Hebrews 4:7

Authorized King James Version

Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πάλιν
Again
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
#2
τινὰ
a certain
some or any person or object
#3
ὁρίζει
he limiteth
to mark out or bound ("horizon"), i.e., (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify
#4
ἡμέραν
day
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
#5
Σήμερον
To day
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
#6
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
Δαβὶδ
David
david, the israelite king
#8
λέγων
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#9
μετὰ
after
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#10
τοσοῦτον
so long
apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)
#11
χρόνον
a time
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
#12
καθὼς
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#13
εἴρηται,
it is said
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
#14
Σήμερον
To day
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
#15
ἐὰν
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#16
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
φωνῆς
voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#18
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#19
ἀκούσητε
ye will hear
to hear (in various senses)
#20
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#21
σκληρύνητε
harden
to indurate, i.e., (figuratively) render stubborn
#22
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
καρδίας
hearts
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#24
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hebrews. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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