King James Version
Hebrews 4
16 verses with commentary
The Promise of Rest
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The 'promise of entering his rest' remains valid, creating both opportunity and danger. The fear urged is not paralyzing dread but reverent caution. 'Come short' (Greek 'hystereo') means to fail to reach or be left behind. This rest is not merely Canaan but the ultimate sabbath rest in God's presence, foreshadowed by both creation rest and the Promised Land.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **Let us therefore fear.**—The emphasis rests upon “fear,” not upon “us.” It is noteworthy that the writer begins with “Let us,” though about to write “lest any of *you;”* he will have gained his object if he brings his readers to share his fear.
**Lest, a promise being left us.**—Rather, *lest haply, a promise being* (still) *left.* No word must be inserted here that can diminish the generali...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. keep this commandment--**Greek, "the commandment," that is, the Gospel rule of life (1Ti 1:5; Joh 13:34; 2Pe 2:21; 3:2).
**without spot, unrebukeable--**agreeing with "thou." Keep the commandment and so be without spot," &c. "Pure" (1Ti 5:22; Ep 5:27; Jas 1:27; 2Pe 3:14).
**until the appearing of ... Christ--**His coming in person (2Th 2:8; Tit 2:13). Believers then used in their pra...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
The apostle solemnly charges Timothy to be diligent, though many will not bear sound doctrine.(1-5)
Enforces the charge from his own martyrdom, then at hand.(6-8)
Desires him to come speedily.(9-13)
He cautions, and complains of such as had deserted him; and expresses his faith as to his own preservation to the heavenly kingdom.(14-18)
Friendly gre...
Read full commentary →For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. the word: Gr. the word of hearing not being: or, because they were not united by faith to
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The gospel was preached 'to us' (Christians) as 'to them' (wilderness generation), showing continuity of God's message. The crucial difference: the word must be 'mixed with faith' (Greek 'synkekerasmenous te pistei'). Hearing alone profits nothing without believing response. Faith is the hand that receives what God offers in His word.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **For unto us was.**—Rather, *for we have had glad tidings preached unto us, even as they had.* The object of these words is to support Hebrews 4:1, “a promise being left.” How fitly the good news of the promise might, alike in their case and in ours, be designated by the same word as the “gospel,” will afterwards appear.
**The word preached.**—Literally, *the word of hearing, i.e., *the word ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. in his times--**Greek, "His own [fitting] times" (Ac 1:7). The plural implies successive stages in the manifestation of the kingdom of God, each having its own appropriate time, the regulating principle and knowledge of which rests with the Father (1Ti 2:6; 2Ti 1:9; Tit 1:3; He 1:1).
**he shall show--**"display": an expression appropriate in reference to His "APPEARING," which is stronger ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
The apostle solemnly charges Timothy to be diligent, though many will not bear sound doctrine.(1-5)
Enforces the charge from his own martyrdom, then at hand.(6-8)
Desires him to come speedily.(9-13)
He cautions, and complains of such as had deserted him; and expresses his faith as to his own preservation to the heavenly kingdom.(14-18)
Friendly gre...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'We which have believed do enter into rest' indicates rest is both present possession and future consummation. The quote from Psalm 95:11 shows God's rest existed before Israel's failure, stemming from creation itself (verse 4). Unbelief excludes from rest, while faith grants entrance into experiential peace with God even now.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **For we which have believed.**—The emphasis is two-fold, resting both on “believed” and on “we enter.” The former looks back to Hebrews 4:2, “by faith”*—“for* it is we who believed that enter.” . . . The latter looks forward to the remainder of the verse, the purport of which is that the rest exists, and that “entering into the rest” may still be spoken of.
**As I have sworn . . .**—Rather (a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. Who only hath immortality--**in His own essence, not merely at the will of another, as all other immortal beings [Justin Martyr, Quæst. ad Orthod., 61]. As He hath immortality, so will He give it to us who believe; to be out of Him is death. It is mere heathen philosophy that attributes to the soul indestructibility in itself, which is to be attributed solely to God's gift. As He hath life i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
The apostle solemnly charges Timothy to be diligent, though many will not bear sound doctrine.(1-5)
Enforces the charge from his own martyrdom, then at hand.(6-8)
Desires him to come speedily.(9-13)
He cautions, and complains of such as had deserted him; and expresses his faith as to his own preservation to the heavenly kingdom.(14-18)
Friendly gre...
