King James Version

What Does Hebrews 4:2 Mean?

Hebrews 4:2 in the King James Version says “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed wi... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 4:2 · KJV


Context

1

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.

2

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

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.

4

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.


Commentary

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse explains why an entire generation died in the wilderness despite witnessing miracles. Privilege without faith brings judgment, not salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you mix what you hear from God's Word with genuine faith and obedience?
  2. What biblical truth have you heard but not yet believed and acted upon?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

For

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γάρ2 of 20
G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐσμεν3 of 20

unto us was

G2070

we are

εὐηγγελισμένοι4 of 20

the gospel preached

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

καθάπερ5 of 20

as well as

G2509

exactly as

κἀκεῖνοι·6 of 20

unto them

G2548

likewise that (or those)

ἀλλ'7 of 20

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὐκ8 of 20

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὠφέλησεν9 of 20

did

G5623

to be useful, i.e., to benefit

10 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος11 of 20

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τῆς12 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκοῆς13 of 20

preached

G189

hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)

ἐκείνους14 of 20

them

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

μὴ15 of 20

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

συγκεκραμένος16 of 20

being mixed

G4786

to commingle, i.e., (figuratively) to combine or assimilate

τῇ17 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πίστει18 of 20

with faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

τοῖς19 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκούσασιν20 of 20

in them that heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 4:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 4:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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