Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Hebrews Chapter 4 mean?

Hebrews chapter 4 echoes a theme common to other portions of the New Testament. In other epistles, Paul counters various false teachers who claim that Christians have permanently missed out on some aspect of their Christian experience. Often, this was a claim that Jesus’ second coming had already occurred (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 2:17–18). In Chapter 3, the writer of Hebrews warned the reader not to miss out on the “rest” offered by God, due to disobedience (Hebrews 3:12–13). Here, he seems to be reassuring those same readers that the opportunity to obtain this rest has not passed them by (Hebrews 4:1).

Chapter 3 focused on Israel’s failure to trust God at the borders of Canaan. This disobedience was inspired by a lack of faith in God—fear over the task at hand caused Israel to stumble. As a result, an entire generation was condemned to wander the desert rather than enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13—14). The point made in chapter 3 is that disobedience led to a loss of inheritance. This is not about loss of salvation—Israel was not sent back to Egypt. Rather, they missed out on the greater rewards. This difference is also found elsewhere in the New Testament, where peace with God leading to salvation (Romans 5:1) is not the same as peace of God which comes by obedience (Philippians 4:6–8). It is also seen in the promise of Christ to save all who come to Him in faith (John 6:39–40), even as He offers greater rewards to those who “hold fast” to their faith (Revelation 2:26–27).

In this chapter, the writer points out once again that it was disobedience, not a deadline, which caused Israel’s suffering. Long after Moses and Joshua approached Canaan, writers such as David encouraged the people of Israel to enter the “rest” offered by God (Psalm 95). Logically, this means that the “rest” provided when Joshua took Canaan was not a one-time opportunity, or something no longer available (Hebrews 4:8).

The real problem for Israel at Canaan was a failure to obey God, due to fear. According to the writer of Hebrews, God only rested when He had completed His creative work (Hebrews 4:3–4). Israel only forfeited their rest in Canaan when they failed to complete the tasks given them by God (Hebrews 4:6). So, in a very literal sense, the “rest” offered by God is not about relaxation or leisure. It is about the rewards which come once we have “rested from”, or “completed” the works we are assigned (Hebrews 4:9–10). This means saved Christians ought to make every effort to obey God while we still can (Hebrews 4:11).

Key to our ability to complete our work is the Word of God, specifically the written Scriptures (Hebrews 4:12). Human nature makes it easy to confuse selfish piety with true godliness (Matthew 7:21–23). We can fool others (1 Samuel 16:7), and even ourselves (Jeremiah 17:9), but not God (Hebrews 4:13). Like a razor-sharp knife, the “living and active” Bible can distinguish even those things we think are inseparable. This is important, since all of our thoughts and actions will be judged by God (Matthew 12:36).

Unique to the Christian faith, however, is our relationship with God. According to the Bible, the One who judges us has a powerful sympathy for our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Not only has Christ experienced our suffering, temptation, and struggle (Philippians 2:8), He has done so without falling to sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5; 1 Peter 1:19). This makes Him our perfect example (Hebrews 2:10), and our perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 2:14). It also gives us confidence to approach Him in prayer. Since He knows, first-hand, what it means to be human, He understands our flaws (Hebrews 2:18). We don’t have to be afraid to bring Him our fears, failures, and needs (Hebrews 4:16).

This chapter refers to Joshua, who eventually led Israel into Canaan. According to Hebrews chapter 4, God gives those who obey Him everything needed to accomplish their assigned tasks. Joshua obeyed God and found Christ was on his side—literally (Joshua 5:13–15). Unlike those who fell into disbelief, Joshua exemplified the ultimate results of confident faith.

Chapter Context
Chapters 1 and 2 explained how Messiah could not be an angel, but had to be human in order to become our example and the ”Captain” of our salvation. Chapter 3 described Jesus as worthy of greater glory than Moses, since Jesus fulfilled the promises Moses only spoke of. Chapter 4 will continue to place Jesus as a higher example than Old Testament figures, including Joshua. This chapter bridges the focus of Hebrews from our need to ”hold fast” in faith to Jesus’ status as our ultimate High Priest.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.