Read full commentary →For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Quoting Genesis 2:2, the author establishes God's 'rest' as the pattern for the believers' rest. God's Sabbath rest after creation demonstrates the goal of redemption - entering into God's own rest. Reformed theology sees the Sabbath as both creation ordinance and redemptive type, pointing to the ultimate rest in Christ. God's rest was not from exhaustion but satisfaction in completed work, as Chr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **For he spake in a certain place.**—Better, *For he hath spoken somewhere, *another example of indefiniteness of citation. (See Note on Hebrews 2:6.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17. Resuming the subject from above, 1Ti 6:5, 10. The immortality of God, alone rich in glory, and of His people through Him, is opposed to the lust of money (compare 1Ti 6:14-16). From speaking of the desire to be rich, he here passes to those who are rich: (1) What ought to be their disposition; (2) What use they ought to make of their riches, and, (3) The consequences of their so using them.
...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
The apostle solemnly charges Timothy to be diligent, though many will not bear sound doctrine.(1-5)
Enforces the charge from his own martyrdom, then at hand.(6-8)
Desires him to come speedily.(9-13)
He cautions, and complains of such as had deserted him; and expresses his faith as to his own preservation to the heavenly kingdom.(14-18)
Friendly gre...
Read full commentary →And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.</strong> This verse continues the author's exposition of Psalm 95:11, where God swore in His wrath that the wilderness generation would not enter His rest. The phrase "in this place again" (<em>en toutō palin</em>, ἐν τούτῳ πάλιν) emphasizes the repetition and reinforcement of God's solemn oath. The conditional "if they shall enter...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. do good--**like God Himself (Psa 119:68; Ac 14:17) and Christ (Ac 10:38). Tittmann translates, "to do," or "act well"; as the Greek for "to be beneficent" is a distinct word, agathopoiein.
**rich in good works--**so "rich in faith," which produces good works (Jas 2:5). Contrasted with "rich in this world," 1Ti 6:17. Literally, it is "rich in honorable (right) works." Greek, "kalois," "ergo...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and overseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and God's stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to...
Read full commentary →Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein , and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: it was: or, the gospel was
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The logic: since rest remains available, and the original generation failed to enter through disobedience, the promise extends to subsequent generations. The Greek 'apoleleitai' (remains) indicates ongoing availability. Reformed covenant theology sees this as demonstrating the unity of God's redemptive purpose across testaments - the gospel was preached to them (4:2), but only those with faith ben...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) The substance of the preceding verses may be thus expressed: There is a rest of God, into which some are to enter with God,—a rest not yet entered at the time of the wandering in the wilderness, and therefore not that which followed the work of creation,—a rest from which some were excluded because of unbelief. These five particulars are repeated in substance in the present verse: “Seeing, the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. Laying up in store--**"therefrom (that is, by this means [Alford]; but Bengel makes the Greek "apo" mean laying apart against a future time), laying up for themselves as a treasure" [Alford] (Mt 6:19, 20). This is a treasure which we act wisely in laying up in store, whereas the wisest thing we can do with earthly treasures is "to distribute" them and give others a share of them (1Ti 6:18).
...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and overseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and God's stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to...
Read full commentary →Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God 'again fixes a certain day' through David's psalm (Psalm 95), written centuries after Joshua. The word 'today' maintains urgency across generations. This demonstrates Scripture's timeless relevance and the Holy Spirit's present-tense address through ancient texts. Reformed hermeneutics affirms the historical meaning while recognizing the Spirit's ongoing application to contemporary readers.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Again, he limiteth.**—Better, *He again marketh out* (or, *defineth*)*.* The next step taken (see the last Note) is to point out that, long after the occupation of Canaan, the Psalmist—God speaking in the Psalm—says “To-day,” in pleading with Israel. The implied meaning is as if He said, “Harden not your hearts today, lest I swear unto you also, Ye shall not enter into My rest.”
