Hebrews 4:8
For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 13
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
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
κατέπαυσεν
had given
G2664
κατέπαυσεν
had given
Strong's:
G2664
Word #:
5 of 13
to settle down, i.e., (literally) to colonize, or (figuratively) to (cause to) desist
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
Cross References
Joshua 1:15Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD'S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.Joshua 22:4And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.Deuteronomy 12:9For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you.Joshua 23:1And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age.Acts 7:45Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;Psalms 78:55He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.
Historical Context
Joshua led Israel into Canaan, achieving military rest from enemies. Yet this was temporary and incomplete, pointing to the greater rest achieved by Jesus (same name, different person) through His redemptive work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing Joshua as a type of Christ enrich your reading of the Old Testament?
- What 'rest' has Christ provided that no earthly leader or achievement can give?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If Joshua had given them rest, God wouldn't speak of another day later. The Greek name Iēsous (Jesus/Joshua) creates wordplay - Joshua couldn't give ultimate rest, but Jesus does. This demonstrates the typological principle: OT persons and events foreshadow Christ who fulfills them. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ as the substance to which OT shadows pointed (Colossians 2:17).