For every house is built by someone
This phrase begins with the acknowledgment of human agency in the construction of physical structures. The Greek word for "house" (οἶκος, oikos) can refer to a physical building or metaphorically to a household or family. In the ancient world, the construction of a house was a significant endeavor, often involving the entire community. This reflects the idea that human effort and skill are necessary for building, emphasizing the role of human responsibility and stewardship in creation. Theologically, it reminds us that while humans can create and build, their efforts are ultimately under the sovereignty of God.

but God is the builder of everything
Here, the focus shifts from human builders to God as the ultimate Creator. The Greek word for "builder" (κατασκευάζω, kataskeuazō) implies not just construction but also preparation and furnishing. This suggests that God's creative work is comprehensive, encompassing not only the physical creation but also the preparation and ordering of all things. The phrase underscores the sovereignty and omnipotence of God, who is the source of all creation. Historically, this would resonate with the Jewish understanding of God as the Creator of the universe, as seen in Genesis 1. It also aligns with the New Testament revelation of Christ as the agent of creation (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16). This acknowledgment of God as the ultimate builder serves as a reminder of His authority and the divine order in the universe, inspiring believers to trust in His perfect plan and purpose.

(4) For every house is builded by some man.--Rather, by some one: the thought of the house leads at once to the thought of the builder of it. The meaning of the several parts of this verse is very simple; but it is not easy to follow the reasoning with certainty. The second clause seems to be a condensed expression of this thought: "But He that built this house is He that built all things, God." "Moses is possessed of lesser glory than the Apostle of our confession, as the house stands below its maker in honour. For this house, like every other, has its maker:--it is He who made all things, even God.

Verse 4. - For every house is builded (or, established) by some one; but he that built (or, established) all things is God. Of the second clause of this verse "God" is rightly taken by modern commentators as the subject, not the predicate, though the Fathers generally take it otherwise. Thus Theodoret, regarding as a ὁ πάντα κατασκευάσας designation of Christ, views this clause as an assertion of his Deity on the ground of his being the Founder of all things. But this view introduces an idea out of keeping with the argument, and especially with the preceding expression, "faithful to him who appointed him," in which Christ, in his office as the Christ, is distinguished from the Creator of all who appointed him to that office. The verse seems to be interposed in elucidation of the preceding ὁ κατασκευάσας αὕτον, to make it clear that the Founder of the house spoken of is God himself, and thus to give full effect to the proportionate glory of Christ in comparison with that of Moses. Thus: the glory of Christ is greater than that of Moses by so much as the honor of the founder of a house is greater than that of the house; - of the founder, we say; for every house has some founder: but God is the original Founder of all things, and therefore of necessity the Founder of this house of his own in which Moses was a servant. The verse, thus interpreted, seems (as intimated there) to fall in with the train of thought mere naturally than it can be shown to do if Christ is 'regarded as the Builder. Possibly "all things" may be purposely used to denote the house itself over which Christ, as Son, is Lord. For, though the expression seems too wide for the limited house in which Moses was a servant, it is net so for the expanded and consummated house over which Christ in glory reigns; cf. Hebrews 1:2, "Whom he appointed Heir of all things;" and Hebrews 2:8, "Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet;" the last being said in especial connection with the "glory and honor" wherewith Christ "has been counted worthy" to be crowned. It is not necessary to confine the meaning of "God's house" to the Mosaic dispensation, or to assign to it (as some have done) two separate meanings in the cases of Moses and of Christ. It may be regarded as a comprehensive term, including in its general meaning the Law, the gospel, and the final consummation the whole dispensation of redemption, beginning with the Law, and completed at the second advent. Moses held office in its early stage, and there only as a servant; in its ultimate development it comprises "all things," and over "all things," thus comprised, Christ, as SON, has been shown to be by inheritance absolute Lord.

Parallel Commentaries ...


And
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

every
πᾶς (pas)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

house
οἶκος (oikos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3624: A dwelling; by implication, a family.

is built
κατασκευάζεται (kataskeuazetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2680: From kata and a derivative of skeuos; to prepare thoroughly; by implication, to construct, create.

by
ὑπό (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

someone,
τινος (tinos)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

God [is]
Θεός (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

builder
κατασκευάσας (kataskeuasas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2680: From kata and a derivative of skeuos; to prepare thoroughly; by implication, to construct, create.

of everything.
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 3:4 For every house is built by someone (Heb. He. Hb)