Hebrews 4 5

Hebrews 4:5 kjv

And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.

Hebrews 4:5 nkjv

and again in this place: "They shall not enter My rest."

Hebrews 4:5 niv

And again in the passage above he says, "They shall never enter my rest."

Hebrews 4:5 esv

And again in this passage he said, "They shall not enter my rest."

Hebrews 4:5 nlt

But in the other passage God said, "They will never enter my place of rest."

Hebrews 4 verses

Hebrews 4 5 Meaning

Hebrews 4:5 reiterates a crucial warning first introduced in Hebrews 3:11, drawing directly from Psalm 95:11. This verse underscores the divine pronouncement of exclusion for those who, due to unbelief and disobedience, fail to enter "My rest." The "rest" initially referred to the physical Promised Land but is expounded in Hebrews as a deeper, spiritual reality—God's own rest—that remains available through faith in Christ. This serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of an unrepentant heart, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and obedience to God's word.

Hebrews 4 5 Context

Hebrews chapter 4 continues the overarching argument initiated in chapter 3, urging Jewish Christians to persevere in their faith and avoid the unbelief that characterized the Israelites in the wilderness. The author is presenting Christ's superiority and the New Covenant's finality over the Old. Chapters 3 and 4 particularly focus on the theme of "rest," contrasting the Mosaic generation's failure to enter God's rest (the Promised Land) due to unbelief with the abiding promise of a true, spiritual rest that remains available in Christ. Hebrews 4:5 explicitly quotes Psalm 95:11, reiterating the solemn oath of God concerning those who failed. This quotation serves as a stark warning, emphasizing that despite the provision of a way into God's rest (both typified by Canaan and fully realized in Christ), unbelief will certainly lead to exclusion, just as it did for the Exodus generation. The author then argues that Joshua's leading the Israelites into Canaan did not exhaust the promise of God's rest, implying a still-future and ultimate spiritual rest.

Hebrews 4 5 Word analysis

• And again: Greek: kai palin (καὶ πάλιν). This phrase indicates the writer is repeating a previous quote or theme, showing its consistent relevance and emphasis in the argument. It connects back to the similar use in Heb 3:11 and underscores the seriousness of the warning by reiteration.
• in this passage: This points directly to the Psalm 95 quotation. It emphasizes the inspired nature and authoritative voice of Scripture. The writer of Hebrews frequently quotes the Old Testament to build his arguments, highlighting the unity and continuity of God's redemptive plan.
• They: Refers to the disobedient generation of Israelites who were freed from Egypt but failed to enter the Promised Land due to their unbelief and rebellion (Num 14). This collective "they" serves as a timeless example and warning for all generations of God's people.
• shall not enter: Greek: ou me eiselthōsin (οὐ μὴ εἰσελεύσονται). This is a strong double negative in Greek, conveying an emphatic denial or absolute prohibition. It signifies an unbreakable divine decree and severe consequence. There is no alternative for those whom God declares will not enter His rest.
• My rest: Greek: ten katapausin mou (τὴν κατάπαυσίν μου). This is the pivotal phrase. "Rest" (katapausis) signifies cessation from labor, peace, or tranquility.
  • In the context of the Exodus generation, it initially referred to the physical rest of entering the Promised Land (Canaan) after their wilderness journey (Deut 12:9).
  • However, the author of Hebrews expands its meaning. He connects it to God's own rest on the seventh day of creation (Gen 2:2-3) – a divine, cosmic, perfect rest from His completed work.
  • Therefore, "My rest" implies a sharing in God's Sabbath rest, a spiritual cessation from works, attained through faith. It is not merely a geographical place but a state of peace, fellowship with God, and security found in Christ. It also points to an ultimate, eschatological rest that believers will fully experience in the eternal presence of God. The phrase underscores that this rest is God's property, initiated and provided by Him, not achieved through human effort apart from faith.

Hebrews 4 5 Bonus section

The author's repeated use of "again" in connection to Psalm 95 underscores a vital interpretive principle for the original audience: the Old Testament Scriptures possess ongoing relevance and application even for New Covenant believers. It implies that God's warnings are not just historical accounts but living and active truths pertinent to their current spiritual walk (Heb 4:12). The "rest" in this context is often understood in various layers:

1. Creation Rest: God's perfect, completed rest after creation (Gen 2:2).
2. Canaan Rest: The temporary, earthly rest for Israel in the Promised Land (Josh 21:44).
3. Spiritual/Sabbath Rest: A present, spiritual rest of faith and ceasing from works of self-righteousness, finding peace in Christ (Mt 11:28). This is the 'Today' rest.
4. Eschatological Rest: The final, eternal rest of glorification and peace in God's presence for all who persevere in faith.

The severity of the "shall not enter" phrase highlights that a passive or complacent faith, particularly in times of spiritual testing, can lead to severe spiritual consequences, even for those who have initially responded to God's call. It's a reminder that a personal relationship with God requires continuous active trust and obedience.

Hebrews 4 5 Commentary

Hebrews 4:5 stands as a profound reiteration of divine judgment, powerfully extracted from Psalm 95:11. The writer of Hebrews employs this quotation to underscore a crucial spiritual truth: God's promise of "rest" is both a gracious invitation and a severe warning. The historical failure of the Exodus generation, explicitly barred from God's rest (the physical Promised Land) due to their hardened hearts, unbelief, and disobedience (Heb 3:19), serves as a direct parallel and cautionary tale for believers in Christ. "My rest" in this verse refers not just to Canaan, which was a type, but to the ultimate, spiritual, and eternal rest God prepared for His people—a rest patterned after His own cessation from creation on the seventh day (Gen 2:2-3). It is a cessation from the arduous struggle against sin, a rest of assurance and peace found through obedient faith in Jesus Christ, culminating in eternal fellowship with God. The emphatic "shall not enter" signifies God's unwavering decree against unbelief, making it clear that a mere external affiliation or past privilege does not guarantee entry into God's promised peace. This verse, therefore, acts as a solemn exhortation for vigilance, pressing the imperative for ongoing faith and obedience lest one fall away like those who provoked God in the wilderness.