Hebrews 4:16

KJV

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let us {G4334} therefore {G3767} come {G4334} boldly {G3326}{G3954} unto the throne {G2362} of grace {G5485}, that {G2443} we may obtain {G2983} mercy {G1656}, and {G2532} find {G2147} grace {G5485} to help {G996} in {G1519} time of need {G2121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne from which God gives grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.

Berean Standard Bible

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

American Standard Version

Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 4:16 extends a profound invitation to all believers: to approach the very presence of God with unwavering confidence. This access is not earned by human merit but is a gracious privilege secured by the finished work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. At this "throne of grace," we are assured of receiving both God's compassionate forgiveness (mercy) for our failures and His divine enabling power (grace) precisely when we are most in need.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic exhortation following the author's detailed exposition of Jesus Christ as the superior High Priest. Immediately preceding it, [Hebrews 4:14-15](/hebrews/4-14-15 "Hebrews 4:14-15 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") establishes Jesus' qualifications: He is a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, and crucially, one who can sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. This understanding of Christ's perfect humanity and divine authority provides the theological foundation for the bold access described in [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace"). The preceding section, [Hebrews 3:7-4:13](/hebrews/3-7-4-13 "Hebrews 3:7-4:13 - The Warning Against Unbelief"), warns against the unbelief that kept a generation from entering God's rest, emphasizing the need for faith and perseverance. Thus, [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace") offers the solution and the means to persevere through faith: direct, confident access to God's sustaining grace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the book of Hebrews was primarily Jewish Christians, likely facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism. Under the Old Covenant, access to God's immediate presence in the Holy of Holies was restricted to the High Priest, and even he could enter only once a year on the Day of Atonement, bearing the blood of sacrifice and with fear and trembling. The "throne" in the ancient Near East symbolized ultimate authority, power, and judgment. To approach a king's throne was a perilous act, often requiring an invitation and carrying the risk of death. The concept of "grace" (Greek: _charis_) was also significant in the Greco-Roman world, often referring to a favor or gift given freely. By inviting believers to approach a "throne of grace" with "boldness" (_parrhesia_), the author radically redefines the nature of divine access, contrasting it sharply with the Old Covenant's limitations and the inherent fear associated with earthly potentates.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes woven throughout Hebrews. Firstly, it highlights the **superiority of Christ's priesthood** over the Levitical system, establishing Him as the ultimate mediator who grants direct access to God, as seen in [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23-28 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - Jesus, a Superior Priest"). Secondly, it underscores the **new covenant's promise of intimacy with God**, replacing the old covenant's separation and ritualistic barriers. The "throne of grace" signifies God's character not as a distant, fearsome judge, but as a compassionate Father eager to bestow favor. Thirdly, the theme of **boldness and confidence** in approaching God is central, a privilege granted solely through Christ's atoning work on the cross, which tore the veil (cf. [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). Finally, the verse emphasizes God's **practical and timely provision** of mercy and grace, assuring believers that divine help is always available to navigate life's challenges and temptations, echoing the call to perseverance found throughout [the book of Hebrews](/hebrews/1 "The Book of Hebrews").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boldly (Greek, _parrhesía'_):** From the provided Strong's data, this term signifies "all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance." In the context of approaching God, it conveys a profound sense of confidence, freedom, and unhesitating access. It implies speaking freely and openly, without fear or reservation, knowing one is welcome and heard. This boldness is not born of human merit or arrogance, but of the secure standing granted by Christ.
* **Throne (Greek, _thrónos'_):** According to Strong's, this word denotes "a stately seat ('throne'); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate." While a throne typically symbolizes supreme authority, judgment, and majesty, its qualification here as a "throne of grace" transforms its meaning. It is indeed the seat of ultimate power, but that power is now exercised through the lens of divine favor and compassion, made accessible through Christ.
* **Grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** The Strong's definition for _cháris_ is "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)." In this verse, "grace" refers to God's undeserved favor and benevolent disposition towards humanity. It encompasses both His unmerited love and His empowering presence, which enables believers to live righteously and endure trials.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us therefore come boldly":** This is an active exhortation, a call to action. The "therefore" links directly to the preceding verses, particularly [Hebrews 4:14-15](/hebrews/4-14-15 "Hebrews 4:14-15 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), which establish Jesus as our sympathetic and sinless High Priest. The command to "come" implies an intentional, personal approach, and "boldly" (as discussed above) means with full confidence, freedom of speech, and without fear, because the way has been opened by Christ.
* **"unto the throne of grace":** This phrase identifies the destination and the nature of the divine presence. It is the very seat of God's sovereign authority ("throne"), yet it is characterized by "grace" rather than judgment. This signifies that God's power and majesty are now encountered through His benevolent and unmerited favor, made possible through the new covenant established by Christ. It is a place of welcome, not condemnation.
* **"that we may obtain mercy":** The purpose clause explains the immediate benefit of this bold access. "Mercy" (Greek: _éleos_) refers to God's compassion and forgiveness for our sins, weaknesses, and failures. It acknowledges our inherent need for divine clemency and absolution, which is readily available at this throne. It speaks to God's willingness to withhold deserved punishment and to show pity.
* **"and find grace to help in time of need":** This second purpose clause describes the ongoing, practical benefit. Beyond forgiveness, we "find grace" – God's empowering presence and divine assistance. This grace is specifically "to help" (Greek: _boḗtheia_, aid, succor) and is given "in time of need" (Greek: _eúkairos_, well-timed, opportune). This assures believers that God's divine aid is not only available but is perfectly timed to meet every specific trial, temptation, or difficulty encountered in life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Metaphor** is central, with "the throne of grace" serving as a powerful image. A throne typically evokes power, judgment, and majesty, but by adding "of grace," the author transforms this image into one of benevolent authority and accessible favor, contrasting sharply with the fearful access under the Old Covenant. The phrase also functions as a **synecdoche**, where "throne" represents God's entire being and presence. The verse is also an **Exhortation**, a direct and encouraging command ("Let us therefore come boldly"), urging the audience to act upon the theological truths just presented. Furthermore, there is an implied **Contrast** between the limited, fear-filled access to God under the Old Covenant and the direct, confident access granted through Christ in the New Covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 4:16 is a cornerstone for understanding the Christian's relationship with God under the New Covenant. It reveals a God who is not distant or unapproachable, but one who desires intimate communion with His children. This access is not based on human performance or ritualistic purity, but solely on the perfect and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who serves as our eternal High Priest. The "throne of grace" signifies that God's omnipotence and sovereignty are always tempered by His boundless love and compassion, making His presence a refuge rather than a threat. This truth empowers believers to live lives of confident faith, knowing that in every circumstance, whether for forgiveness or strength, God's abundant resources are always available and perfectly timed.

