Hebrews 4:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Again {G3825}, he limiteth {G3724} a certain {G5100} day {G2250}, saying {G3004} in {G1722} David {G1138}, To day {G4594}, after {G3326} so long {G5118} a time {G5550}; as {G2531} it is said {G2046}, To day {G4594} if {G1437} ye will hear {G191} his {G846} voice {G5456}, harden {G4645} not {G3361} your {G5216} hearts {G2588}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David, so long afterwards, in the text already given,

“Today, if you hear God’s voice, don’t harden your hearts.”

Berean Standard Bible

God again designated a certain day as “Today,” when a long time later He spoke through David as was just stated: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

American Standard Version

he again defineth a certain day, To-day, saying in David so long a time afterward (even as hath been said before), To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 4:7 serves as a profound warning and an urgent invitation, reiterating God's enduring call for His people to enter His promised rest. By quoting Psalm 95, the author of Hebrews emphasizes that despite the passage of time since Israel's initial opportunity to enter Canaan, the divine offer of rest remains open "today." This verse underscores the critical importance of immediate, obedient response to God's voice, cautioning against the spiritual peril of a hardened heart, which leads to exclusion from His redemptive purposes and ultimate spiritual repose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the author's extended theological argument in [Hebrews chapters 3 and 4](/hebrews/3 "Hebrews 3-4 - The Warning Against Unbelief and the Promise of Rest") concerning the concept of "God's rest." The immediate preceding verses (e.g., [Hebrews 3:7-11](/hebrews/3-7-11 "Hebrews 3:7-11 - Quoting Psalm 95")) introduce the warning from [Psalm 95:7-11](/psalm/95-7-11 "Psalm 95:7-11 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts"), recounting Israel's failure to enter God's rest due to unbelief during their wilderness wanderings. The author is building a cumulative case that the "rest" promised by God was not fully realized in the physical entry into Canaan under Joshua, but remains a spiritual reality available to believers. The repeated emphasis on "today" in [Hebrews 4:7](/hebrews/4-7 "Hebrews 4:7 - The Urgency of Today") highlights that this opportunity is still present for the New Covenant community, urging them to learn from past failures and press on in faith towards the ultimate Sabbath rest.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for the author's argument is the forty-year wilderness journey of the Israelites, where a generation perished due to their rebellion and unbelief, failing to enter the promised land of Canaan ([Numbers 14:29-35](/numbers/14-29-35 "Numbers 14:29-35 - The Consequences of Disobedience")). The quote from [Psalm 95](/psalm/95 "Psalm 95 - A Call to Worship and a Warning") is attributed to David, who lived centuries after Israel's entry into Canaan, yet still spoke of a "today" for hearing God's voice. This fact is crucial, as it indicates that the rest was not merely geographical but also a spiritual state of communion and trust in God, which remained elusive for many even after settling in the land. The audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians, possibly facing persecution or weariness, tempted to revert to Judaism or abandon their faith. The author uses this historical precedent as a powerful cautionary tale, urging them to persevere and not repeat the mistakes of their ancestors by hardening their hearts against God's ongoing invitation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, **The Urgency of "Today"** is paramount, emphasizing that God's invitation to enter His rest is immediate and requires a present response. The repeated "To day" (Greek: _sēmeron_) underscores that procrastination in spiritual matters is perilous, as the opportunity to respond to God's voice is time-sensitive. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Grace and Warning** is evident. God, in His steadfast patience, continues to extend the offer of rest "after so long a time," demonstrating His enduring grace. However, this grace is inextricably linked with a severe warning against spiritual apathy and rebellion, highlighting the consequences of rejecting His voice. Thirdly, the **Danger of a Hardened Heart** is a central admonition. To "harden not your hearts" is a direct command against stubborn resistance to God's revealed will. A heart that becomes unresponsive to the Holy Spirit's promptings, marked by unbelief and disobedience, ultimately forfeits the promised rest, mirroring the tragic experience of the wilderness generation who [could not enter because of unbelief](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - They Could Not Enter Because of Unbelief").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **limiteth (Greek, _horízō'_):** From ὅριον, meaning "to mark out or bound," "to appoint, decree, specify." Here, it signifies that God has definitively set or appointed a specific day—"today"—for His offer of rest. It's not a vague, open-ended period, but a divinely determined and limited window of opportunity for response. This highlights God's sovereignty in establishing the terms of salvation and rest.
* **To day (Greek, _sḗmeron'_):** Neutered adverb of a presumed compound of the article ὁ and ἡμέρα, meaning "on the (i.e. this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e. at present, hitherto)." Its repetition emphasizes the immediacy and present availability of God's offer of rest. It contrasts with a past opportunity that was missed and a future one that may be forfeited, stressing the critical importance of a current, active response.
* **harden (Greek, _sklērýnō'_):** From σκληρός, meaning "to indurate," "to render stubborn." This word describes an active, deliberate process of making one's heart unyielding, stiff, or resistant to God's voice and truth. It implies a conscious choice to resist divine influence and instruction, leading to spiritual insensitivity and rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David":** This clause signifies that God, through the inspired words of David in Psalm 95, establishes a specific, appointed time—a "day"—for humanity to respond to His call. The word "Again" (G3825, _pálin_) indicates a renewed or continued offer, implying that the opportunity for rest was not exhausted by previous generations but is still valid and presented anew. The phrase "in David" attributes the divine utterance to the prophetic voice of King David, underscoring the enduring relevance and authority of the Psalm's message.
* **"To day, after so long a time;":** This segment highlights the remarkable patience and persistent grace of God. Even "after so long a time" since the initial offer of rest to the wilderness generation and the subsequent entry into Canaan, God continues to extend the invitation "To day." This emphasizes that the spiritual rest is not merely a historical event but an ongoing, available reality. It also subtly warns against presuming upon God's patience, as the "day" is "limited."
* **"as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.":** This final, crucial clause is a direct quotation from [Psalm 95:7-8](/psalm/95-7-8 "Psalm 95:7-8 - Hear His Voice, Do Not Harden Your Hearts"), serving as both an invitation and a stern warning. "To day if ye will hear his voice" presents the condition for entering rest: a receptive, obedient response to God's divine communication. The imperative "harden not your hearts" is a solemn admonition against the spiritual danger of stubbornness, resistance, and unbelief, which prevents one from receiving God's grace and entering into His promised rest. It implies that hardening one's heart is a volitional act.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in [Hebrews 4:7](/hebrews/4-7 "Hebrews 4:7 - The Urgency of Today"). **Allusion** is central, as the verse directly alludes to and quotes [Psalm 95](/psalm/95 "Psalm 95 - A Call to Worship and a Warning"), grounding the New Covenant warning in Old Testament precedent. This demonstrates the continuity of God's character and His consistent call for obedience. **Repetition** of the phrase "To day" (Greek: _sēmeron_) from Psalm 95 is a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing the urgency and immediacy of God's invitation. This reiteration serves to impress upon the reader that the opportunity for spiritual rest is present and time-sensitive. The verse also functions as an **Exhortation**, directly commanding the audience not to harden their hearts, urging them to a specific course of action (or inaction). Finally, the phrase "harden not your hearts" uses **Metaphor**, as the heart is presented not merely as a physical organ but as the seat of intellect, will, and emotion, capable of becoming resistant or pliable to divine influence. This metaphorical language vividly portrays the spiritual condition of stubbornness and unbelief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 4:7 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's ongoing relationship with humanity, emphasizing both His persistent grace and His righteous judgment. It underscores that God's offer of rest is not a one-time historical event but a continuous invitation, ever-present and demanding a contemporary response. The "rest" here transcends the physical land of Canaan, pointing to a deeper, spiritual repose found in obedient faith. The verse highlights the critical role of human will in spiritual destiny: while God extends the invitation, the choice to "hear His voice" or "harden not your hearts" rests squarely with the individual. This dynamic tension between divine initiative and human responsibility is a pervasive theme throughout Scripture, reminding believers that salvation and spiritual flourishing require active, ongoing submission to God's Word.

