Hebrews 3:5-6

Greek Key Terms:

• G2324 θεράπων (therapōn) - "servant, attendant" (distinguished from δοῦλος)
• G4102 πιστός (pistos) - "faithful, trustworthy"
• G3624 οἶκος (oikos) - "house, household"
• G5207 υἱός (huios) - "son"
• G3141 μαρτύριον (martyrion) - "testimony, witness"
• G3954 παρρησία (parrēsia) - "confidence, boldness"
• G2745 καύχημα (kauchēma) - "boast, ground of boasting"
• G1680 ἐλπίς (elpis) - "hope"

Context: Hebrews 3:1-6 develops a Moses-Christ comparison. Moses was the great mediator of the old covenant, faithful "in all God's house" (v. 2, quoting Numbers 12:7). But Moses was a servant (θεράπων) "in" God's house, testifying to what would be spoken later. Christ is the Son "over" God's house (vv. 5-6). The comparison establishes Christ's superiority: same household, different positions—servant versus Son, in versus over, testimony to future versus fulfillment of future. The "house" is God's people: "we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast" (v. 6b).

OT-to-OT Development:

• Isaiah 22:20-22 established the faithful steward pattern: Eliakim was clothed with authority, made "father" to Jerusalem, and given the key of David—but as a servant over a human king's household.
• Numbers 12:7 commends Moses: "My servant Moses... is faithful in all My house"—the highest human stewardship commendation in the OT.
• 2 Samuel 7:12-16 promises a Son from David's line who will build God's house and whose throne will be established forever—moving beyond servant to Son.

Connections:

• TO OT: Isaiah 22:20-22 (Eliakim as steward), Numbers 12:7 (Moses faithful in God's house), 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (Davidic Son over eternal house)
• FROM HEBREWS: Hebrews 1:2 (Son appointed heir of all things), Hebrews 10:21 (great priest over the house of God)
• NT PARALLELS: John 8:35 ("a slave does not remain in the house forever; a son remains forever"), Galatians 4:1-7 (heir vs. slave contrast)

Connection Method(s): Typology (Direct, Forward-Looking), Contrast — Hebrews explicitly contrasts Moses as faithful servant "in" God's house with Christ as Son "over" God's house, establishing the servant-versus-Son distinction that encompasses Eliakim and all OT stewards.

Christological Connection: The Moses-Christ comparison implicitly includes Eliakim and all OT stewards: (1) Servant vs. Son: Eliakim was "My servant" (Isa 22:20); Moses was "faithful as a servant" (Heb 3:5); Christ is "faithful as the Son" (Heb 3:6). The distinction is fundamental—servants serve in another's house; sons inherit and rule. (2) Temporary vs. Permanent: Eliakim's peg would eventually "give way and fall" (Isa 22:25); even Moses died and was buried (Deut 34). Christ is "Son over God's house" permanently—He "remains forever" (John 8:35). (3) Testimony vs. Fulfillment: Moses testified "to what would be spoken later" (Heb 3:5)—his entire ministry pointed forward. Christ IS the fulfillment, the "later" that Moses anticipated. (4) Delegated vs. Inherent Authority: Eliakim received his authority from God through investiture; Christ possesses authority inherently as Son and heir (Heb 1:2). (5) Access Granted: Because Christ is Son over God's house, believers have "confidence to enter the Most Holy Place" (Heb 10:19). The Key-Bearer has opened permanent access for His household members.

Trajectory Table: 049 - Eliakim (Key of David)