Hebrews 4:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰσελεύσονται
G1525
do enter
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#4
τῶν
G3588
we which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
κατάπαυσίν
G2663
rest
reposing down, i.e., (by hebraism) abode
#6
τῶν
G3588
we which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
πιστεύσαντες
G4100
have believed
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
#8
καθὼς
G2531
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#9
εἴρηκεν
G2046
he said
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
#10
Ὡς
G5613
As
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#11
ὤμοσα
G3660
I have sworn
to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath
#12
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
τῶν
G3588
we which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ὀργῇ
G3709
wrath
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
#15
μου
G3450
my
of me
#16
Εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#17
εἰσελεύσονται
G1525
do enter
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#18
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#19
τῶν
G3588
we which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
κατάπαυσίν
G2663
rest
reposing down, i.e., (by hebraism) abode
#21
μου
G3450
my
of me
#22
καίτοι
G2543
although
and yet, i.e., nevertheless
#23
τῶν
G3588
we which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ἔργων
G2041
the works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#25
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#26
καταβολῆς
G2602
the foundation
a deposition, i.e., founding; figuratively, conception
#27
κόσμου
G2889
of the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#28
γενηθέντων
G1096
were finished
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Hebrews Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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