Hebrews 4:9
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρα
therefore
G686
ἄρα
therefore
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
1 of 7
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
ἀπολείπεται
There remaineth
G620
ἀπολείπεται
There remaineth
Strong's:
G620
Word #:
2 of 7
to leave behind (passively, remain); by implication, to forsake
σαββατισμὸς
a rest
G4520
σαββατισμὸς
a rest
Strong's:
G4520
Word #:
3 of 7
a "sabbatism", i.e., (figuratively) the repose of christianity (as a type of heaven)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαῷ
to the people
G2992
λαῷ
to the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
5 of 7
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
Cross References
1 Peter 2:10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.Revelation 21:4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.Hebrews 4:3For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.Hebrews 4:1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
Historical Context
Jewish sabbath observance pointed to this ultimate rest. The author shows the weekly sabbath was a shadow of the reality found in Christ and perfected in glory.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of future rest encourage you in present labor and suffering?
- What does it mean to you personally that God has reserved a rest for His people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Sabbatismos' (sabbath rest) appears only here in the NT, indicating a distinct, future rest beyond the weekly sabbath. This rest remains 'for the people of God,' emphasizing both its certainty and its specific recipients. The verb 'remaineth' (Greek 'apoleipetai') indicates something left over or reserved, pointing to eschatological fulfillment in the eternal state.