King James Version

What Does Hebrews 4:7 Mean?

Hebrews 4:7 in the King James Version says “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 h... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Hebrews 4:7 · KJV


Context

5

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

6

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

7

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.

8

For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. Jesus: that is, Joshua

9

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. rest: or, keeping of a sabbath


Commentary

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 95 was written c. 1000 BC, about 400 years after the wilderness rebellion. Yet it speaks of 'today,' showing the warning remained relevant. The author applies it again in the first century, and it remains relevant now.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the ongoing relevance of 'today' prevent spiritual complacency?
  2. What does it mean that God addresses you personally through Scripture written millennia ago?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
πάλιν1 of 24

Again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

τινὰ2 of 24

a certain

G5100

some or any person or object

ὁρίζει3 of 24

he limiteth

G3724

to mark out or bound ("horizon"), i.e., (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify

ἡμέραν4 of 24

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

Σήμερον5 of 24

To day

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

ἐν6 of 24

in

G1722

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

Δαβὶδ7 of 24

David

G1138

david, the israelite king

λέγων8 of 24

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

μετὰ9 of 24

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τοσοῦτον10 of 24

so long

G5118

apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)

χρόνον11 of 24

a time

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

καθὼς12 of 24

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

εἴρηται,13 of 24

it is said

G2046

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

Σήμερον14 of 24

To day

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

ἐὰν15 of 24

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τῆς16 of 24
G3588

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

φωνῆς17 of 24

voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

αὐτοῦ18 of 24

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀκούσητε19 of 24

ye will hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

μὴ20 of 24

not

G3361

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

σκληρύνητε21 of 24

harden

G4645

to indurate, i.e., (figuratively) render stubborn

τὰς22 of 24
G3588

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

καρδίας23 of 24

hearts

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

ὑμῶν24 of 24

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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