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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS

CHAPTER FOUR:
“DO UTMOST TO ENTER GOD’S SABBATH”

Key Word: Sabbath
Theme Verse: 11

Hebrews 4:1-5 – Fear Some Have Fallen Short

HE4:1 Therefore, though a promise remains of entering into [God’s] Rest, 121 we should fear that at some time some one of us may fall short of [that Sabbath]. 122

121	A promise remains of entering into [God’s] Rest: [TCN] Or, WEY: since, then, it is still true that some will be admitted to it. God would not forbid some to enter His Sabbath without indicating that others could. [Genesis 2:3; Exodus 20:11] Paul is going to explain what this “rest” is.

122

We should fear that at some time some one of us may fall short of [that Sabbath]: Or, KJV: let us therefore fear; NOR: proper fear; TCN: be careful; WEY: on our guard; TCN: missed it; BER: found to be delinquent; KNX: missed his chance. Entrance into God’s Sabbath Rest is conditional and just as the Hebrews fell short of it Christians may also. [Galatians 5:4] Compare notes on Hebrews 3:12 and Hebrews 12:15. It is clear Christians can “fall short” because of doubt and disobedience.

HE4:2 For we also had the Good News brought to us just as those [Hebrews]. 123 However, the Word did not benefit them 124 because they were not joined together in conviction 125 concerning the thing they heard.

123	For we also had the Good News brought to us just as those [Hebrews]: [NOR] Or, KJV: for unto us was the gospel preached; TCN: just as they had. [See notes on Matthew 4:23; Colossians 1:23] Regarding the Hebrews hearing the Gospel compare the notes on Romans 10:18.

124	The Word did not benefit them: [WEY] Or, MOF: was of no use to them; RHM: the word which was heard did not profit them. [Deuteronomy 32:15] The Greek is HO LOGOS as it is in John 1:1. This “word” was spoken through the Angel of Yahweh.

125

Because they were not joined together in conviction: That is, “they were not in harmony with faith.” Or, KJV: being mixed with faith in them; ASV: not united by faith; RHM: blended; NEB: they brought no admixture of faith; ALF: unmingled; TCN: they did not share the faith of those who were attentive to it. [Deuteronomy 32:20] There is a lesson in gathering in unity for mutual strength which the Hebrews failed to do.

HE4:3 For we do enter [God’s] Rest because of our deep conviction. 126 Just as [God] said, “Just as I swore in my anger, ‘They will not enter My Rest,’” [Psalm 95:11] – even though His works were finished from the world’s founding. 127

126	We do enter [God’s] Rest because of our deep conviction: Or, KJV: for we which have believed do enter into rent; WMS: for we who have believed are being admitted to that rest. Faith or conviction is the basis for entering God’s Sabbath.

127

Even though His works were finished from the world’s founding: [KJV] Or, MON: foundation of the world. God’s “work” of creation ended with Adam and Eve. [Genesis 2:2, 3; 5:1; Exodus 31:17] The reading of Genesis 2:3 in Hebrew may be, “has been resting.” Some chronologists place the creation of Adam early in the year 4,000 BCE. Thus, God’s seventh day of Rest is now about 6,000 years old. There are various opinions on this and it is left to the individual to make a personal determination. Some feel the Thousand Year rule of Christ would be included in this Seventh Day making a total of 7,000 years. See notes on Ephesians 1:4 regarding the phrase “founding of the world.”

HE4:4 For [God] has stated somewhere regarding the seventh day thusly, “And The God rested from all His works on the seventh day.” 128 [Genesis 2:2]

128	And The God rested from all His works on the seventh day: Paul alludes to Genesis 2:3.

HE4:5 And again in this same place, “They will not enter into My Rest.” 129 [Psalm 95:11]

129	They will not enter into My Rest: Paul again quotes Psalm 95:11. This coronation psalm was written by David about the year 1077 BCE and so God’s Rest had been ongoing for 3,000 years.

Hebrews 4:6-10 – Disobedient Israelites Fell Short

HE4:6 Therefore, since it remains for some persons to enter [God’s Rest] 130 – and those former [Hebrews] who heard the Good News did not enter because of their disobedience 131 –

130

Since it remains for some persons to enter [God’s Rest]: [KJV] God’s seventh day Sabbath Rest may be viewed as an abstraction of His desisting from works of creation. Exactly how those Hebrews would have been allowed into this Rest is not clearly explained. However, judging from what follows, it seems those who would display obedient faith would enter into this symbolic Rest in a relationship with God such as Abraham had with Yehowah. Now Paul, over 1,100 years after David indicates this Rest still continues with opportunity to enter it by faith. Some would make an application to a resurrection DURING the Messianic Thousand Years, but Revelation 20:5, 11-13 indicates this is not the case. [1 Corinthians 15:24]

131	Disobedience: [ASV] Or, KJV: unbelief; RHM: obstinacy. Disbelief includes or infers disobedience. Like the Hebrews, Christians also must live according to God’s commandments. [See notes on 1 John 3:23]

HE4:7 [God] again defines a certain day 132 [with the word] “Today” in David’s [psalm] after so much time [had already past], 133 again saying as before, “Today if you should hear His Voice, do not harden your hearts.” [Psalm 95:8]

132	[God] again defines a certain day: [ASV] Or, KJV: limiteth a certain day; RHM: marketh out; ABUV: designates.

