Hebrews 4:3
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 28
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῶν
we which
G3588
τῶν
we which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
we which
G3588
τῶν
we which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύσαντες
have believed
G4100
πιστεύσαντες
have believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
7 of 28
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἴρηκεν
he said
G2046
εἴρηκεν
he said
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
9 of 28
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
Ὡς
As
G5613
Ὡς
As
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
10 of 28
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τῶν
we which
G3588
τῶν
we which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀργῇ
wrath
G3709
ὀργῇ
wrath
Strong's:
G3709
Word #:
14 of 28
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 28
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῶν
we which
G3588
τῶν
we which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
we which
G3588
τῶν
we which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργων
the works
G2041
ἔργων
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
24 of 28
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
25 of 28
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
καταβολῆς
the foundation
G2602
καταβολῆς
the foundation
Strong's:
G2602
Word #:
26 of 28
a deposition, i.e., founding; figuratively, conception
Cross References
Psalms 95:11Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.1 Peter 1:20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,Genesis 1:31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.Hebrews 9:26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:Hebrews 3:11So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)Isaiah 28:12To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.Exodus 20:11For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.Matthew 13:35That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
Historical Context
The works being finished 'from the foundation of the world' points to God's eternal plan and completed creation rest. Christ later announced 'It is finished' (John 19:30), completing redemption.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you experiencing the soul rest that comes from ceasing your own efforts and trusting Christ?
- How does entering God's rest affect your anxiety and striving?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'We which have believed do enter into rest' indicates rest is both present possession and future consummation. The quote from Psalm 95:11 shows God's rest existed before Israel's failure, stemming from creation itself (verse 4). Unbelief excludes from rest, while faith grants entrance into experiential peace with God even now.