Hebrews 3:13

“`html

body { font-family: ‘Times New Roman’, serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px; }
h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 { font-family: Georgia, serif; }
h2 { font-size: 1.8em; margin-top: 2em; }
h3 { font-size: 1.5em; margin-top: 1.5em; }
h4 { font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 1em; }
blockquote { border-left: 3px solid #ccc; margin: 1.5em 10px; padding: 0.5em 10px; font-style: italic; }
b { font-weight: bold; }
i { font-style: italic; }
ul { list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 20px; }
ol { list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 20px; }
p { margin-bottom: 1em; }

An Exegetical Inquiry into Hebrews 3:13: The Substantival Use of the Article with an Adverb

This exegetical study of An Exegetical Inquiry into Hebrews 3:13: The Substantival Use of the Article with an Adverb is based on an online discussion forum concerning the precise translation of το σημερον in Hebrews 3:13. The initial inquiry expresses difficulty in interpreting the phrase το σημερον in conjunction with αχρις ου. Specifically, it notes a discussion in Dan Wallace’s Greek Grammar Beyond The Basics (pp. 232-233) regarding the article’s use with adverbs, where in some cases (e.g., Acts 18:6: απο του νυν εις τα εθνη πορευσομαι, “From now on, I will go to the Gentiles”) the article might be omitted in translation for better English sense. The inquirer wonders if το σημερον should be rendered simply as “today” or if the article substantivizes the adverb, pointing to a “day” or “time” called “today,” especially if αχρις ου is translated as “until” rather than “while.”

The main exegetical issue revolves around the grammatical function and translational implications of the definite article το preceding the adverb σημερον in Hebrews 3:13. The core question is whether το σημερον functions as a simple adverbial phrase meaning “today,” akin to instances where the article might be considered redundant in English translation, or if the article substantivizes the adverb, thereby elevating “today” to a more defined, temporal entity, such as “that day which is called today.” This choice is further complicated by the interpretation of the preceding temporal conjunction αχρις ου, which can signify either duration (“while”) or a temporal limit (“until”). The resolution of these grammatical ambiguities significantly impacts the temporal emphasis and theological nuance of the passage, particularly within the hortatory context of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 3:13 (Nestle 1904): αχρις ου το σημερον καλειται

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• There are no textual differences in Hebrews 3:13 between the Nestle 1904 edition and the SBLGNT (2010). Both texts read αχρις ου το σημερον καλειται. This stability indicates a strong and consistent manuscript tradition for this particular verse.

Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)

The textual tradition for Hebrews 3:13 exhibits remarkable stability across major manuscript witnesses. The Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28), which represents the consensus of critical scholarship, records no variants for the phrase αχρις ου το σημερον καλειται. This absence of significant variants suggests that the exegetical challenge lies not in establishing the original text, but rather in the precise grammatical interpretation and translational rendering of the established Greek text.

Lexical Notes:

• αχρις ου (achris hou): This temporal conjunction functions to denote a point up to which an action extends or a period during which an action continues. BDAG (s.v. ἄχρι, 2.b) lists meanings such as “as long as, while, until.” Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT, s.v. ἄχρι) emphasizes the idea of a boundary or limit, whether temporal or spatial. In the New Testament, when combined with οὗ, it frequently introduces a temporal clause indicating either duration (“while, as long as”) or termination (“until”). The context often determines the more appropriate nuance.
• το σημερον (to sēmeron): The adverb σημερον means “today” or “this day.” When preceded by the definite article το, as it is here, its grammatical function is typically substantival. BDAG (s.v. σήμερον) notes that with the article, it can signify “the present day” or “the present time,” thus referring to a specific temporal entity rather than merely an adverbial modifier of time. Wallace (Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics, pp. 232-233) discusses this phenomenon, distinguishing between instances where the article’s presence is merely stylistic or emphatic and where it genuinely substantivizes an adverb, converting it into a noun phrase (e.g., “the present,” “the now,” “the today”). Kittel (TDNT, s.v. σήμερον) highlights the eschatological weight of “today” in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews, where it often signifies the decisive moment of God’s redemptive activity and the call to contemporary response.
• καλειται (kaleitai): This is the present passive indicative form of the verb καλεω (“to call, name, invite”). In this context, it is best rendered as “it is called” or “is being called.” The passive voice reinforces the notion that “today” is a designated or named period, rather than an active agent, underscoring its given nature within God’s redemptive plan. BDAG (s.v. καλέω, 1.a) lists “to call, to name, to give a name to.”

Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The central exegetical challenge in Hebrews 3:13 lies in the precise interpretation of αχρις ου το σημερον καλειται. This involves two primary considerations: the function of the definite article το with the adverb σημερον, and the temporal nuance of αχρις ου.

Grammatically, the use of το with σημερον is a classic instance of an adverb being substantivized. As noted by Wallace and BDAG, this transforms the simple adverb “today” into a noun phrase, such as “the today” or “the day which is called today.” This substantival function is further supported by the verb καλειται (“it is called”), which implies that “today” is a named or designated entity. If το σημερον were merely adverbial, the presence of καλειται would be less felicitous, as one typically names a substantive rather than a simple adverb. Therefore, a reading that acknowledges the substantival force of το σημερον is grammatically robust.

Rhetorically, the Epistle to the Hebrews frequently employs a heightened, hortatory tone, especially concerning the concept of “today” (cf. Hebrews 3:7, 15; 4:7). The author urges the readers to respond faithfully to God’s voice in the present, warning against the spiritual hardening experienced by their ancestors in the wilderness. If το σημερον is understood as a particular, designated “day” or “time,” it intensifies the urgency of the author’s appeal. It is not merely any “today,” but the specific period that God has appointed for hearing and responding. This makes “today” a critical, eschatologically charged concept, emphasizing a decisive window of opportunity.

The interpretation of αχρις ου as “while” or “as long as” aligns well with the ongoing exhortation. It suggests that the opportunity to respond to God’s voice persists *throughout* this designated period. If translated as “until,” it would imply a definite end to this period, although this could also be read as a warning that the window will close. Given the immediate context, where the readers are urged to “exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘Today’” (my emphasis), the nuance of duration seems to be more fitting than a strict temporal limit, though the latter is implicitly present as a warning.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

Based on the grammatical analysis, particularly the substantival force of το with σημερον and the implications of καλειται, combined with the hortatory and eschatological context of Hebrews, it is most appropriate to interpret το σημερον as a designated temporal entity. The translation of αχρις ου as “while” or “as long as” best captures the ongoing nature of the exhortation within this critical period.

1. “…while this ‘Today’ is being called…”
   This translation highlights the substantival nature of το σημερον, treating “Today” as a distinct, named period. It employs “while” to convey the ongoing duration of the opportunity for response.

2. “…as long as what is designated ‘Today’ exists…”
   This option also renders το σημερον substantivally, emphasizing the specific period referred to. “As long as” maintains the durative aspect, suggesting the continuing imperative to heed God’s voice.

3. “…until the day called ‘Today’ comes to an end…”
   While “until” for αχρις ου is a viable grammatical option, this translation still preserves the substantival understanding of “the day called ‘Today’,” acknowledging its unique identity. It shifts the emphasis to the temporal limit of this period of opportunity, carrying a stronger implicit warning of its eventual cessation.

“`