133	After so much time [had already past]: [ASV] Or, MOF: after so long an interval. About 3,000 years.

HE4:8 For had Joshua 134 [brought them] to a Rest, it is unlikely [God] would speak of another day. 135

134	Joshua: Or, KJV: Jesus. [Deuteronomy 31:7]

135	It is unlikely [God] would speak of another day: Or, God would not have continued to speak later about another still future day.

HE4:9 So in reality there remains a Sabbath Rest regarding the People of The God. 136

136

So in reality there remains a Sabbath Rest regarding the People of The God: Or, KJV: there remaineth therefore; WEY: it follows; GDS: so there must still be; ASV: a sabbath rest for the people of God; ALF: a keeping of sabbath; PME: a full and complete rest; AMP: for the true people of God. [Mark 2:28] Some will associate the Sabbath law with this; however, the Hebrews in the wilderness were no doubt observing such a Sabbath.

HE4:10 Because the person who has entered [God’s] Rest has likewise rested from [personal] works 137 just as The God rested from His own works.

137

The person who has entered [God’s] Rest has likewise rested from [personal] works: [KJV] Or, ASV: rested from his works; TCN: rested after his work; PME: is resting from his own work. This seems to define the result of entering God’s Rest: a cessation of work. What “works” would these be? The disobedient Hebrews in the wilderness trek refused to listen to Moses or observe God’s commandments. They persisted in wanting to do their own works. It was for this reason God rejected them. This stands as an example or type. [1 Corinthians 10:6-11] The Christian who wishes to enter Gods Rest must desist from works of sin and personal self-centered pursuit. Such a disciple must become obedient by observing the commandments of the Lord Jesus. [John 14:15; 15:14]

Hebrews 4:11-13 – Do Utmost to Enter God’s Rest

HE4:11 Therefore, we should make haste to enter into that Rest 138 so that we should not fall into that same example 139 of [Hebrew] disobedience. 140

138	We should make haste to enter into that Rest: Or, KJV: let us labour; ASV: give diligence; ALF: earnestly strive; TCN: make every effort; BER: exert ourselves; WMS: do our best; PME: let us be eager. Personal effort is required to benefit from Gods Rest.

139	So that we should not fall into that same example: [KJV] Or, GDS: fail. Just as God rejected those Hebrews He may also reject a Christian disciple who is disobedient.

140	Disobedience: Compare the example of Jesus with the Hebrews in the notes on Hebrews 5:8. If Christ was perfected by obedience, so also his “brothers” must remain obedient.

HE4:12 For the Word of The God is a living [thing], 141 energizing 142 and sharper than a two-edged sword. 143 [God’s Word] cuts through so deep as to separate psyche and pneuma, 144 even joints and marrow. 145 It is something that discerns thoughts and inner heart motives. 146

141

For the Word of The God is a living [thing]: [MOF] Or, KJV: quick; ASV: living; WEY: full of life; WMS: the message is alive. The Hebrews viewed the written word as a living entity with its own power. [1 Peter 1:23] God’s Word had been used in Hebrews 4:2 and now is further explained and applied. The Hebrews failed to listen to the “word” – HO LOGOS.

142

Energizing: [RHM] Or, KJV: quick; ASV: active; WEY: power; WMS: full of power in action. The Greek is ENERGES [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1756] and literally means “energetic” [RHM], or that which “works” or “in-working.” An “erg” is a unit measurement of work in physics. God’s Word can provide energy, working within he disciple to remain obedient and faithful.

143	Sharper than a two-edged sword: [KJV] Or, RHM: more cutting than any knife with two edges. The Greek is literally, “two-mouthed.” [Isaiah 49:2; see notes on Ephesians 6:17]

144

Cuts through so deep as to separate psyche and pneuma: Or, KJV: piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit; RHM: penetrating as far as; NOR: penetrates deeply, making a distinction between; PME: strikes through. It seems possible the word “soul” here means the physical as it does in 1 Corinthians 15:44. The physical is now fleshly and sold under sin. See notes on Romans 7:14. The word “pneuma” (or, spirit) may mean the “spiritual” or the mental inclination. Paul shows the struggle between these two in Romans 7:18 and Romans 8:5. [See notes] God’s Word helps the disciple discern between the physical drive and motivations and the spiritual inclinations.

145

Even joints and marrow: [KJV] Or, PME: to the innermost intimacies of a man’s being. Joints permit movement. Marrow produces and stores red blood cells. The blood is described as possessing “soul” [Leviticus 17:11, 14] so marrow would be the very center of a person’s being. Here the joints would be parallel to the soul and the marrow to the spirit.

