Hebrews 6:18 – “God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is about giving believers a strong and lasting sense of assurance. “God did this” refers back to what was said in the previous verse-how God made a promise and confirmed it with an oath. He didn’t have to do both, but He did it to give us confidence.
The “two unchangeable things” are God’s promise and His oath. Both are solid. Both are anchored in His unchanging character. And in both, we are told it is “impossible for God to lie.” That’s a big deal. God cannot deceive. So if He said it, and then swore to it, we can rest in it completely.
The verse then describes believers as those “who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us.” This paints a picture of people running to safety, like someone fleeing danger to find refuge. That “hope” is the sure future God has promised-eternal life with Him, made possible through Jesus. This hope is not wishful thinking; it’s a rock-solid anchor, and it brings deep encouragement.
Historical Context
In the first century, many of the people reading this letter were under pressure-persecuted, tired, and tempted to give up. Some had left behind everything to follow Jesus. They needed to know that their hope in God wasn’t built on shifting ground.
The writer of Hebrews was reminding them of how trustworthy God is. Just as He made and kept His promises to Abraham, He will keep His promises to all who belong to Him now. The readers would have understood the imagery of fleeing for safety-many may have felt like they were doing just that in their spiritual lives.
This verse was meant to be a breath of fresh air in the middle of hardship-a reminder that God keeps His Word, and our hope in Him is never in vain.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that our confidence in God isn’t based on our feelings or our performance. It’s based on two unchangeable facts: God’s promise and God’s oath. These truths are rooted in His very nature-it is impossible for Him to lie. That means His Word is completely trustworthy.
It also reminds us that the Christian life involves both urgency and trust. We “flee” from the brokenness of this world and our own sin, and we run toward the “hope set before us”-a hope anchored in God’s character and promises.
In this one verse, we’re reminded of God’s truthfulness, His desire to encourage us, and His commitment to see His promises fulfilled in us.
Literary Analysis
The verse is tightly packed with meaning. It starts with purpose: “God did this so that…” That shows intention-God wants to strengthen our faith.
The “two unchangeable things” make the promise feel secure and absolute. The word “impossible” is strong-God cannot lie. That isn’t just unlikely; it’s ruled out by His very nature.
Then the imagery shifts: we are those who have “fled to take hold of the hope.” This is an active, urgent picture of people grabbing onto something solid, something set before them-a hope that doesn’t move.
The phrase “may be greatly encouraged” reveals God’s heart: He wants His people to be comforted, reassured, and filled with hope, not fear.
Biblical Cross-References
- Numbers 23:19 – “God is not human, that he should lie… Does He promise and not fulfill?”
- Titus 1:2 – Speaks of the hope of eternal life, promised by God “who does not lie.”
- Romans 15:4 – “Everything that was written… was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
- Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
- Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that you don’t have to live in fear, confusion, or doubt. If you’ve run to God for refuge-if you’ve trusted in Jesus-you are safe. You have a hope that is not based on chance but rooted in the very promises of God, who cannot lie.
You might feel uncertain, but your hope is not uncertain. It’s firm because it’s tied to God’s unchanging character. You don’t have to figure everything out. You just need to cling to the hope He’s given you.
This verse also encourages us to go all-in with our faith. Don’t stand back or hold on to backup plans. Flee to God. Take hold of hope. Let Him be your safe place.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God doesn’t just offer salvation-He makes it clear, certain, and trustworthy. He doesn’t want His children to live with nagging doubts about whether He’ll come through. So He not only promises but swears by Himself, to give us full assurance.
This verse shows a God who wants His people to be encouraged, not discouraged. Comforted, not anxious. He understands our weakness and goes out of His way to speak clearly, confirm His Word, and hold us fast.
That’s love-a God who goes above and beyond to help His children rest in Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the reason this hope exists in the first place. He is the one we run to when we flee from sin and judgment. He is the fulfillment of the promise God made long ago-not just to Abraham, but to the world.
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made a way for us to take hold of this hope. He is the one who brings us into the promise and the one who holds us steady while we wait for the final fulfillment.
Jesus is also our “refuge” (Hebrews 6:18–20 continues this thought). We don’t just run to an idea-we run to a person. He is our safety, our hope, and our anchor.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are the “two unchangeable things” mentioned in this verse, and why are they important?
- In what ways have you run to God as your refuge?
- Are there areas of your life where you’re still trying to depend on yourself instead of taking hold of God’s promises?
- How does knowing God cannot lie encourage you in times of doubt?
- How does this verse help you understand more about the character of Jesus?