This verse continues the line of thought from chapter 3. This is made clear by use of the word “therefore,” meaning what follows is an application of what has come before. Chapter 3 used the example of Israel’s failure in the desert. There, the people failed to fully trust in God, and as a result, an entire generation was denied entry into the Promised Land.

The “rest” mentioned is in the context of the prior example: Israel (Deuteronomy 25:19). This is not a metaphor for salvation, but for the promised inheritance of God’s children (Deuteronomy 12:9–11). This is the “rest” which Christians must carefully seek to obtain, and which the faithless generation of Israel was denied (Psalm 95:7–11). Later verses will help to explain that this “rest” is not “relaxation,” but rather a completion of work.

The critical message of this verse is that the promised rest is still available to Christians reading these words. The author uses a Greek word which is not cleanly translated into English. This is dokē, from the rook dokeo, meaning “to think, seem, or suppose.” In other words, this message is being given lest the readers think they have missed out on the “rest” promised by God.

In other letters, the apostle Paul had to counter the false claim that the second coming of Christ had already occurred, leaving many Christians behind (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 2:17–18). This letter to Hebrew Christians seeks to debunk a similar error.

Context Summary
Hebrews 4:1–13 reassures Christians that they have not missed their opportunity to enjoy the ”rest” promised by God. Chapter 3 warned about the dangers of losing faith and disobeying God. In this passage, the writer points out that psalmists like David, who came long after Moses, encouraged Israel to obtain God’s rest ”today.” Since God’s rest on the seventh day of creation came only after His work was done, and Israel only suffered loss when they failed to complete their assigned work, Christians should strive to complete the work given them by God, in order to obtain the greater heavenly rewards. The most potent tool we have in this effort is the razor-sharp Word of God.

Verse 2. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.

A common claim of false teachers in the early church was that Jesus had already returned in His second coming (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 2:17–18). As in verse 1, the writer of Hebrews seeks to dispel the suggestion that his readers have permanently lost out on their opportunity to enter into Christ’s “rest.”

In this context, the “rest” at stake is a saved believer’s spiritual inheritance. The analogy of Israel’s failure to immediately enter Canaan was not a metaphor for salvation, but of the consequences of faithlessness. Chapter 3 made a strong point about the need to “hold fast” to faith in God, lest this inheritance be lost. Later verses will give more details on this concept.

Here, the term “good news” is being used in a more general sense than simply that of the gospel. It’s worth pointing out that the gospel of Jesus Christ is about much more than eternal salvation. It’s also good news about freedom from the power of sin. The Bible mentions both the “rest” of salvation (Matthew 11:28) and the “rest” of submission (Matthew 11:29–30). It describes the blessing of finding both peace with God (Romans 5:1) and the peace of God (Philippians 4:6–8).

However, in this verse, the writer is reflecting back on the example of Israel, given in chapter 3. Those people had an opportunity to obtain the promised inheritance, but failed, since they didn’t unite with others who had faith in God. The “rest” they were meant to obtain was not leisure, but a completion of the work God had assigned to them.

Verse 3. For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath,‘They shall not enter my rest,’” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world.

This verse once again quotes from Psalm 95, specifically verse 11. In that passage, Israel is warned not to fail as they did prior to entering the Promised Land. Rather than trust God, most of the people gave in to fear. As a result, all but a small remnant were condemned to wander the desert and never obtain their promised inheritance. This “rest” is not a reference to salvation. The entire book of Hebrews is written specifically to saved Christian believers. What is at stake is not a loss of that salvation, but a forfeit of our spiritual inheritance.

Here, the writer of Hebrews makes the point that this “rest” is not permanently closed off, and is in fact available to all who fully trust in God. God’s vow to deny faithless Israelites His rest was in the past, but it only applied to those who were faithless (Hebrews 3:16–19). Even further, as the writer will point out later, God’s “rest,” which He entered into after He completed creation, was and is still active. And, since the Old Testament encourages its readers to respond “today” in order to enter into God’s “rest,” this promise has not been closed off. We have to strive to obtain it, but it is not beyond our reach.

Here, the writer of Hebrews makes the point that this “rest” is not permanently closed off, and is in fact something available to all who fully trust in God.

Verse 4. For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.”

