What does Hebrews 4:10 mean?

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Hebrews 4:10

Explanation

Hebrews 4:10 speaks about the concept of spiritual rest in the Christian faith. The verse symbolizes the idea of completeness in God’s work, akin to the rest He took after creation. The rest referred to here is not simply physical rest but rather a state of spiritual peace and salvation. The person who has entered God’s rest is described as having ceased from their own works. This suggests that they are no longer striving to attain righteousness or favor with God through their own efforts but are instead depending on the work that Christ has done for them. It parallels the way God ceased from His creative acts on the seventh day of creation.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish Christians facing persecution and possibly considering a return to Judaism. The author of Hebrews is unknown, but the text extensively uses the Old Testament to make its case for the supremacy of Christ. This passage of Hebrews is part of a larger discourse on the concept of “rest,” which the author links with the rest that God took after creation. It also references the rest that the Israelites failed to enter because of their disobedience during the Exodus. Theologically, it connects to rest through faith in Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is rich in meaning. From a Christian viewpoint, it is often interpreted to mean rest in the salvific work of Jesus. Here, the ‘rest’ symbolizes the believer’s rest from the labors of attempting to achieve salvation through the Law. In the context of Reformation theology, it reflects the principle of “Sola Fide,” or faith alone, asserting that faith in Christ is what grants believers entrance into God’s rest.

Catholic and Orthodox interpretations may add that while faith is crucial to entering God’s rest, this does not preclude the necessity of good works as fruit of faith. Furthermore, it can be seen as a charge to inspire confidence and peace in the believer’s soul, affirming that in Christ’s finished work, there is nothing further to add.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can encourage individuals to trust in the provision and salvation offered through Christ, rather than becoming anxious or striving to earn God’s favor. It can inspire confidence in believers that their salvation is secure and remind them to live from a place of spiritual rest and assurance. It also serves to discourage legalistic tendencies and to encourage a relationship with God based on faith and grace.

Cross-References

• Genesis 2:2 (KJV): “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”
• Matthew 11:28 (KJV): “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Language Study

The original Greek word for “entered” (εἰσελθών) carries the connotation of entrance into a specific state or condition. The word for “rest” (κατάπαυσιν) comes from the root word “καταπαύω,” which means to cause to cease, to rest, or to take rest. The phrase “ceased from his own works” (πέπαυται τῶν ἔργων αὐτοῦ) employs the Greek word “πέπαυται,” which is in the perfect tense indicating a completed action with ongoing results.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison, various ancient cultures had myths about gods resting after creation, like in the Epic of Gilgamesh where the gods rest after the flood. The biblical rest differs as a moral and spiritual principle. In Judaism, the Sabbath’s rest is a time to refrain from work and remember creation and liberation from Egypt. In Islam, the concept of resting after creation is not emphasized; instead, the focus is on submission to God (Islam) through obedience to His will.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, rest is recognized as a fundamental necessity for human health and well-being. However, the concept of spiritual rest mentioned in this verse transcends the physical, theoretical frameworks of science. Consequently, while science values physical rest and acknowledges its benefits, the spiritual rest described in Hebrews pertains to a theological dimension beyond the scope of empirical scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 4:10 offer a range of interpretations, but most agree on its core message of faith and reliance on Jesus Christ. Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that this rest is a spiritual rest, “a rest of grace, and comfort, and holiness, in the gospel state.” Other scholars, like John Calvin, emphasize the cessation of works as crucial for understanding the nature of true faith. Contemporary commentaries often reflect on the contrast between the believer’s rest in Christ and the futile efforts of self-justification, stressing the importance of recognizing Christ’s complete and sufficient work for salvation.