**In David.*...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
20-21. Recapitulatory conclusion: the main aim of the whole Epistle being here summarily stated.
**O Timothy--**a personal appeal, marking at once his affection for Timothy, and his prescience of the coming heresies.
**keep--**from spiritual thieves, and from enemies who will, while men sleep, sow tares amidst the good seed sown by the Son of man.
**that which is committed to thy trust--**Gr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and overseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and God's stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to...
Read full commentary →For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. Jesus: that is, Joshua
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
If Joshua had given them rest, God wouldn't speak of another day later. The Greek name Iēsous (Jesus/Joshua) creates wordplay - Joshua couldn't give ultimate rest, but Jesus does. This demonstrates the typological principle: OT persons and events foreshadow Christ who fulfills them. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ as the substance to which OT shadows pointed (Colossians 2:17).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) For, had the promise been fulfilled in Joshua’s conquest, the Psalm (God in the Psalm) would not be speaking of another day, saying “To-day” (Hebrews 4:7). (In one other place in the New Testament the Greek form of the name of Joshua is preserved. See the Note on Acts 7:45.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
20-21. Recapitulatory conclusion: the main aim of the whole Epistle being here summarily stated.
**O Timothy--**a personal appeal, marking at once his affection for Timothy, and his prescience of the coming heresies.
**keep--**from spiritual thieves, and from enemies who will, while men sleep, sow tares amidst the good seed sown by the Son of man.
**that which is committed to thy trust--**Gr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and overseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and God's stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to...
Read full commentary →There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. rest: or, keeping of a sabbath
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'Sabbatismos' (sabbath rest) appears only here in the NT, indicating a distinct, future rest beyond the weekly sabbath. This rest remains 'for the people of God,' emphasizing both its certainty and its specific recipients. The verb 'remaineth' (Greek 'apoleipetai') indicates something left over or reserved, pointing to eschatological fulfillment in the eternal state.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **There remaineth therefore.**—Or, *therefore there is* (still) *left:* the word is the same as in Hebrews 4:6. It is tacitly assumed that no subsequent fulfilment has altered the relation of the promise. Few things in the Epistle are more striking than the constant presentation of the thought that Scripture language is *permanent* and at all times *present.* The implied promise, therefore, re...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TIMOTHY
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and overseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and God's stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to...
Read full commentary →For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Entering God's rest involves ceasing from one's own works just as God rested from His. This pictures the cessation from works-righteousness and self-effort for salvation. Christ completed the work of redemption; we rest in His finished work. The parallel between God's creative rest and the believer's redemptive rest is profound—both celebrate completed work.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Into his rest.**—That is, *into God’s rest.*
**Hath ceased.**—Rather, *hath rested from his works as God did from His own* (works). This verse is added to explain and justify the reference to a “sabbath” in Hebrews 4:9. Man’s sabbath-rest begins when he enters into God’s rest (Genesis 2:2); as that was the goal of the creative work, so to the people of God this rest is the goal of their lif...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-16**
False teachers are described. Faithful ministers must oppose such in good time, that their folly being made manifest, they may go no further They had a base end in what they did; serving a worldly interest under pretence of religion: for the love of money is the root of all evil. Such should be resisted, and put to shame, by sound doctrine from the Scriptures. Shameful actions...