In verse 4, the writer of Hebrews uses the same tongue-in-cheek expression found in Hebrews 2:6. The reference to “somewhere” does not mean the author does not know or remember. On the contrary, the Scripture cited is assumed to be so familiar to the reader that they will immediately recognize it. In this case, the reference is to Genesis 2:2, where God rests after completing His creation.

This passage is part of a warning not to forfeit our spiritual inheritance through a lack of faith. In order to counter the claim that this inheritance “rest” is no longer available, the writer of Hebrews joins together several key messages of the Old Testament. These will come to a conclusion in verse 10. The overall point is that God’s “rest” from creation is ongoing and happened only after He had accomplished His work of creation. The “rest” Israel was promised was denied to them only because they failed to complete the work God gave to them.

In other words, in order to enter into this “rest” inheritance, we need to complete the works assigned to us by God. This helps explain the implication of the term “rest.” It implies a completion, and a fulfillment, of what was required. As with other such references in Hebrews, this is not a question of salvation. All who express saving faith in Christ will be eternally secure (John 6:39–40), but only those who “hold fast” in obedience will obtain the full rewards of His kingdom (Revelation 2:26–27).

Verse 5. And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.”

The prior verse pointed out that God’s rest from creation is ongoing. Despite the claims of some false teachers (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 2:17–18), the opportunity to obtain our spiritual inheritance is not closed off. In fact, Scripture encourages us to seek that inheritance “rest” with urgency (Hebrews 3:13–15; Psalm 95:7–8). Those who were cut off from their inheritance, such as Israel in the desert (Numbers 13—14), suffered loss due to disobedience, not a deadline (Hebrews 3:16–19).

This is part of a chain of arguments culminating in verse 10. The promise of God’s inheritance for His people is still available, for those who will trust and obey. God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2) after completing His creation work. Israel was offered “rest” in the form of the Promised Land, but fell short because they did not complete the work they were given (Psalm 95:7–11). Since the Scriptures speak of seeking this rest “today,” meaning long after Israel’s disobedience, this promise is still available to us. Salvation (John 6:39–40), however, is not the same as our inheritance (Revelation 2:26–27).

Verse 6. Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience,

This verse continues an explanation of why the inheritance “rest” of God is still available to us. God Himself only rested when His creative work was done (Genesis 2:2), and this Sabbath rest continues even now. Hebrews chapter 3 explained that Israel’s lack of faith in the desert cost them their “rest” in Canaan. They did not complete the works given to them by God (Psalm 95:7–11).

However, the writer of Hebrews has quoted from Psalm 95, which was written long after Israel’s disobedience at the borders of the Promised Land. That passage uses the word “today,” meaning there is an opportunity yet for some to enter into the rest which the disobedient ones were denied (Hebrews 4:7). This argument will be developed through verse 10, which clearly states that there is a “rest” still available to those who “hold fast” to their faith (Hebrews 3:6).

This is not about maintaining our salvation. Canaan, in this example, is not a metaphor for heaven. Instead, this is the spiritual inheritance of the Christian believer. While all who put their faith in Christ are saved (John 6:39–40), only those who maintain their trust in God will obtain the greater rewards (Revelation 2:26–27). This helps greatly in understanding the meaning of “rest” as used in these verses. It is a reference to the end of a certain period of work, not leisure or relaxation. In order to “rest” from the work, the work must be completed.

Verse 7. again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts.”

In chapter 3, the writer of Hebrews warned his fellow Christians not to doubt the promises of God. He gave the example of Israel’s failure in the desert, at the border of the Promised Land (Numbers 13—14). By quoting Psalm 95, the writer explained that God’s promise of rest—a separate issue from our eternal salvation—is dependent on whether we “hold fast” to our faith (Hebrews 3:6). Those Israelites who failed to fulfill the work given to them by God were denied their “rest” of the Promised Land.

This passage, completed in verse 10, points out that the inheritance “rest” offered by God is still available to those willing to trust and obey. Certain false teachers of this era claimed that Christ had already returned in His second coming, forcing teachers like Paul to counter their errors (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 2:17–18). In particular, the writer of Hebrews points out that Psalm 95 uses the word “today,” even though the Psalm was written long after Moses’ time. In other words, the Scripture is saying, “this means you” to those who read it.

