Hebrews 4:1
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.
Original Language Analysis
Φοβηθῶμεν
Let us
G5399
Φοβηθῶμεν
Let us
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
1 of 15
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
καταλειπομένης
being left
G2641
καταλειπομένης
being left
Strong's:
G2641
Word #:
4 of 15
to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
ἐπαγγελίας
a promise
G1860
ἐπαγγελίας
a promise
Strong's:
G1860
Word #:
5 of 15
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
δοκῇ
should seem
G1380
δοκῇ
should seem
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
11 of 15
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
Cross References
Hebrews 4:9There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;Hebrews 4:11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.Proverbs 28:14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.Hebrews 13:7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.2 Timothy 2:13If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;Romans 11:20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:1 Corinthians 10:12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.Numbers 14:34After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.
Historical Context
The rest theme connects creation (Genesis 2:2), conquest (Joshua), and eschatological fulfillment. First-century readers familiar with Jewish sabbath theology would grasp the layered meaning.
Questions for Reflection
- What prevents you from fully entering God's rest in your daily experience?
- How does understanding rest as relationship with God change your pursuit of it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The 'promise of entering his rest' remains valid, creating both opportunity and danger. The fear urged is not paralyzing dread but reverent caution. 'Come short' (Greek 'hystereo') means to fail to reach or be left behind. This rest is not merely Canaan but the ultimate sabbath rest in God's presence, foreshadowed by both creation rest and the Promised Land.