Hebrews 4:4
For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
Original Language Analysis
εἴρηκεν
he spake
G2046
εἴρηκεν
he spake
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
1 of 21
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὕτως
day on this wise
G3779
οὕτως
day on this wise
Strong's:
G3779
Word #:
7 of 21
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατέπαυσεν
did rest
G2664
κατέπαυσεν
did rest
Strong's:
G2664
Word #:
9 of 21
to settle down, i.e., (literally) to colonize, or (figuratively) to (cause to) desist
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
14 of 21
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
17 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
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.Exodus 31:17It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
Historical Context
The seventh-day rest was foundational to Jewish identity and Sabbath observance. The author uses this familiar concept to develop the superior rest available in Christ, beyond mere Sabbath-keeping.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's completed work provide rest from your efforts to earn salvation?
- What does it mean to enter God's rest while still living in this world?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Quoting Genesis 2:2, the author establishes God's 'rest' as the pattern for the believers' rest. God's Sabbath rest after creation demonstrates the goal of redemption - entering into God's own rest. Reformed theology sees the Sabbath as both creation ordinance and redemptive type, pointing to the ultimate rest in Christ. God's rest was not from exhaustion but satisfaction in completed work, as Christ's rest is satisfaction in completed redemption.