Since God’s seventh-day Sabbath rest is still ongoing (Hebrews 4:9), and Joshua’s victory in Canaan was not a complete fulfillment of the promises of God (Hebrews 4:8), and since disobedience was what kept Israel out of the Promised Land, there is still a “rest” inheritance available for those who faithfully complete the works assigned to them by God (Hebrews 4:10). This, in fact, is the meaning of the term “rest” as used here: a completion of our works resulting in victory.

Verse 8. For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on.

This verse is notable for a major difference between the King James Version and virtually all other mainstream translations. While the KJV refers here to “Jesus,” other translations refer to “Joshua.” The KJV makes this same choice in Acts 7:45. In Hebrew, both of these men share the same name. Moses’ successor was named Yeshua, as was the son of Mary. Both of these names came into the Greek as Iēsous. The New Testament uses this version of the Hebrew name for several people (Colossians 4:11; Luke 3:29).

However, since the primary English name for the son of Nun, who was the central figure of the conquest of Canaan, is “Joshua,” this is the name which probably ought to be used for this reference in Hebrews. From a purely lingual standpoint, using “Jesus” is a valid translation by the KJV, especially since that translation does not use the English name “Joshua” anywhere in the New Testament. It is, however, much less clear than other translations which more precisely specify the person in question.

The context of this verse is the potential loss of one’s spiritual inheritance. This “rest” is symbolized by the failure of Israel on the borders of Canaan. Since they lost faith, God denied an entire generation entry into the Promised Land. According to the writer of Hebrews, there are three key facts to consider. First is the use of words like “today” in later Scriptures (Psalm 95). Second is that only those who were disobedient were cut off from their inheritance (Hebrews 3:16–19).

Finally, here, is the fact that the “rest” won by Joshua was not permanent or complete. If it had been, there would have been no need for David to appeal to the nation to obtain that rest in Psalm 95. Jewish theology held that the Promised Land would not be permanently held until it was ruled by Messiah. In other words, this rest is something still available to the children of God. It’s important to see the application to the original readers of the book of Hebrews, and to modern Christians today. Salvation is not at stake here (John 6:39–40), but eternal rewards certainly are (Revelation 2:26–27). Earthly, material, or political dominion is not the issue, either. As applied to Christians, this is a matter of our spiritual inheritance, not dominance of our physical world.

The next few verses will round out the writer’s argument. God rested when His creative work was complete (Genesis 2:2). Israel was denied “rest” in Canaan when they failed to complete their work (Psalm 95:7–11). In order for us, as Christians, to enter into our inheritance “rest” in Christ, we must “rest” from our work in the same way, and for the same reason, that God did: after completing our work.

Verse 9. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God,

Hebrews chapter 3 explained that Israel’s disobedience cost an entire generation their inheritance in Canaan. But it was only those who were disobedient who lost out on the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:16–19). In this chapter, the writer has been explaining that his Christian readers should not assume they have completely missed out on their “rest.” This is not a question of salvation, but of eternal rewards. While some false teachers claimed that others were too late to receive their inheritance in Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 2:17–18), this is not the case.

Prior verses explained that the “rest” of Israel in Canaan was not the ultimate, permanent rest offered by Messiah (Hebrews 4:8). This is why writers long after Joshua, such as David, appealed to the people to seek after God’s rest “today,” as in Psalm 95. Here, the point is made that since God’s seventh day Sabbath rest from creation (Hebrews 4:3–4) is ongoing, the “rest” He offers is available right now, to those willing to trust and obey.

As mentioned elsewhere in Hebrews, this is not about eternal salvation. Canaan, in this instance, is not a symbol of heaven. God will save for all eternity those who come to Him in faith (John 6:39–40), but He will only give an inheritance of rewards to those who “hold fast” to their faith (Revelation 2:26–27).

This rest is only obtained by following the examples of God Himself, and avoiding the example of Israel. God rested when His work was complete. Israel missed out on their rest when they failed to complete their works. So, as the next few verses will explain, saved Christians need to “strive” in order to complete the work God has given us.

