Hebrews 4:6
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἀπολείπεται
it remaineth
G620
ἀπολείπεται
it remaineth
Strong's:
G620
Word #:
3 of 15
to leave behind (passively, remain); by implication, to forsake
εἰς
therein
G1519
εἰς
therein
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτήν
G846
αὐτήν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὐαγγελισθέντες
preached
G2097
εὐαγγελισθέντες
preached
Strong's:
G2097
Word #:
11 of 15
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
Cross References
Matthew 21:43Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.Hebrews 4:2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.Acts 28:28Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.Hebrews 4:9There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.Galatians 3:8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Historical Context
This argument would resonate with Jewish Christians who might think salvation was limited to ancient Israel. The author shows God's purpose to bring many into rest continues beyond the original generation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's persistent offer of rest despite human failure demonstrate His grace?
- What is the relationship between the 'rest' offered to Israel and the rest offered in Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The logic: since rest remains available, and the original generation failed to enter through disobedience, the promise extends to subsequent generations. The Greek 'apoleleitai' (remains) indicates ongoing availability. Reformed covenant theology sees this as demonstrating the unity of God's redemptive purpose across testaments - the gospel was preached to them (4:2), but only those with faith benefit from it.