Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4 builds upon the themes introduced in the preceding chapters, particularly chapters 3, urging believers to persevere in faith and warning against the dangers of disobedience. This chapter, deeply intertwined with the message of Hebrews, continues to present Jesus as superior to Old Testament figures, including Joshua, and emphasizes His role as our ultimate High Priest. Hebrews 4:1-16 serves as a bridge, connecting the call to steadfast faith with the comforting assurance of Christ's intercession. Understanding the message of Hebrews 4 is crucial for grasping the overarching message of the book of Hebrews.
A Call to Diligence and a Warning Against Disobedience (Hebrews 4:1-2)
The author begins by urging believers to take heed, lest they fall short of experiencing God's promised "rest" (Hebrews 4:1). This "rest" isn't merely physical relaxation, but a participation in and enjoyment of the blessings God has planned for those who follow Him. It's an inheritance, a place of promised blessing. The Israelites serve as a stark warning. They received the good news of the promised land of Canaan, a tangible representation of God's provision. Yet, because of their unbelief, they failed to enter it (Hebrews 4:2). They missed out on the greater rewards God had in store for them. The message "didn’t benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith" (Hebrews 4:2).
Consider the example of the twelve spies sent into Canaan. Ten of them, overwhelmed by the perceived difficulties, declared, "We can’t take Canaan. The job’s too big for us." Only Joshua and Caleb, trusting in God's power, proclaimed, "Yes, we can do it with God’s help." Tragically, the Israelites chose to believe the majority report, a decision that cost them dearly. Unbelief, for a believer, is refusing to act like God is telling the truth.
The lesson is clear: We must not squander our inheritance. The Christian life is not without its challenges. In fact, the more we pursue godliness, the more difficulties we may encounter. The temptation to compromise, to take the path of least resistance, will always be present. But succumbing to this temptation will prevent us from fully experiencing God's plans for us in His kingdom.
Understanding God's Rest (Hebrews 4:3-11)
The author delves deeper into the concept of "rest," referencing God's rest on the seventh day after creation (Hebrews 4:3-4). This wasn't a nap; it was the satisfaction and enjoyment God found in His completed work (Genesis 1:31). The Israelites, however, failed to enter God’s rest, that is, the place of promised blessing, because of disobedience (Hebrews 4:5-6).
The author highlights that the failure of the Israelites was due to both unbelief (Hebrews 3:19) and disobedience (Hebrews 4:6), emphasizing that these two are intrinsically linked. There must be a union between the Word you hear and the faith you have (Hebrews 4:2). Faith in God’s Word will result in movement, in obedience. When that happens, His power flows.
Just as God rested and enjoyed the completion of his work on the seventh day, he established in the Ten Commandments a Sabbath for Israel—the day of rest on which they were to enjoy the fruits of their labor (Hebrews 4:9). Moreover, for the generation that departed Egypt, entering the land of Canaan was to be their rest—their inheritance—their “Sabbath.” The principle of Sabbath rest still operates today. Believers are called to enter the rest God has prepared for them (Hebrews 4:10) rather than following Israel’s example of disobedience (Hebrews 4:11). Therefore, believers ought to make every effort to obey God while we still can (Hebrews 4:11).
The Power and Penetration of God's Word (Hebrews 4:12-13)
The author then turns to the power of God's Word (Hebrews 4:12). "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." It's not merely a collection of dead letters on a page; it's a living, active force capable of penetrating the deepest recesses of our being.
Like a razor-sharp knife, the "living and active" Bible can distinguish even those things we think are inseparable. Human nature makes it easy to confuse selfish piety with true godliness (Matthew 7:21–23). We can fool others (1 Samuel 16:7), and even ourselves (Jeremiah 17:9), but not God (Hebrews 4:13). The Word of God judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). It lays us naked and exposed before God.
The author reminds his audience that the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword. Focus on circumstances too long, and his Word will fail to influence your life.
Have you ever had an experience with God’s Word that made you feel “exposed”? Have you ever heard it preached and felt like it was directed right at you? Have you ever felt your soul sliced open by the Word? Remember, we have no private lives. We don’t even get to have private thoughts. Everything is laid bare before the one to whom we must give an account (Hebrews 4:13).
Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)
After those terrifying comments, the author urges his readers to keep moving forward with Jesus (Hebrews 4:14) and offers sweet comfort: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).
In one sense, he’s like all of us—he has endured incredible temptation, suffering, and hardship. Yet, in another, he’s like none of us—he has never sinned. Therefore, he is the perfect high priest. He can sympathize with you in your weakness and suffering. Yet, since he resisted completely, he can also help you.
This is a unique and powerful aspect of the Christian faith. The One who judges us also understands our struggles intimately. Christ experienced our suffering, temptation, and struggle (Philippians 2:8), yet He remained without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5; 1 Peter 1:19). This makes Him our perfect example (Hebrews 2:10) and our perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 2:14).
Therefore, we can "draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). Prayer is the divinely authorized method of accessing heavenly authority for intervention on earth. It’s the believer’s passport into the spiritual realm. So, when you’re tempted to give up, that temptation is actually an invitation to draw near to the King’s throne so you may receive mercy and find grace (Hebrews 4:16). Mercy is not getting what you deserve; grace is getting what you don’t deserve. But to lay claim to these wonderful gifts, you have to approach him. The King extends his invitation to you: “Don’t stay away! Come get what you need.”
This truth gives us confidence to approach Him in prayer. Since He knows, first-hand, what it means to be human, He understands our flaws (Hebrews 2:18). We don't have to be afraid to bring Him our fears, failures, and needs (Hebrews 4:16).