* [Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Boldness and Access Through Faith")
* [Romans 5:2](/romans/5-2 "Romans 5:2 - Access by Faith into Grace")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Casting All Your Care Upon Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 4:16 offers immense comfort and a profound call to action for every believer. It dismantles any lingering fear or hesitation we might have in approaching God, reminding us that the way has been fully and perfectly opened by Jesus Christ, our sympathetic High Priest. This means that no matter our sin, our weakness, or the depth of our need, we are invited to come directly to the source of all mercy and grace. This verse encourages a lifestyle of continuous, confident prayer, transforming our understanding of God from a distant judge to a loving Father who eagerly awaits our petitions and is ready to provide exactly what we need, precisely when we need it. It calls us to abandon self-reliance and embrace our dependence on God, trusting that His grace is sufficient for every trial, temptation, and moment of inadequacy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What fears or hesitations do you typically experience when approaching God in prayer, and how does the concept of the "throne of grace" challenge those feelings?**
* **In what specific "time of need" are you currently experiencing, and how can you apply the invitation of Hebrews 4:16 to seek God's mercy and grace for that situation?**
* **How does the understanding of Jesus as your sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:15) strengthen your confidence to "come boldly" to God's throne?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "come boldly" to the throne of grace?**

Answer: To "come boldly" (Greek: _parrhesía_) means to approach God with complete confidence, freedom, and frankness, without fear or hesitation. This boldness is not a presumption based on our own merit, but a divinely granted privilege rooted entirely in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus, our High Priest, has perfectly atoned for our sins and understands our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus' Sympathy as High Priest")), we are welcomed into God's presence as beloved children, rather than fearful subjects. It implies a direct, unhindered access to the Father through the Son, contrasting sharply with the limited access under the Old Covenant.

**What is the "throne of grace" and why is it significant?**

Answer: The "throne of grace" is a powerful metaphor for God's sovereign presence and authority, where His power is exercised through His boundless mercy and unmerited favor. Traditionally, a throne symbolizes judgment and ultimate power, but by adding "of grace," the author emphasizes that God's supreme authority is now accessible to believers through the lens of His compassion and benevolence, made possible by Christ. It signifies that God's character is one of welcoming love and provision for those who come to Him through faith. It is the place where believers can find both forgiveness for their sins and empowering divine help for every life challenge, as highlighted in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 4:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who *points* us to the throne of grace; He *is* the way to it. As our great High Priest, Jesus perfectly embodies the qualities necessary to grant us this unprecedented access. Unlike the Levitical priests who offered sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), securing eternal redemption and tearing the veil that separated humanity from God's holy presence ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). His perfect humanity means He can "sympathize with our weaknesses" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus' Sympathy as High Priest")), having been tempted in every way, yet without sin. This makes Him the ideal mediator, one who understands our struggles but remains perfectly righteous. Furthermore, Jesus is not only our High Priest but also our advocate, perpetually interceding for us at the right hand of the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession") and [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")). Therefore, our boldness to approach the "throne of grace" is not our own inherent courage, but a confidence derived entirely from Christ's finished work, His ongoing intercession, and His very nature as the one through whom we have "boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him" ([Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Boldness and Access Through Faith")). He is the living embodiment of God's mercy and grace, making the throne of God a welcoming sanctuary for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 3:12

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 10:19

¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.