Verse 10. for whoever has entered God ‘s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

This verse completes the argument begun in the early part of chapter 4. The point here is that those who desire the ultimate blessings of God, meaning our spiritual inheritance, or our “rest,” can only obtain this rest in a particular way. In fact, this verse helps to explain the use and meaning of the word “rest” in this entire passage. God “rested” when He completed His creative work (Genesis 2:2; Hebrews 4:3–4). Israel was denied their “rest” in Canaan because they refused to complete their God-ordained work (Hebrews 3:16–19). This rest, then, is not the end of activity, or the beginning of relaxation. It’s a completion of a task.

As this verse summarizes, those who enter into the “rest” offered by God are those who have completed the works He has given them. This is why the writer of Hebrews insists that we “hold fast” to our faith, unlike the nation of Israel at the borders of Canaan (Psalm 95:7–11). What is at stake is not our eternal salvation (John 6:39–40), but our eternal rewards (Revelation 2:26–27). This is similar to the sense in which finding peace with God (Romans 5:1) is permanent for the saved believer, but finding the peace of God during our lives is dependent on our faithful obedience (Philippians 4:6–8).

Verses 11 through 13 will explain how this truth ought to motivate us. Since all things are clear to God and nothing can be hidden from Him (Hebrews 4:13), we ought to make every effort to “enter that rest” by completing all that He has asked of us (Hebrews 4:11). Ultimately, the judge of our hearts will be the very word of God (Hebrews 4:12).

Verse 11. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

The book of Hebrews is written very specifically to saved Christians. Hebrews 2:1–3 warned the readers not to be careless about their faith. This verse repeats that sentiment, using the Greek word spoudasōmen, meaning “strive, labor, or effort.” This is all in the context of the rest of chapter 4. We are not struggling to earn or keep our salvation (John 6:39–40); rather, we seek to obtain our heavenly rewards (Revelation 2:26–27).

Chapter 3 explained that Israel’s punishment—loss of their “rest” in Canaan—was due to disobedience. They failed to complete the works given to them by God (Hebrews 3:16–19). Lack of belief will destroy our ability to fulfill the destiny God has in store for us. God only rested from His creative work when it was complete (Genesis 2:2; Hebrews 4:3–4). So, in order to claim our spiritual inheritance—our “rest”—we must obtain it by completing the work given to us. This means to “hold fast” to our faith (Hebrews 3:6), rather than succumbing to doubt and disbelief (Hebrews 3:12–14).

Only by being diligent, not careless, can we expect to avoid the kind of faithless disobedience which cost Israel so dearly (Psalm 95:7–11).

Verse 12. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

This is probably among the most-quoted verses in the Bible, and a highlight of the book of Hebrews.

To this point, chapter 4 has explained why Christians ought to put our best efforts into fulfilling God’s will. Israel failed to trust in God at the borders of Canaan (Numbers 13—14), which led to an entire generation wandering the desert, rather than finding their “rest” in the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:16–17). Just as God rested only when His creative work was done (Hebrews 4:3–4), so too we can only “rest” in our greatest possible heavenly rewards if we “hold fast” in faith to the end (Hebrews 3:6). This means completing the work God has given us to do (Hebrews 3:10–11). This is not about salvation, which is guaranteed to all who trust in Christ (John 6:39–40). Rather, this is about the heavenly rewards we stand to gain—or lose—on the basis of our trust in and obedience to God (Revelation 2:26–27).

Given the context of this passage, loaded with Old Testament references, this is clearly about the written Scriptures. Specifically, that the ultimate measuring stick for our obedience to God is His Word. Hebrews 3:12 warns Christians to “take care” against having a heart of unbelief. The only way to properly diagnose this condition is with the Bible.

The imagery used here in Hebrews is popular, but easily misunderstood by a modern reader. The Greek word translated “sword” is machairan, often used generically for a “sword” or “dagger” in the New Testament. However, the same word is also used to describe the blade wielded by Peter in Gethsemane (John 18:10). To modern eyes, Peter’s weapon was less of a soldier’s sword and more of a large fisherman’s knife. In fact, a fisherman’s machairan was primarily meant for cutting flesh—unlike true military “swords” which were tougher but less razor-sharp.

Whether military “sword” or meat-cutter’s “knife,” this perspective makes the metaphor of this verse all the more vivid. The “sword” is said to separate the “joints and marrow,” probably a reference to tendons, ligaments, and other meaty parts. These are from the Greek words harmōn and myelōn. These tissues are hidden away, hard to reach, and seemingly indistinguishable. A sharp blade, such as a machairan, can uncover and separate these things.

