Word of the Day - 5/26/2008

Equable

Equable means free from many changes or variations; uniform.

The book of Hebrews affirms that Jesus is an equable figure.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8, NASB)

Out of context, this verse has been used as a truth statement affirming the timelessness of Christ and thereby ascribing to him divinity. Some even argue that "the same" is an allusion to Psalm 102:27, further adding to Jesus' presentation as a divine identity.

In context, the intent was not foremost to introduce a formal affirmation of Christ's deity. This would be abrupt given the verses that surround the statement. In the preceding verse (13:7), the reader is advised to "remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith." In the verse that follows (13:9) she is told to not be, "carried away by varied and strange teachings..."

In context, Hebrwws 13:8 is an appeal to refrain from seeking new teaching and not waiver in their faith. Just as Jesus Christ has always been the same, the reader is also to be equable.

In his commentary on Hebrews, William L. Lane (1931-1999), explains:

"Those who seek to find security in the novel strange teaching have forgotten that the salvation accomplished through Christ’s high priestly ministry is 'forever.' The intent of the acclamation in v 8 is to drive the men and women of the house church back to the foundational preaching received from their original leaders." (Lane, p. 530).