Read full commentary →The Word of God Is Living
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. unbelief: or, disobedience
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'Let us labour therefore' creates a paradox—labor to enter rest. The Greek 'spoudazo' (be diligent, make every effort) indicates urgent striving. This is not works-salvation but diligent pursuit of faith and perseverance. The 'same example of unbelief' warns that privilege without faith leads to judgment. Diligence in faith prevents falling away.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Labour.**—Rather, *give diligence, strive earnestly. *It is the necessity of watchful and constant faithfulness that is enforced. Hence the words that follow: “Lest any one fall into (or, *after*) the same example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:6; Hebrews 3:18).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
INTRODUCTION
**Place of Writing.--**Paul, in the interval between his first and second imprisonment, after having written First Timothy from Macedonia or Corinth [Birks] (if we are to adopt the opinion that First Timothy was written after his first imprisonment), returned to Ephesus, as he intended, by way of Troas, where he left the books, &c. (mentioned in 2Ti 4:13), with Carpus. From Ephes...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
Observe the end proposed: rest spiritual and eternal; the rest of grace here, and glory hereafter; in Christ on earth, with Christ in heaven. After due and diligent labour, sweet and satisfying rest shall follow; and labour now, will make that rest more pleasant when it comes. Let us labour, and quicken each other to be diligent in duty. The Holy Scriptures are the word of God...
Read full commentary →For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The Word of God is described with four powerful attributes that reveal its supernatural nature and penetrating effectiveness. The Greek word 'zōn' (ζῶν, 'quick' or 'living') indicates the Scripture is not dead text but dynamically alive, actively working in readers' hearts. The term 'energēs' (ἐνεργής, 'powerful' or 'active') emphasizes its operative energy—God's Word accomplishes purposes rather ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) As in Hebrews 3:12 the warning against the “evil heart of unbelief” is solemnly enforced by the mention of the “Living God,” so here, in pointing to the peril of disobedience, it is to the living power of the word of God that the writer makes appeal. But in what sense? Does he bring before us again the word of Scripture, or the divine Word Himself? Outside the writings of St. John there is no...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. my dearly beloved son--**In 1Ti 1:2, and Tit 1:4, written at an earlier period than this Epistle, the expression used is in the Greek, "my genuine son." Alford sees in the change of expression an intimation of an altered tone as to Timothy, more of mere love, and less of confidence, as though Paul saw m him a want of firmness, whence arose the need of his stirring up afresh the faith and grac...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
Observe the end proposed: rest spiritual and eternal; the rest of grace here, and glory hereafter; in Christ on earth, with Christ in heaven. After due and diligent labour, sweet and satisfying rest shall follow; and labour now, will make that rest more pleasant when it comes. Let us labour, and quicken each other to be diligent in duty. The Holy Scriptures are the word of God...
Read full commentary →Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse grounds the warning in divine omniscience. Nothing is 'hidden' (Greek 'aphanes') or 'uncovered' (Greek 'gumnos' - naked) from God's sight. The phrase 'to whom we must give account' (Greek 'logos' - word/account) emphasizes accountability. Reformed theology's emphasis on God's sovereignty includes His comprehensive knowledge - He sees not just actions but thoughts and motives, making eva...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **In his sight**.—Still the proper subject is “the word of God”; but, as explained above, it has assumed the meaning, *God speaking and present in His word. *Touched by this word, every creature “returns of force to its own likeness”—shows itself as it is.
**Opened.**—Better, *exposed, laid bare.* The Greek word is peculiar (literally meaning, *to take by the neck*)*, *and it seems impossible...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. I thank--**Greek, "I feel gratitude to God."
**whom I serve from my forefathers--**whom I serve (Ro 1:9) as did my forefathers. He does not mean to put on the same footing the Jewish and Christian service of God; but simply to assert his own conscientious service of God as he had received it from his progenitors (not Abraham, Isaac, &c., whom he calls "the fathers," not "progenitors" as...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
Observe the end proposed: rest spiritual and eternal; the rest of grace here, and glory hereafter; in Christ on earth, with Christ in heaven. After due and diligent labour, sweet and satisfying rest shall follow; and labour now, will make that rest more pleasant when it comes. Let us labour, and quicken each other to be diligent in duty. The Holy Scriptures are the word of God...
