King James Version

What Does Hebrews 4:3 Mean?

Hebrews 4:3 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Hebrews 4:3 · 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.

5

And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.


Commentary

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The works being finished 'from the foundation of the world' points to God's eternal plan and completed creation rest. Christ later announced 'It is finished' (John 19:30), completing redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you experiencing the soul rest that comes from ceasing your own efforts and trusting Christ?
  2. How does entering God's rest affect your anxiety and striving?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
εἰσελεύσονται1 of 28

do enter

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

γὰρ2 of 28

For

G1063

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

εἰς3 of 28

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τῶν4 of 28

we which

G3588

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

κατάπαυσίν5 of 28

rest

G2663

reposing down, i.e., (by hebraism) abode

τῶν6 of 28

we which

G3588

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

πιστεύσαντες7 of 28

have believed

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

καθὼς8 of 28

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

εἴρηκεν9 of 28

he said

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

Ὡς10 of 28

As

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ὤμοσα11 of 28

I have sworn

G3660

to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath

ἐν12 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῶν13 of 28

we which

G3588

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

ὀργῇ14 of 28

wrath

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

μου15 of 28

my

G3450

of me

Εἰ16 of 28

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

εἰσελεύσονται17 of 28

do enter

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς18 of 28

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τῶν19 of 28

we which

G3588

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

κατάπαυσίν20 of 28

rest

G2663

reposing down, i.e., (by hebraism) abode

μου21 of 28

my

G3450

of me

καίτοι22 of 28

although

G2543

and yet, i.e., nevertheless

τῶν23 of 28

we which

G3588

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

ἔργων24 of 28

the works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἀπὸ25 of 28

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

καταβολῆς26 of 28

the foundation

G2602

a deposition, i.e., founding; figuratively, conception

κόσμου27 of 28

of the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

γενηθέντων28 of 28

were finished

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)


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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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