Hebrews 4:6

KJV

Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

KJV (with Strong's)

Seeing {G1893} therefore {G3767} it remaineth {G620} that some {G5100} must enter {G1525} therein {G1519}{G846}, and {G2532} they to whom it was first {G4386} preached {G2097} entered {G1525} not {G3756} in {G1525} because {G1223} of unbelief {G543}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, since it still remains for some to enter it, and those who received the Good News earlier did not enter,

Berean Standard Bible

Since, then, it remains for some to enter His rest, and since those who formerly heard the good news did not enter because of their disobedience,

American Standard Version

Seeing therefore it remaineth that some should enter thereinto, and they to whom the good tidings were before preached failed to enter in because of disobedience,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 4:6 serves as a pivotal bridge in the author's extended argument concerning God's promised "rest," emphasizing its enduring availability despite the historical failure of ancient Israel. The verse asserts that while the generation to whom the promise was initially proclaimed failed to enter this rest due to their profound unbelief, the divine invitation remains open, necessitating that others must indeed enter it. This highlights both God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and the critical role of faith in receiving them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 4:6 is situated within a crucial theological exposition (Hebrews 3:7-4:11) where the author meticulously develops the concept of God's "rest." This section directly follows a detailed recounting of Israel's wilderness generation, whose disobedience and unbelief prevented them from entering the promised land of Canaan, which is presented as a type of God's rest (as seen in [Hebrews 3:7-11](/hebrews/3-7-11 "Hebrews 3:7-11 - God's Warning to Israel")). The preceding verse, [Hebrews 4:5](/hebrews/4-5 "Hebrews 4:5 - God's Rest Endures"), reiterates God's declaration that they "shall not enter into my rest." Verse 6 then transitions to affirm that the promise itself has not been rescinded, but rather, its fulfillment awaits those who will respond with faith, thereby setting the stage for the author's exhortation to contemporary believers to strive to enter this enduring rest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews consisted primarily of Jewish Christians, likely facing persecution or temptation to revert to the perceived security and familiarity of Judaism. The author's frequent use of Old Testament narratives, particularly the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, would have resonated deeply with their heritage. The concept of "rest" would immediately evoke the Sabbath rest, the promised land of Canaan, and the ultimate eschatological rest. The failure of the wilderness generation, documented in books like [Numbers](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and Punishment") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy 1 - Moses Recounts Israel's Rebellion"), served as a potent warning against apostasy and a powerful illustration of the consequences of unbelief and disobedience. The author leverages this historical precedent to underscore the urgency of faithfulness for his contemporary readers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the **enduring nature of God's promises**, demonstrating that divine invitations, once extended, are not withdrawn, even when human failure occurs. Secondly, it highlights the **peril of unbelief** as the primary obstacle to experiencing God's blessings, drawing a direct link between the Israelites' lack of faith and their exclusion from the promised rest, as also emphasized in [Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - The Reason for Israel's Failure"). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **a new and better covenant**, implying that what was forfeited under the old covenant is now accessible through a superior means. Finally, it reinforces the **call to perseverance in faith**, urging the readers to learn from past mistakes and diligently pursue the spiritual rest offered through Christ, a call echoed throughout the epistle, particularly in [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - The Need for Endurance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **remaineth (Greek, _apoleípō'_):** From G620, meaning "to leave behind (passively, remain); by implication, to forsake." In this context, it signifies that the promise of rest has not been exhausted or withdrawn; it still "remains" available. This implies God's faithfulness and the ongoing opportunity for future generations to enter.
* **enter (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** From G1525, meaning "to enter (literally or figuratively)." This word is central to the entire passage, referring to the act of coming into God's rest. It denotes an active participation and reception of the divine promise, contrasting with the failure of the previous generation to do so.
* **unbelief (Greek, _apeítheia'_):** From G543, meaning "disbelief (obstinate and rebellious)." This term is profoundly significant, as it encapsulates not merely a lack of intellectual assent but a stubborn, rebellious refusal to trust and obey God. It highlights that the Israelites' failure was not due to God's inability or a revoked promise, but to their active resistance to His word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein":** This clause establishes the continued validity and availability of God's promised rest. The logical connector "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) links back to the preceding argument that God's rest still exists and has not been fully entered. The phrase "it remaineth" (G620, _apoleípō_) emphasizes the enduring nature of the promise. The necessity that "some must enter therein" (G5100, _tìs_ + G1525, _eisérchomai_) indicates that God's purpose for this rest will be fulfilled, even if not by the initial recipients. The "therein" (G1519, _eis_ + G846, _autós_) refers specifically to this divine rest.
* **"and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief":** This second clause provides the historical justification for the first, explaining *why* the rest remains open. It explicitly states that the initial recipients of the good news (the wilderness generation, G4386, _próteron_ + G2097, _euangelízō_) failed to "enter not in" (G1525, _eisérchomai_ + G3756, _ou_) to this rest. The crucial reason for their failure is unequivocally stated: "because of unbelief" (G1223, _diá_ + G543, _apeítheia_). This highlights unbelief as the direct cause of their exclusion, a profound spiritual and practical failure.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several effective literary devices in this verse. **Contrast** is prominent, setting the enduring availability of God's rest ("it remaineth that some must enter therein") against the historical failure of the first generation ("entered not in because of unbelief"). This sharp juxtaposition underscores the gravity of unbelief while affirming God's faithfulness. The use of **allusion** to the Old Testament narrative of the wilderness generation is central, leveraging a familiar historical event to teach a profound spiritual lesson. The author uses this historical **type** (the promised land) to point to a greater **antitype** (God's spiritual rest). Furthermore, the verse functions as a **transitional statement**, bridging the historical recounting of Israel's failure in [Hebrews 3](/hebrews/3 "Hebrews 3 - Warning Against Unbelief") with the subsequent exhortation for the readers to diligently strive for the promised rest in [Hebrews 4](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - The Promise of Rest").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 4:6 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even in the face of human failure. It underscores that the divine purpose for "rest" is not contingent upon the obedience of a single generation but remains open for all who will respond with faith. Theologically, this highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness, demonstrating that His plans will ultimately be accomplished. It also serves as a stark reminder that while God's offer is constant, human response — specifically, faith or unbelief — determines whether one enters into the blessings He provides. This concept of an accessible, yet conditional, rest is a cornerstone of the New Covenant, emphasizing that salvation and spiritual peace are offered freely but received through active trust in God.

