What does Hebrews 4:3 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 4:3 is part of a passionate appeal to the readers about the promise of God's rest and the importance of faith in order to enter into that rest.

The verse suggests that those who believe can experience a form of spiritual rest similar to the one God took after His creative work was completed. In this context, rest can be understood both as a cessation from labor and as a state of peace and fellowship with God.

The phrase "as he said" refers back to the scripture which the author has previously cited, specifically God's declaration in Psalm 95:11 where He in His wrath swore that those who did not obey would not enter His rest.

The verse underlines a paradox that although God’s works were completed at the creation of the world, the opportunity to enter rest is still available to believers.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was likely written for Jewish Christians before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70, a time when many were struggling with their faith in the face of persecution and societal pressure.

The author refers to the Old Testament to make a point about the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant.

The concept of "rest" harkens back to the rest God took on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2) and the promise of rest for the Israelites in Canaan (Deuteronomy 12:9).

Yet, since Israel did not enter that rest due to disbelief (Numbers 14), the author argues that a future, greater rest still awaits the people of God.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret Hebrews 4:3 in various ways.

The "rest" may symbolize salvation and eternal life from an evangelical viewpoint.

For reformed theology, this can indicate the rest found in the assurance of God's sovereignty.

In Catholic theology, rest could symbolize the peace and sanctification offered through the sacraments, while an eschatological perspective sees it as the ultimate rest in the renewed creation , heaven.

The verse is also seen as a commentary about the consequences of disbelief and a reminder that the opportunity to enter God's rest hinges on faith.

Practical Applications

Hebrews 4:3 speaks of a spiritual rest that believers can enter through faith.

This suggests a practical application of trusting God amidst life's trials and striving to enter that rest by living a life of obedience and submission to God's will.

It encourages Christians to hold on to their faith, warning against the hardening of the heart through disobedience, as was seen with the Israelites.

It can be applied in daily life by prioritizing spiritual well-being, finding rest in prayer, Scripture, and Christian fellowship, and not relying solely on worldly success or material comfort.

Cross-References

• Genesis 2:2: "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."
• Psalm 95:11: "Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest."
• Numbers 14:23: "Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it."
• Deuteronomy 12:9: "For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you."

Language Study

In the language of the New Testament, which is Koine Greek, key words from this verse include:

• "believed" (πιστεύω, pisteuō): to have faith in, to trust, indicating a complete trust or confidence in something.
• "rest" (κατάπαυσις, katapausis): denotes a resting place or a state of cessation from works.

It can be an allusion to both the rest God took after creation and the promised rest for the people of God.

• "foundation of the world" (καταβολὴ κόσμου, katabolē kosmou): This can refer to the act of creating the world or the ordering of the cosmos.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient myths, the concept of a deity resting after creation is common, such as in the Enuma Elish where the Mesopotamian god Marduk rests after defeating Tiamat and creating the world.

In religious interpretations, a day of rest is seen in many traditions; for example, the Jewish Shabbat is a day dedicated to rest and worship.

The idea of a spiritual rest that requires obedience and faith has parallels in other religions, where enlightenment or inner peace is achieved through discipline, moral conduct, and the pursuit of truth.

Scientific Perspectives

While the concept of "rest" in Hebrews 4:3 does not directly correlate with scientific principles, the idea of a completed creation relates to views on the origins of the universe, such as the Big Bang theory.

Modern cosmology might describe the "foundation of the world" as the moment of the universe's birth, although scientific descriptions are not concerned with divine rest or spiritual states but rather with physical processes and phenomena.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 4:3 offer various insights.

Some see this verse as assurance that while physical creation was completed long ago, God's plan of redemption is ongoing, and the offer of spiritual rest remains open. Others emphasize the continuity of God's promise throughout the Bible and the importance of faith for entering His rest.

Commentators like Matthew Henry see in this verse a warning not to miss the promised rest due to unbelief and disobedience, echoing the example of the Israelites.

Meanwhile, John Calvin comments on the historical stubbornness of Israel and the grace of God in offering rest to believers through faith in Christ.