Hebrews 3:11

So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)

So {G5613} I sware {G3660} in {G1722} my {G3450} wrath {G3709}, They shall {G1525} not {G1487} enter {G1525} into {G1519} my {G3450} rest {G2663}.)

in my anger, I swore
that they would not enter my rest.”

So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’”

As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.

Hebrews 3:11 quotes a solemn divine oath from Psalm 95:11, serving as a powerful warning to the readers against the perils of unbelief and disobedience. The verse highlights God's righteous judgment against those who hardened their hearts and failed to enter His promised rest.

Context

This verse is central to the author of Hebrews' extended exhortation in chapters 3 and 4. The writer uses the historical example of the Israelites in the wilderness as a cautionary tale. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, that generation repeatedly rebelled and failed to trust Him, ultimately leading to their exclusion from the Promised Land. The author emphasizes this by reiterating the warning from Hebrews 3:7-8, urging believers to learn from this historical failure and not harden their own hearts in the present.

Key Themes

  • Divine Oath and Unchangeable Decree: The phrase "I sware in my wrath" signifies the absolute certainty and solemnity of God's judgment. When God makes an oath, it is an irreversible declaration, reflecting His unchangeable character and purpose (Hebrews 6:17).
  • The Nature of God's "Rest": Originally, "my rest" referred to the land of Canaan, where Israel was meant to find peace and security after their wanderings. However, the author of Hebrews expands this concept to a deeper, spiritual "Sabbath rest" that remains available to the people of God through faith in Christ (Hebrews 4:9).
  • The Consequence of Unbelief and Disobedience: The primary reason the wilderness generation was barred from God's rest was their persistent unbelief and rebellion, which led to their disobedience (Numbers 14:22-23). This serves as a powerful warning against spiritual apathy and a failure to trust God's promises.
  • God's Righteous Wrath: "In my wrath" highlights God's holy indignation against sin and obstinate unbelief. This is not an uncontrolled outburst but a just and righteous response to human rebellion against His divine will and goodness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "wrath" here is orgē (ὀργῇ), which denotes a settled, principled indignation or a righteous displeasure, rather than a fit of temper. It speaks to God's consistent opposition to sin. The term for "rest" is katapausis (κατάπαυσιν), meaning a cessation from labor, trouble, or wandering, and implies a state of peace, security, and fulfillment.

Practical Application

Hebrews 3:11 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today:

  • Heed God's Warnings: The historical account of Israel's failure is not merely a story but a profound warning for all generations. We are called to learn from their mistakes and diligently pursue faith and obedience.
  • Guard Against Unbelief: Spiritual lethargy, doubt, and a refusal to trust God's word can lead to a hardening of the heart, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of God's blessings and spiritual rest.
  • Enter God's Present Rest: The "rest" that God offers is not just a future hope but also a present reality of peace and security found in Christ. We are invited to cast our burdens upon Him and find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-29). This requires continuous faith and adherence to His commands.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 1:34

    And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying,

  • Deuteronomy 1:35

    Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,

  • Hebrews 4:3

    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.

  • Deuteronomy 2:14

    And the space in which we came from Kadeshbarnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, [was] thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as the LORD sware unto them.

  • Hebrews 4:5

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

  • Psalms 95:11

    Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

  • Numbers 14:20

    ¶ And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:

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