* [Psalm 95:10-11](/psalm/95-10-11 "Psalm 95:10-11 - God's Oath Against Israel")
* [Numbers 14:23](/numbers/14-23 "Numbers 14:23 - The Lord's Declaration of Exclusion")
* [Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - Israel's Failure Due to Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 4:6 offers a timeless lesson for every believer: God's promises are steadfast, but our experience of them is profoundly dependent on our faith. The failure of the Israelites in the wilderness is not merely an ancient historical account but a spiritual mirror reflecting the dangers of unbelief in our own lives. Just as their lack of trust prevented them from entering a physical rest, our own spiritual apathy or doubt can hinder us from experiencing the deep peace, security, and spiritual fulfillment that God offers in Christ. This verse calls us to a vigilant faith, one that actively trusts God's word, even when circumstances are challenging. It encourages us to persevere, knowing that the "rest" God offers—a rest from striving, a rest in His finished work, and an eternal rest—is still available and awaits those who believe. We are invited to learn from the past, not to repeat its mistakes, and to press forward with confidence into the fullness of God's provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing a "rest-less" state due to a lack of trust in God's promises?**
* **How does the historical example of Israel's unbelief challenge my own understanding and practice of faith today?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more active faith that enables me to enter more fully into God's rest?**

### FAQ

**What does "it remaineth that some must enter therein" mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that the promise of God's rest, first offered to ancient Israel, has not been nullified or withdrawn. Despite the failure of the initial generation to enter it due to their unbelief, the divine intention for this rest to be experienced by humanity persists. Therefore, it remains an open invitation, necessitating that others – those who respond with faith – will indeed enter into it. It underscores God's faithfulness to His word and the enduring opportunity for spiritual peace and fulfillment.

**What kind of "unbelief" is being referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The "unbelief" (Greek: _apeítheia_) mentioned in Hebrews 4:6 is not merely a passive lack of intellectual assent but a profound, active, and rebellious distrust of God's word and commands. It implies a refusal to be persuaded, leading directly to disobedience. For the wilderness generation, this unbelief manifested as a persistent grumbling, a rejection of God's provision, and a refusal to obey His command to enter the promised land, as recounted in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Spies and Rebellion"). It was a heart attitude that actively resisted God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 4:6, by highlighting the enduring promise of God's rest despite historical failure, powerfully points to Christ as the ultimate means of entering that rest. The "rest" that the Israelites failed to achieve in Canaan finds its true and complete fulfillment not in a geographical location, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom believers now enter into a spiritual rest—a rest from the burden of sin and the Law, a rest of conscience, and a rest that anticipates eternal peace with God. Just as the old covenant's promise of rest was forfeited by unbelief, the new covenant's superior rest is accessed *solely* through faith in Christ. He is our true Sabbath rest, for in Him, we cease from our own works and enter into the finished work of God, as [Hebrews 4:10](/hebrews/4-10 "Hebrews 4:10 - Entering God's Rest") explains. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has provided the way for us to draw near to God with confidence, obtaining mercy and finding grace to help in time of need, as beautifully articulated in [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"). Thus, the "some" who "must enter therein" are those who, by faith, embrace Jesus as their Lord and Savior, finding in Him the perfect and eternal rest that the law and the land of Canaan could only foreshadow. This ultimate rest is secured by His perfect obedience and sacrifice, fulfilling God's ancient promise in a way far surpassing any earthly shadow, as seen in [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest").

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

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.

Matthew 21:43

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Acts 28:28

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and [that] they will hear it.

Acts 13:46

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 13:47

For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

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].