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Hebrews 4-6
New International Version
Hebrews 4-6
New International Version
A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God
4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.(A) 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.[a](B) 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,
And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.”[c](D) 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”(E)
6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience,(F) 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:
8 For if Joshua had given them rest,(H) God would not have spoken(I) later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,[e](J) just as God did from his.(K) 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.(L)
12 For the word of God(M) is alive(N) and active.(O) Sharper than any double-edged sword,(P) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.(Q) 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.(R) Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest(S) who has ascended into heaven,[f](T) Jesus the Son of God,(U) let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.(V) 15 For we do not have a high priest(W) who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are(X)—yet he did not sin.(Y) 16 Let us then approach(Z) God’s throne of grace with confidence,(AA) so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God,(AB) to offer gifts and sacrifices(AC) for sins.(AD) 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray,(AE) since he himself is subject to weakness.(AF) 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.(AG) 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.(AH)
5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory(AI) of becoming a high priest.(AJ) But God said(AK) to him,
6 And he says in another place,
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions(AO) with fervent cries and tears(AP) to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard(AQ) because of his reverent submission.(AR) 8 Son(AS) though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered(AT) 9 and, once made perfect,(AU) he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest(AV) in the order of Melchizedek.(AW)
Warning Against Falling Away(AX)
11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths(AY) of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!(AZ) 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant,(BA) is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature,(BB) who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.(BC)
6 Therefore let us move beyond(BD) the elementary teachings(BE) about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[i](BF) and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites,[j](BG) the laying on of hands,(BH) the resurrection of the dead,(BI) and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting,(BJ) we will do so.
4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened,(BK) who have tasted the heavenly gift,(BL) who have shared in the Holy Spirit,(BM) 5 who have tasted the goodness(BN) of the word of God(BO) and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen[k] away, to be brought back to repentance.(BP) To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God(BQ) all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed.(BR) In the end it will be burned.
9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends,(BS) we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.(BT) 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope(BU) for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate(BV) those who through faith and patience(BW) inherit what has been promised.(BX)
The Certainty of God’s Promise
13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself,(BY) 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”[l](BZ) 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.(CA)
16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.(CB) 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging(CC) nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised,(CD) he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,(CE) we who have fled to take hold of the hope(CF) set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,(CG) 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.(CH) He has become a high priest(CI) forever, in the order of Melchizedek.(CJ)
Footnotes
- Hebrews 4:2 Some manuscripts because those who heard did not combine it with faith
- Hebrews 4:3 Psalm 95:11; also in verse 5
- Hebrews 4:4 Gen. 2:2
- Hebrews 4:7 Psalm 95:7,8
- Hebrews 4:10 Or labor
- Hebrews 4:14 Greek has gone through the heavens
- Hebrews 5:5 Psalm 2:7
- Hebrews 5:6 Psalm 110:4
- Hebrews 6:1 Or from useless rituals
- Hebrews 6:2 Or about baptisms
- Hebrews 6:6 Or age, 6 if they fall
- Hebrews 6:14 Gen. 22:17
Hebrews 4-6
King James Version
Hebrews 4-6
King James Version
4 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7 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.
8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12 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.
13 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.
14 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.
15 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.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
5 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
6 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 4-6
New King James Version
Hebrews 4-6
New King James Version
The Promise of Rest
4 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, (A)let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, [a]not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:
(B)“So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ”
although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: (C)“And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; 5 and again in this place: (D)“They shall not enter My rest.”
6 Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, 7 again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:
(E)“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts.”
8 For if [b]Joshua had (F)given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
The Word Discovers Our Condition
11 (G)Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is (H)living and powerful, and (I)sharper than any (J)two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is (K)a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 (L)And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are (M)naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Our Compassionate High Priest
14 Seeing then that we have a great (N)High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, (O)let us hold fast our confession. 15 For (P)we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but (Q)was in all points tempted as we are, (R)yet without sin. 16 (S)Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Qualifications for High Priesthood
5 For every high priest taken from among men (T)is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can [c]have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to (U)weakness. 3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for (V)himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. 4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as (W)Aaron was.
A Priest Forever
5 (X)So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:
(Y)“You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.”
6 As He also says in another place:
(Z)“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek”;
7 who, in the days of His flesh, when He had (AA)offered up prayers and supplications, (AB)with vehement cries and tears to Him (AC)who was able to save Him from death, and was heard (AD)because of His godly fear, 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned (AE)obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And (AF)having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 10 called by God as High Priest (AG)“according to the order of Melchizedek,” 11 of whom (AH)we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become (AI)dull of hearing.
Spiritual Immaturity
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the [d]oracles of God; and you have come to need (AJ)milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is (AK)a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are [e]of full age, that is, those who by reason of [f]use have their senses exercised (AL)to discern both good and evil.
The Peril of Not Progressing
6 Therefore, (AM)leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to [g]perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from (AN)dead works and of faith toward God, 2 (AO)of the doctrine of baptisms, (AP)of laying on of hands, (AQ)of resurrection of the dead, (AR)and of eternal judgment. 3 And this [h]we will do if God permits.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted (AS)the heavenly gift, and (AT)have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 [i]if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, (AU)since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, (AV)receives blessing from God; 8 (AW)but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.
A Better Estimate
9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For (AX)God is not unjust to forget (AY)your work and [j]labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have (AZ)ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence (BA)to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become [k]sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience (BB)inherit the promises.
God’s Infallible Purpose in Christ
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, (BC)He swore by Himself, 14 saying, (BD)“Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the (BE)promise. 16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and (BF)an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. 17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to (BG)the heirs of promise (BH)the [l]immutability of His counsel, [m]confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two [n]immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to (BI)lie, we [o]might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope (BJ)set before us.
19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, (BK)and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 (BL)where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, (BM)having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Footnotes
- Hebrews 4:2 NU, M since they were not united by faith with those who heeded it
- Hebrews 4:8 Gr. Jesus, same as Heb. Joshua
- Hebrews 5:2 deal gently with
- Hebrews 5:12 sayings, Scriptures
- Hebrews 5:14 mature
- Hebrews 5:14 practice
- Hebrews 6:1 maturity
- Hebrews 6:3 M let us do
- Hebrews 6:6 Or and have fallen away
- Hebrews 6:10 NU omits labor of
- Hebrews 6:12 lazy
- Hebrews 6:17 unchangeableness of His purpose
- Hebrews 6:17 guaranteed
- Hebrews 6:18 unchangeable
- Hebrews 6:18 M omits might
New International Version (NIV) 
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NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.
New King James Version (NKJV) 
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.