His additional sworn guarantee (Genesis 22:16; Psalm 110:4).

Putting both together underscores absolute certainty. Just as “the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8), the promise and oath lock the blessing in place for every heir of salvation.


in which it is impossible for God to lie

Scripture repeatedly states God’s utter truthfulness:

• “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19).

• “In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2).

His nature excludes falsehood, so every covenant word is rock-solid. When doubt whispers, this line shouts back: deception is outside God’s character. The believer’s faith rests on an unbreakable foundation.


we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us

The image is of refugees sprinting into a city of refuge (Joshua 20:1-6).

• “Fled” highlights urgency; we run from wrath, judgment, and the emptiness of self-reliance (Romans 5:9).

• “Take hold” pictures a firm grasp—like sailors clinging to the saving mast (Acts 27:29).

• “The hope set before us” is Christ Himself, our forerunner behind the veil (Hebrews 6:19-20). Hope is not wishful thinking; it is a future reality already anchored in heaven.


may be strongly encouraged

God’s unbreakable word plus His unalterable oath equal heavy-duty comfort.

• Encouragement flows from facts, not feelings.

• The Spirit uses these truths to steady us when trials hit (2 Corinthians 1:20).

• The stronger our grip on His promise, the steadier our steps in uncertainty.

So the verse calls believers to trade shaky emotions for settled assurance.


summary

Hebrews 6:18 stacks promise upon oath to show that God’s word cannot fail or deceive. Because He cannot lie, every believer who races to Christ for refuge can seize an unshakeable hope and walk away powerfully encouraged.

How does Hebrews 6:17 relate to the concept of divine promise?
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