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4 builds upon the themes introduced in the preceding chapters, particularly chapters 3, urging believers to persevere in faith and warning against the dangers of disobedience. This chapter, deeply intertwined with the message of Hebrews, continues to present Jesus as superior to Old Testament figures, including Joshua, and emphasizes His role as our ultimate High Priest. Hebrews 4:1-16 serves as a bridge, connecting the call to steadfast faith with the comforting assurance of Christ's intercession. Understanding the message of Hebrews 4 is crucial for grasping the overarching message of the book of Hebrews.
A Call to Diligence and a Warning Against Disobedience (Hebrews 4:1-2)
The author begins by urging believers to take heed, lest they fall short of experiencing God's promised "rest" (Hebrews 4:1). This "rest" isn't merely physical relaxation, but a participation in and enjoyment of the blessings God has planned for those who follow Him. It's an inheritance, a place of promised blessing. The Israelites serve as a stark warning. They received the good news of the promised land of Canaan, a tangible representation of God's provision. Yet, because of their unbelief, they failed to enter it (Hebrews 4:2). They missed out on the greater rewards God had in store for them. The message "didn’t benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith" (Hebrews 4:2).
Consider the example of the twelve spies sent into Canaan. Ten of them, overwhelmed by the perceived difficulties, declared, "We can’t take Canaan. The job’s too big for us." Only Joshua and Caleb, trusting in God's power, proclaimed, "Yes, we can do it with God’s help." Tragically, the Israelites chose to believe the majority report, a decision that cost them dearly. Unbelief, for a believer, is refusing to act like God is telling the truth.
The lesson is clear: We must not squander our inheritance. The Christian life is not without its challenges. In fact, the more we pursue godliness, the more difficulties we may encounter. The temptation to compromise, to take the path of least resistance, will always be present. But succumbing to this temptation will prevent us from fully experiencing God's plans for us in His kingdom.
Understanding God's Rest (Hebrews 4:3-11)
The author delves deeper into the concept of "rest," referencing God's rest on the seventh day after creation (Hebrews 4:3-4). This wasn't a nap; it was the satisfaction and enjoyment God found in His completed work (Genesis 1:31). The Israelites, however, failed to enter God’s rest, that is, the place of promised blessing, because of disobedience (Hebrews 4:5-6).
The author highlights that the failure of the Israelites was due to both unbelief (Hebrews 3:19) and disobedience (Hebrews 4:6), emphasizing that these two are intrinsically linked. There must be a union between the Word you hear and the faith you have (Hebrews 4:2). Faith in God’s Word will result in movement, in obedience. When that happens, His power flows.
Just as God rested and enjoyed the completion of his work on the seventh day, he established in the Ten Commandments a Sabbath for Israel—the day of rest on which they were to enjoy the fruits of their labor (Hebrews 4:9). Moreover, for the generation that departed Egypt, entering the land of Canaan was to be their rest—their inheritance—their “Sabbath.” The principle of Sabbath rest still operates today. Believers are called to enter the rest God has prepared for them (Hebrews 4:10) rather than following Israel’s example of disobedience (Hebrews 4:11). Therefore, believers ought to make every effort to obey God while we still can (Hebrews 4:11).
The Power and Penetration of God's Word (Hebrews 4:12-13)
The author then turns to the power of God's Word (Hebrews 4:12). "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." It's not merely a collection of dead letters on a page; it's a living, active force capable of penetrating the deepest recesses of our being.
Like a razor-sharp knife, the "living and active" Bible can distinguish even those things we think are inseparable. Human nature makes it easy to confuse selfish piety with true godliness (Matthew 7:21–23). We can fool others (1 Samuel 16:7), and even ourselves (Jeremiah 17:9), but not God (Hebrews 4:13). The Word of God judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). It lays us naked and exposed before God.
The author reminds his audience that the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword. Focus on circumstances too long, and his Word will fail to influence your life.
Have you ever had an experience with God’s Word that made you feel “exposed”? Have you ever heard it preached and felt like it was directed right at you? Have you ever felt your soul sliced open by the Word? Remember, we have no private lives. We don’t even get to have private thoughts. Everything is laid bare before the one to whom we must give an account (Hebrews 4:13).
Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)
After those terrifying comments, the author urges his readers to keep moving forward with Jesus (Hebrews 4:14) and offers sweet comfort: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).
In one sense, he’s like all of us—he has endured incredible temptation, suffering, and hardship. Yet, in another, he’s like none of us—he has never sinned. Therefore, he is the perfect high priest. He can sympathize with you in your weakness and suffering. Yet, since he resisted completely, he can also help you.
This is a unique and powerful aspect of the Christian faith. The One who judges us also understands our struggles intimately. Christ experienced our suffering, temptation, and struggle (Philippians 2:8), yet He remained without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5; 1 Peter 1:19). This makes Him our perfect example (Hebrews 2:10) and our perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 2:14).
Therefore, we can "draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). Prayer is the divinely authorized method of accessing heavenly authority for intervention on earth. It’s the believer’s passport into the spiritual realm. So, when you’re tempted to give up, that temptation is actually an invitation to draw near to the King’s throne so you may receive mercy and find grace (Hebrews 4:16). Mercy is not getting what you deserve; grace is getting what you don’t deserve. But to lay claim to these wonderful gifts, you have to approach him. The King extends his invitation to you: “Don’t stay away! Come get what you need.”
This truth gives us confidence to approach Him in prayer. Since He knows, first-hand, what it means to be human, He understands our flaws (Hebrews 2:18). We don't have to be afraid to bring Him our fears, failures, and needs (Hebrews 4:16).