What does Hebrews 4:5 mean?

And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Hebrews 4:5

Explanation

Hebrews 4:5, in the King James Version (KJV), states: “And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.” This verse is part of a larger discourse that the author of Hebrews engages in concerning the concept of ‘rest’ as it relates to the believer. The passage centers around a spiritual rest promised by God, which is likened to the rest He took after the creation of the world as described in Genesis, and the rest that was offered to the Israelites in Canaan.

In the immediate context, the author quotes Psalm 95:11 where God talks about His rest and the disobedience of the Israelites who could not enter it due to their lack of faith. The verse emphasizes the continuation of the offer of rest, and it points out that the promised rest still stands and is available. It underscores an implication that there is a risk of missing out on this rest due to disbelief, just as the Israelites did.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to a group of early Christians who were likely Jewish converts. The epistle addresses these early believers, who were familiar with the Old Testament and Jewish heritage. The analogy of God’s rest would have been particularly poignant to a Jewish audience, as the concept of rest was deeply interwoven into Jewish law and tradition, particularly in the ritual of the Sabbath and the history of the Israelites’ search for a homeland.

The author of Hebrews refers back to Psalm 95 and the story of the Israelites in the wilderness to pull from their shared cultural memory and make a powerful point about faith and obedience.

Theological Insights

The concept of rest in Hebrews 4:5 is rich with theological meaning. From a Christian standpoint, it represents the spiritual rest that comes from putting one’s faith in Jesus Christ. For some theologians, this verse and its surrounding context are seen to contrast works and faith, positing that true rest is found not in following the Law to the letter, but through faith in Christ.

Other theological viewpoints might stress the continuity of God’s promise and the seriousness of the offer, reflecting a God who is both just and merciful. The rest discussed here is often understood eschatologically, referring to the ultimate rest believers will find in the presence of God after life on earth.

Practical Applications

Hebrews 4:5 can encourage believers to maintain faith and trust in God’s promises, emphasizing that spiritual rest is a gift from God and is still accessible. It warns against hardness of heart and unbelief, encouraging a posture of humility and obedience. In practical terms, it can serve as a reminder to seek rest and peace in one’s spiritual life, and to prioritize one’s relationship with God amidst the busyness and strife of daily life.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 3:11: “So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.”
• Psalm 95:11: “Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.”
• Hebrews 4:3: “For 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.”

Language Study

The phrase “If they shall enter into my rest” in the original Greek text uses the term “εἰ εἰσελεύσονται” (ei eiseleusontai) for “If they shall enter,” which is a conditional clause, and “εἰς τὴν κατάπαυσίν μου” (eis tēn katapausin mou) for “into my rest.” The word “katapausis” connotes resting or cessation from work and has links to the creation story where God rested on the seventh day.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of divine rest finds parallels in many ancient cultures where gods often have their own realms or sanctuaries of rest. For example, in Greek mythology, the gods reside atop Mount Olympus, a place of peace away from the toils of mortals. In Hebrews, however, the rest is offered to humans, not just reserved for the divine, which is a significant distinction in Judeo-Christian thought.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science has shown the significant benefits of rest for both physical and mental health, affirming the importance of rest from a biological standpoint. However, the rest spoken of in Hebrews 4:5 is more of a spiritual concept, which science does not directly address. Still, scientific studies on meditation and spiritual practices suggest that such activities can provide benefits akin to physical rest, offering some potential parallels.

Commentaries

Commentaries offer various perspectives on Hebrews 4:5:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the seriousness of God’s promise and the danger of falling short of it, remarking on the “rest” as God’s heavenly rest offered through Christ.
• The Expositor’s Greek Testament discusses the conditionality implied in the verse, indicating the rest is not automatic but contingent upon faith and obedience.
• The Pulpit Commentary suggests this verse reiterates the lesson from Psalm 95 that God’s promised rest remains available, but it requires a response from the hearer. It also underscores the concept of God’s rest as something that has existed since the foundation of the world, tying in the creation narrative.
• F.F. Bruce, in his commentary on Hebrews, links this verse to the idea of rest as an aspect of the eschatological hope—the final and complete rest that will be realized in the world to come.