146

It is something that discerns thoughts and inner heart motives: Or, KJV: is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart; RHM: able to judge the impulses and designs off the heart; WMS: passing judgment on the thoughts and purposes; BER: is skilled in judging the heart’s ponderings and meditations; PME: thoughts and motives. Paul personifies the Word [HO LOGOS] of God as though the word itself could discern or judge a person’s heart. This is similar to the personification of the holy Pneuma. There is a difference between thought and motive, or ideas and inclinations. This also parallels the soul and spirit above.

HE4:13 There is not a creation not exposed in His sight. 147 Everything is naked and laid wide open 148 to the eyes of Him with whom we have an accounting. 149 [Job 31:4; 35:15]

147	There is not a creation not exposed in His sight: Or, KJV: neither is there any creature that is no manifested in his sight; TCN: that can hide; WEY: no created thing is able to escape scrutiny. Does Paul still mean the Word which he has personified? [Psalm 7:9; 90:8; Proverbs 15:11]

148	Everything is naked and laid wide open: [MOF] Or, KJV all things are naked and open; WEY: lies bare and completely exposed; MON: naked and laid prostrate; GDS: bare and helpless. [Psalm 33:13-15; John 3:19-21]

149

With whom we have an accounting: [TCN] Or, KJV: with whom we have to do; MOF: with whom we have to reckon; LAM: to whom we are to answer. A possible allusion to Job 31:4 or similar phrases. [Compare Ecclesiastes 12:14] The Greek is simply LOGOS but this is the root for the English “log” of accounts. Every human being will stand before the Judge to render an account for their words and actions in this life. [See notes on Matthew 12:36, 37; see notes on Romans 2:15, 16 and Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-13]

Hebrews 4:14-16 – Hold Fast to Sympathetic Priest

HE4:14 Having, therefore, a great High Priest who has ascended through the heavens 150 – Jesus the Son of The God – we must keep holding firmly onto our confession [of him]. 151

150

A great High Priest who has ascended through the heavens: [LAM] That is, the Celestialum. Or, KJV: passed into the heavens; WMS: gone right up to; TCN: passed into the highest Heaven. [Daniel 7:12; Acts 1:9-11; see notes on Hebrews 7:26] Paul mentions a “third heaven” and there are a variety of views. The sky is one heaven; the stellar universe a second; and God’s own dwelling “the heavens of the heavens.” [Elsewhere this is called the Celestialum.] The word “heaven” is used at least ten different ways in the Bible.

151	We must keep holding firmly onto our confession [of him]: [ASV] Or, KJV: let us hold fast our profession; WEY: hold firmly to our profession; BEC: let us cling to what we confess. [See Hebrews 3:1 and Hebrews 10:23]

HE4:15 For we do not have a High Priest unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, 152 but rather [one] who was tested in every way just as we 153 [have been tested], but without sinning.

152

For we do not have a High Priest unable to sympathize with our weaknesses: [ALF] Or, KJV: cannot be touched; RHM: fellow-feeling; BAS: to be touched by the feelings of our feeble flesh; LAM: share our infirmities. [Isaiah 53:4; see notes on Hebrews 2:17] Jesus’ ministry evidences his sympathy and pity for the people. [See notes on Matthew 9:36.]

153

Who was tested in every way just as we: [RHM] Or, KJV: was in all points tempted like as we are; CON: trials; BAS: tested in all points as we ourselves are tested. Every temptation, which could befall a human being, Jesus also had to face. He did so without sinning or making a single mistake. [2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22] See notes on Hebrews 7:26. [See notes on Matthew 4:1-8; James 1:14, 15.]

HE4:16 Therefore, let us approach with confidence toward the Throne of unmerited favor 154 so that we might receive mercy and unmerited favor 155 and find aid at just the right moment. 156

154

Let us approach with confidence toward the Throne of unmerited favor: [MOF] Or, KJV: let us therefore come boldly unto; ASV: draw near; RHM: approaching with freedom of speech unto the throne of favour; WMS: let us continue coming with courage to; BER: with assurance. See notes on Ephesians 2:18 and Hebrews 10:19. Whether this is God’s or His High Priest’s throne is divided. The context seems to point to the High Priest who is sympathetic and merciful.

155	We might receive mercy and unmerited favor: Or, KJV: that we may obtain mercy and find grace; PME: that we may receive mercy for our failures.

156

Find aid at just the right moment: Or, KJV: help in time of need; ABUV: well-timed help; RHM: seasonal succour; NEB: timely help; GDS: find him responsive when we need his help; WMS: find his spiritual strength to help us when we need it. The idea that Christ is prepared to offer us “aid” when we need it is comforting indeed. [See also 1 John 5:18] The Greek for “aid” and “right moment” is from the Greek EUKAIRON BONTHEIAN [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #996, help]. EUKAIRON means “well-timed” or in “excellent-season.” [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2121, timely, opportune]. Each “well-timed” aid or help is that appropriate for each Saint and his/her tests.

Review Questions on Chapter Four

Summary of Chapter Four

Paul explains the matter of God’s Rest and the hope of entering into it. He makes it clear that disobedience bars one from entering God’s Rest and that those who do have ceased their own self-righteous and self-centered works. Paul explains how the Word of God aids in entering this Rest. Paul describes this sympathetic High Priest and explains why we can approach the Throne of Grace with confidence.