Hebrews 4:2

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].

For {G2532}{G1063} unto us was {G2070} the gospel preached {G2097}, as well as {G2509} unto them {G2548}: but {G235} the word {G3056} preached {G189} did {G5623} not {G3756} profit {G5623} them {G1565}, not {G3361} being mixed {G4786} with faith {G4102} in them that heard {G191} it.

for Good News has also been proclaimed to us, just as it was to them. But the message they heard didn’t do them any good, because those who heard it did not combine it with trust.

For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it.

For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard.

Hebrews 4:2 serves as a pivotal warning, drawing a parallel between the ancient Israelites and believers today regarding the effectiveness of God's Word. The verse states that the "gospel" (or good news of God's promises) was preached to both the Israelites in the wilderness and to the audience of the letter (and by extension, to us). However, the crucial difference lay in the response: the message failed to benefit the Israelites because it was not "mixed with faith" by those who heard it.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in the book of Hebrews concerning God's "rest." Chapters 3 and 4 warn against the dangers of unbelief, using the historical example of the Israelites who failed to enter God's promised rest in Canaan due to their disobedience and lack of faith. The author of Hebrews applies this historical lesson to the Christian community, urging them to diligently pursue God's spiritual rest available through Christ, lest they fall short through similar unbelief.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Universality of God's Revelation: God's message, whether the promise of the land or the good news of salvation, is freely offered to all. The problem is never with the message itself, but with the hearer's reception.
  • The Indispensability of Faith: Hearing alone is insufficient. For God's word to be truly profitable and transformative, it must be received with active, personal faith. It's not enough to intellectually acknowledge it; one must believe and embrace it. This echoes the principle that faith comes by hearing the word of God.
  • The Consequences of Unbelief: The lack of faith rendered God's powerful word "unprofitable" to the Israelites. It meant they missed out on the promised blessing and suffered negative consequences, serving as a solemn warning to all who hear but do not believe.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "gospel" (Greek: euangelion - εὐαγγέλιον) here refers broadly to the good news or divine promises revealed by God. While we often associate "gospel" with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in this context, it encompasses the good news of God's provision and promises to Israel, which foreshadowed the ultimate rest found in Christ.
  • "Profit" (Greek: opheleō - ὠφελέω) signifies to be advantageous, beneficial, or useful. The word of God, inherently powerful, becomes useless to the individual when not combined with faith.
  • "Mixed with faith" (Greek: sygkekerasmenos tē pistei - συγκεκερασμένος τῇ πίστει) implies a blending or uniting. It means the word heard must be assimilated, integrated, and combined with personal belief, becoming one with the hearer's inner disposition.

Practical Application

Hebrews 4:2 is a timeless reminder for every person who encounters God's truth. It challenges us to move beyond mere hearing or intellectual assent to a place of genuine, active faith. For the Christian, it underscores the need to not just read or listen to sermons, but to internalize, believe, and apply the Scriptures. Our spiritual growth, peace, and ability to enter into God's promised rest depend on how we respond to His word. We are called to be not just hearers, but doers of the word, allowing faith to activate its power in our lives.

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.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:13

    ¶ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

  • Romans 10:16

    But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

  • Romans 10:17

    So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

  • Hebrews 11:6

    But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

  • Hebrews 3:18

    And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

  • Hebrews 3:19

    So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

  • 1 Timothy 4:8

    For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

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