The Epistle to the Hebrews

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- Chapter 4 -

(Genesis 2:1–3; Exodus 16:22–30)

Therefore, we should be afraid, lest the promise of entering into his rest may be relinquished, and some of you may be judged to be lacking.

For this was announced to us in a similar manner as to them. But the mere hearing of the word did not benefit them, since it was not joined together with a faith in those things that they heard.

For we who have believed shall enter into rest, in the same manner as he said: “So it is as I have sworn in my wrath: They shall not enter into my rest!” And certainly, this is when the works from the foundation of the world have been finished.

For, in a certain place, he spoke about the seventh day in this manner: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.”

And in this place again: “They shall not enter into my rest!”

Therefore, this is because certain ones remain who are to enter into it, and those to whom it was announced first did not enter into it, because of unbelief.

Again, he defines a certain day, after so much time, saying in David, “Today,” just as it was stated above, “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

For if Jesus had offered them rest, he would never have spoken, afterward, about another day.(a)

And so, there remains a Sabbath of rest for the people of God.

For whoever has entered into his rest, the same has also rested from his works, just as God did from his.

Therefore, let us hasten to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall into the same example of unbelief.

The Living Word

(2 Timothy 3:10–17)

For the Word of God is living and effective: more piercing than any two-edged sword, reaching to the division even between the soul and the spirit, even between the joints and the marrow, and so it discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart.(b)

And there is no created thing that is invisible to his sight. For all things are naked and open to the eyes of him, about whom we are speaking.

Therefore, since we have a great High Priest, who has pierced the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, we should hold to our confession.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to have compassion on our infirmities, but rather one who was tempted in all things, just as we are, yet without sin.

Therefore, let us go forth with confidence toward the throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy, and find grace, in a helpful time.

Footnotes

(a)4:8 Jesus:Josue, who in Greek is called Jesus.(Challoner)

(b)4:12 In the ancient view of the human person, when body and soul are united, there exists spirit, that is, the breath of life, and those qualities that pertain to life and to the cooperation of body and soul, such as heart and mind and emotion, etc.(Conte)

(Genesis 2:1–3; Exodus 16:22–30)

Let’s fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into his rest.

For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn’t profit them, because it wasn’t mixed with faith by those who heard.

For we who have believed do enter into that rest, even as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest;”(a) although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

For he has said this somewhere about the seventh day, “God rested on the seventh day from all his works;”(b)

and in this place again, “They will not enter into my rest.”(c)

Seeing therefore it remains that some should enter into it, and they to whom the good news was preached before failed to enter in because of disobedience,

he again defines a certain day, “today”, saying through David so long a time afterward (just as has been said), “Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”(d)

For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day.

There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God.

For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his.

Let’s therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.

The Living Word

(2 Timothy 3:10–17)

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.

Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold tightly to our confession.

For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.

Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

Footnotes

(a)4:3 ℘ Psalms 95:11

(b)4:4 ℘ Genesis 2:2

(d)4:7 ℘ Psalms 95:7-8