Hebrews 4:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
πάλιν
Again
G3825
πάλιν
Again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
1 of 24
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ὁρίζει
he limiteth
G3724
ὁρίζει
he limiteth
Strong's:
G3724
Word #:
3 of 24
to mark out or bound ("horizon"), i.e., (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify
ἡμέραν
day
G2250
ἡμέραν
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 24
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
Σήμερον
To day
G4594
Σήμερον
To day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
5 of 24
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
λέγων
saying
G3004
λέγων
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τοσοῦτον
so long
G5118
τοσοῦτον
so long
Strong's:
G5118
Word #:
10 of 24
apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)
χρόνον
a time
G5550
χρόνον
a time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
11 of 24
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
εἴρηται,
it is said
G2046
εἴρηται,
it is said
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
13 of 24
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
Σήμερον
To day
G4594
Σήμερον
To day
Strong's:
G4594
Word #:
14 of 24
on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
15 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνῆς
voice
G5456
φωνῆς
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
17 of 24
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 24
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
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
20 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
σκληρύνητε
harden
G4645
σκληρύνητε
harden
Strong's:
G4645
Word #:
21 of 24
to indurate, i.e., (figuratively) render stubborn
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Psalm 95 was written c. 1000 BC, about 400 years after the wilderness rebellion. Yet it speaks of 'today,' showing the warning remained relevant. The author applies it again in the first century, and it remains relevant now.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the ongoing relevance of 'today' prevent spiritual complacency?
- What does it mean that God addresses you personally through Scripture written millennia ago?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God 'again fixes a certain day' through David's psalm (Psalm 95), written centuries after Joshua. The word 'today' maintains urgency across generations. This demonstrates Scripture's timeless relevance and the Holy Spirit's present-tense address through ancient texts. Reformed hermeneutics affirms the historical meaning while recognizing the Spirit's ongoing application to contemporary readers.