In the same way, the Word of God can even separate spiritual things which seem completely intertwined, such as the soul and spirit. This is not meant to be literal, as the Bible often uses these terms interchangeably. Rather, this is a graphic explanation of how completely God’s Word can distinguish between the godly and ungodly. To man, the soul and spirit seem indistinguishable, but the Word of God can—metaphorically—even discern between these. This incredible “cutting” power of Scripture is therefore a tool to separate our very thoughts into good and evil.

The Bible provides everything we need to know the difference between truly selfless, spiritual deeds, and acts which are actually selfish and ungodly (Matthew 7:21–23). Jesus’ condemnation of the Pharisees describes how outwardly pious behavior itself is not always obedience (Matthew 23). It is possible to read the Word and yet fail to follow God’s will, due to rebellion (2 Peter 3:16) or pride (John 5:39–40).

The context of this verse is crucial. Verse 11 warned Christians to strive to obey God, lest we lose our heavenly rewards. Here in verse 12 we are reminded that the Word gives us all the power we need to learn the true will of God (Romans 12:2; Philippians 1:9). Verse 13 will point out that God’s judgment is impossible to escape: nobody is beyond His sight (2 Corinthians 5:10). Even so, only in Christ do we find a God who truly understands our failures (Hebrews 4:14–16).

Verse 13. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

The Bible often points out the futility of hiding from God. Adam and Eve attempted to hide from God after they sinned in Eden (Genesis 3:8–10). Cain tried to hide his murder of Abel from God (Genesis 4:9). Jonah hid on a boat (Jonah 1:1–4). Everything we think is hidden is crystal clear to God, including our own thoughts and motivations. We may fool other people (1 Samuel 16:7), and we may even fool ourselves (Jeremiah 17:9), but we cannot fool God (Psalm 44:21).

Chapter 4 encouraged Christians to seek God’s will through obedience. The most powerful tool we have in this task is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Like a razor-sharp blade that can even separate the joints and ligaments of an animal, the Bible distinguishes between even the most closely-related thoughts of our hearts. This, then, is how we are meant to know the difference between truly godly actions and selfish piety (Matthew 7:21–23). God’s judgment will make it clear what is worthy and what is not (1 Corinthians 3:11–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The Bible is an important tool to use. According to this verse, nobody is beyond God’s knowledge. We must come to God, through Christ, in faith for salvation (Hebrews 2:9–10). We must be diligent in studying our faith in order to avoid catastrophe (Hebrews 2:1–4). We must be obedient to God in order to fulfill our “rest” and find our spiritual inheritance (Hebrews 3:12–14). And ultimately, we are accountable to God and God alone. This makes the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12) our most important tool as we strive to “hold fast” to our faith (Hebrews 3:6).

At the same time, and critically important to the Christian faith, God sympathizes with our struggles. We can seek mercy and forgiveness, with confidence, specifically because we know Christ has endured the same temptations we have. This is the message of the final three verses of chapter 4.

Verse 14. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

The prior passage was intended to both reassure and encourage Christians. “Today,” for each person, there is still an opportunity to respond to God in faith, in order to obtain His “rest.” This is not about working for our salvation, but about obtaining all of the heavenly rewards He has offered to His children. Earlier verses stated that this inheritance is only available to those who “hold fast” to their faith (Hebrews 3:6, 12–14). Fortunately, according to Hebrews 4:12, we have an immensely powerful tool available to help us in this effort: the written Word of God. And, per this verse, we have Jesus.

Chapter 2 pointed out that Jesus was able to become our ultimate example, and the true High Priest of all mankind, due to His humanity (Hebrews 1:3; 2:17; 3:1). Hebrews 2:18, in particular, made it clear that Jesus can sympathize with our suffering, since He has also suffered (Hebrews 2:14). This came as an introduction to the command to “hold fast,” and both ideas are merged in this verse. Since Christ, the “founder” of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10), understands our condition, we have every good reason to maintain our faith in the face of struggles.