Read full commentary →Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'Seeing then that we have a great high priest' introduces the central theme of Hebrews 4-10. Christ's passage through the heavens surpasses the high priest's annual entrance to the earthly Holy of Holies. The dual nature—'Jesus the Son of God'—emphasizes both His humanity (Jesus) and deity (Son of God). 'Hold fast our profession' (Greek 'kratomen tes homologias') means grip tightly our confession.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) All the chief points of the earlier chapters are brought together in this verse and the next:—the High Priest (Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 3:1); His exaltation (Hebrews 1:3-4; Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 2:9); His divine Sonship (Hebrews 1; Hebrews 3:6); His compassion towards the brethren whose lot He came to share (Hebrews 2:11-18).
**That is passed into the heavens.**—Rather, *that hath passed through...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. desiring--**Greek, "with yearning as for one much missed."
**mindful of thy tears--**not only at our parting (Ac 20:37), but also often when under pious feelings.
**that I may be filled with joy--**to be joined with "desiring to see thee" (Ro 1:11, 12; 15:32).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
Observe the end proposed: rest spiritual and eternal; the rest of grace here, and glory hereafter; in Christ on earth, with Christ in heaven. After due and diligent labour, sweet and satisfying rest shall follow; and labour now, will make that rest more pleasant when it comes. Let us labour, and quicken each other to be diligent in duty. The Holy Scriptures are the word of God...
Read full commentary →For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents Christ's perfect qualification as High Priest through His genuine humanity and sympathetic understanding. The Greek construction 'ou gar echomen' (οὐ γὰ ρ ἔχομεν, 'for we have not') establishes a negation that is immediately reversed—we do not have an unsympathetic High Priest, but rather one who fully understands our weaknesses. The word 'sumpathēsai' (συμπαθῆσαι, 'be touched ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) We cannot but note again how the power of the exhortation (especially to those immediately addressed) lay in the combination of the two thoughts—the greatness and the tender compassion of the High Priest of our confession. The two are united in the words of Hebrews 4:16, “the *throne* of *grace.*” (Comp. Hebrews 8:1.) The beautiful rendering, “touched with the feeling of our infirmities,” is ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. When I call to remembrance--**This increased his "desire to see" Timothy. The oldest manuscripts read, "When I called to remembrance"; implying that some recent incident (perhaps the contrasted cowardice of the hypocrite Demas, who forsook him) had reminded him of the sincerity of Timothy's faith.
**faith that is in thee--**Alford translates, "that was in thee." He remembers Timothy's faith...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
Observe the end proposed: rest spiritual and eternal; the rest of grace here, and glory hereafter; in Christ on earth, with Christ in heaven. After due and diligent labour, sweet and satisfying rest shall follow; and labour now, will make that rest more pleasant when it comes. Let us labour, and quicken each other to be diligent in duty. The Holy Scriptures are the word of God...
Read full commentary →Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Following the revelation of Christ's sympathetic high priesthood (v. 15), this verse issues an urgent exhortation to approach God with confidence. The word 'proserchōmetha' (προσερχώμεθα, 'let us come') is a present subjunctive encouraging continuous, habitual approach—not isolated visits but ongoing communion. The adverb 'meta parrēsias' (μετὰ παρρησίας, 'boldly' or 'with confidence') denotes the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Obtain mercy.**—The real meaning is, *receive compassion* (Hebrews 2:17) in our weakness and trials. The thought of obtaining *mercy* for guilt is not in these words, taken by themselves; but “grace” meets every need. If the last verse brought evidence that our High Priest has perfect knowledge of the help required, this gives the assurance that the help shall be given as needed, and in the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. Wherefore--**Greek, "For which cause," namely, because thou hast inherited, didst once possess, and I trust ("am persuaded") still dost possess, such unfeigned faith [Alford].
**stir up--**literally, "rekindle," "revive the spark of"; the opposite of "quench" or "extinguish" (1Th 5:19). Paul does not doubt the existence of real faith in Timothy, but he desires it to be put into active exerc...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-16**
Observe the end proposed: rest spiritual and eternal; the rest of grace here, and glory hereafter; in Christ on earth, with Christ in heaven. After due and diligent labour, sweet and satisfying rest shall follow; and labour now, will make that rest more pleasant when it comes. Let us labour, and quicken each other to be diligent in duty. The Holy Scriptures are the word of God...
Read full commentary →