4:1 We should therefore fear, lest, being left a promise to enter into His rest, any one of you should seem to have missed it. 2 For we also are having good news proclaimed to us, just as also to them, but the message they heard[1] did not profit them, not having been united by faith with those taking heed. 3 For we the believing ones have entered into that rest, just as He said,
“As I swore in My anger, ‘They[2] shall not enter into My rest.’”[3]
And yet the works of God were brought into existence from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken somewhere concerning the seventh day in this way,
“And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.”[4]
5 And in this place again,
“They shall not enter into My rest.”
6 Therefore, since it remains some enter into it, and those formerly having had good news proclaimed to them did not enter in because of disobedience, 7 again, He appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying in David after so long a time, just as He has said,[5]
“Today, if you[6] would hear His voice, you should not harden your hearts.”[7]
8 For if Joshua had brought them into rest, He would not have spoken about another day after that. 9 Consequently, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one entering into His rest has also himself rested from his works, just as God did from His own. 11 May we be diligent, then, to enter into that rest, so that no one should fall by the same example of disobedience.
12 For the word of God is living and effective, and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the division of both soul and spirit, of both joint and marrow, and able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden before Him; but all things are naked and having been laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we give account.
14 Therefore, having a great High Priest having passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, we should hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One having been tempted in every respect like we are, apart from sin. 16 Therefore, we should come with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace for timely help.
[1] Verse 2 – Literally, the word of hearing (ὁ λόγος τῆς ἀκοῆς).
[2] Verse 3 – Literally, ‘If they shall enter into My rest…’. Also in verse 5. See translation note for ch. 3:11.
[3] Verse 3 – Psalm 95:11. Also in verse 5.
[4] Verse 4 – Genesis 2:2.
[5] Verse 7 – NU, following about a dozen Grk MSS, reads προείρηται, He has said previously or perhaps He has foretold. Byz, M and TR read εἴρηται, He has said.
[6] Verse 7 – The pronouns you and your in verse 7 are second person plural.
[7] Verse 7 – Psalm 95:7-8.