While Jesus is often referred to as our High Priest, it should be noted that the New Testament never explicitly refers to any Christian church official as a “priest.” This is not because there are no such people any more. According to the Bible, the Christian church does not have a priesthood—it is a priesthood, made up of every believer (1 Peter 2:9).

Context Summary
Hebrews 4:14–16 is among the most often-quoted passages in the Bible. It is also one of the clearest expressions of Christianity’s unique nature. Jesus, the Son of God, has experienced all of our struggles, temptations, and sufferings. And yet, He did so without succumbing to sin. For this reason, we can look to Him as our perfect example. We can rely on Him as our perfect substitute. We can come to Him as our only High Priest. And, we can trust in Him as our source of help and healing. Knowing that Christ fully, personally understands what it means to be human gives us confidence when we bring Him our failures and needs.

Verse 15. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

The central figure of the Christian faith is not a remote, distant deity. Nor is it some flawed, mortal figure. Instead, the “founder” of our salvation is one who has experienced all of our temptations and did so without falling into sin. Earlier portions of Hebrews explained why Messiah had to be fully human. In order to become the perfect example for humanity (Hebrews 2:10), and our true High Priest (Hebrews 2:17), Jesus had to experience all of the struggles and suffering of mankind (Hebrews 2:14–18). Here, this idea is given even more direct expression.

Christ has a unique understanding of our plight (Hebrews 2:18). The Greek word used here is sympathēsai, which has come into English almost unchanged as “sympathize.” Jesus can “feel for” us in our temptations since He has experienced those lures as well. In fact, it can be said that Jesus actually understands the weight of our temptation better than we do. A man strong enough to lift a heavy object appreciates its weight more than one who lacks the strength to hold it up. At some point, the weak man’s power runs out, and he never fully bears the load: he drops it. Christ, in enduring our temptations without failure, experienced their weight far beyond the point where we would have failed and given in.

While we are tempted, and often sin, Christ was tempted in every way we are, but remained sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5; 1 Peter 1:19).

This verse also clarifies an extremely important point about the nature of sin: namely, that the experience of temptation is not a sin, itself. In other words, feeling the lure of sin is not a sin. The original Greek describing Jesus’ temptations is pepeirasmenon de kata panta; literally, “tempted, even [nevertheless/yet] in all things.”

The fact that Christ experienced the temptation to sin, but was sinless, is monumentally important for our understanding of the gospel. Too often, we categorize certain sins—usually ones we personally are not prone to—as those by which only “really bad” people are even tempted. Rather than helping others recognize the difference between temptation and action, and guiding them to react in a godly way, we act as if being tempted is the sin, itself. This, according to the Word of God, is simply not true. Christ was tempted—Christ was without sin. No matter what lures a person feels, God always gives them a way to respond without violating His will (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Instead of a cold, emotionless judge, or a flawed, fickle spirit, Christians worship Jesus Christ. He is the only One who has both experienced and overcome the power of sin and temptation. As the next verse shows, this not only takes away our excuses for failure, it gives us reassurance that, when we fail, He will offer us mercy and compassion.

Verse 16. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The central figure of the Christian faith is not some remote deity, a flawed spirit, or a being with no understanding of human nature. If that were the case, then prayer would be a terrifying and possibly meaningless experience. Fortunately, for the Christian, Jesus not only understands our struggles and failures (Hebrews 2:14–18), He has overcome them first-hand (Hebrews 4:15).

This verse is the conclusion of a point begun in verse 14. After encouraging Christians to complete the works God has given us (Hebrews 4:1–11), the writer reminds us that God’s word is the ultimate measuring stick for all of our thoughts, deeds, and intentions (Hebrews 4:12). Nothing is hidden or obscure to God, who is our ultimate judge (Hebrews 4:13). Verses 14 and 15 make it clear that we can maintain our faith in the face of struggles, knowing that Christ has already shown us the way. He not only experienced suffering, death, and temptation, but did it without succumbing to sin.

Knowing, then, that Christ fully understands our weaknesses and has experienced our pain, we can pray. When we come to God asking for mercy, grace, help, or forgiveness, we can be confident (Hebrews 3:6) and assured. Nobody understands our pain better than Jesus, which is why only Jesus can be our High Priest as well as the substitute for our payment of sin (Hebrews 2:18).

End of Chapter 4.

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