The Believer’s Rest

Therefore, we must fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have (A)come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also did; but (B)the word [a]they heard did not benefit them, because [b]they were not united with those who listened with faith. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said,

(C)As I swore in My anger,
They certainly shall not enter My rest,”

although His works were finished (D)from the foundation of the world. For He has said (E)somewhere concerning the seventh day: “(F)And God (G)rested on the seventh day from all His works”; and again in this passage, “(H)They certainly shall not enter My rest.” Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who previously had good news preached to them failed to enter because of (I)disobedience, He again sets a certain day, “Today,” saying [c]through David after so long a time just (J)as has been said before,

(K)Today if you hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts.”

For (L)if [d]Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. Consequently, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also (M)rested from his works, as (N)God did from His. 11 Therefore let’s make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same (O)example of (P)disobedience. 12 For (Q)the word of God is (R)living and (S)active, and sharper than any two-edged (T)sword, even penetrating as far as the division of (U)soul and (V)spirit, of both joints and marrow, and (W)able to [e]judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And (X)there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are (Y)open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom [f]we must answer.

14 Therefore, since we have a great (Z)high priest who has (AA)passed through the heavens, Jesus (AB)the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our (AC)confession. 15 For we do not have (AD)a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been (AE)tempted in all things just as we are, yet (AF)without sin. 16 Therefore let’s (AG)approach the throne of grace with (AH)confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 4:2 Lit of hearing
  2. Hebrews 4:2 One early ms it was not united with faith in those who heard
  3. Hebrews 4:7 Or in
  4. Hebrews 4:8 Gr Jesus
  5. Hebrews 4:12 Or discern
  6. Hebrews 4:13 Lit is our word

Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had [a]good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because [b]it was not united by faith with them that heard. [c]For we who have believed do enter into that rest; even as he hath said,

[d][e]As I sware in my wrath,
[f]They shall not enter into my rest:

although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he hath said somewhere of the seventh day on this wise, [g]And God rested on the seventh day from all his works; and in this place again,

[h][i]They shall not enter into my rest.

Seeing therefore it remaineth that some should enter thereinto, and they to whom [j]the good tidings were before preached failed to enter in because of disobedience, he again defineth a certain day, To-day, saying in David so long a time afterward (even as hath been said before),

[k]To-day if ye shall hear his voice,
Harden not your hearts.

For if [l]Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day. There remaineth therefore a sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest hath himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall [m]after the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14 Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 4:2 Or, a gospel
  2. Hebrews 4:2 Many ancient authorities read they were.
  3. Hebrews 4:3 Some ancient authorities read We therefore.
  4. Hebrews 4:3 Ps. 95:11.
  5. Hebrews 4:3 Or, So
  6. Hebrews 4:3 Greek If they shall enter.
  7. Hebrews 4:4 Gen. 2:2.
  8. Hebrews 4:5 Ps. 95:11.
  9. Hebrews 4:5 Greek If they shall enter.
  10. Hebrews 4:6 Or, the gospel was
  11. Hebrews 4:7 Ps. 95:7f.
  12. Hebrews 4:8 Greek Jesus. Compare Acts 7:45.
  13. Hebrews 4:11 Or, into. Greek in.