And every house is built by someone
This phrase emphasizes the concept of design and purpose in creation. In biblical times, the construction of a house was a significant endeavor, often involving skilled labor and careful planning. This reflects the broader biblical theme that creation itself is not random but is the result of intentional design. The idea of a house being built by someone can be connected to the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 24:3-4, which speaks of building a house with wisdom and understanding. It also echoes the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27, where the foundation of a house is crucial, symbolizing the importance of a strong spiritual foundation.

but God is the builder of everything
This phrase asserts God's sovereignty and creative power over all things. It aligns with the biblical narrative of God as the ultimate Creator, as seen in Genesis 1:1, where God creates the heavens and the earth. Theologically, this underscores the belief in God's omnipotence and His role as the sustainer of the universe. In the New Testament, this is further supported by passages like Colossians 1:16-17, which affirm that all things were created through and for Christ, and He holds all things together. This phrase also serves as a reminder of God's providence and His active involvement in the world, contrasting human builders with the divine Builder who orchestrates all of creation.

1. God
The ultimate Creator and Builder of all things, emphasizing His sovereignty and divine authority over creation.

2. The House
Symbolically represents the church or the community of believers, as well as the physical universe, all of which are under God's creative power.

3. The Builder
Refers to human builders in a literal sense, but ultimately points to God as the supreme architect of all existence.God's Sovereignty in Creation
Recognize that God is the ultimate source and sustainer of all creation. Our lives and the world around us are under His divine authority.

Human Effort and Divine Partnership
While humans are called to build and create, our efforts must align with God's will and purpose. Without God, our work is in vain.

The Church as God's Building
Understand that the church is not just a physical structure but a spiritual house built by God. Each believer is a part of this divine construction.

Christ as the Foundation
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith and the foundation upon which our lives and the church are built. Our faith must be rooted in Him.

Living as God's Workmanship
Embrace your identity as God's creation, designed for good works. Live in a way that reflects God's craftsmanship 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)