* [Psalm 95:7-8](/psalm/95-7-8 "Psalm 95:7-8 - Hear His Voice, Do Not Harden Your Hearts")
* [Proverbs 27:1](/proverbs/27-1 "Proverbs 27:1 - Do Not Boast About Tomorrow")
* [2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - Now is the Day of Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 4:7 stands as a timeless and urgent call to spiritual vigilance for every believer. The repeated emphasis on "today" serves as a powerful antidote to spiritual procrastination and complacency. It reminds us that our response to God's voice is not something to be deferred to a more convenient time, but an immediate and continuous necessity. In a world full of distractions and delays, this verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that is perpetually receptive to the Holy Spirit's promptings, the truth of Scripture, and the leading of Christ. Are we actively listening for God's voice in our daily lives, through His Word, prayer, and the counsel of His Spirit? Or are we, perhaps subtly, allowing the deceitfulness of sin, the pressures of life, or spiritual apathy to harden our hearts, making us less sensitive to divine truth and more resistant to His will? The call to "harden not your hearts" is an invitation to maintain a posture of humble submission, active faith, and immediate obedience, ensuring that we do not miss out on the profound spiritual rest that God continually offers through Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of my life might indicate a subtle hardening of my heart towards God's voice or truth?**
* **How can I cultivate a more immediate and receptive response to God's Word in my daily life?**
* **In what ways am I tempted to procrastinate in my spiritual walk, and what steps can I take "today" to address this?**
* **Considering the "rest" God offers, what does it mean practically to "enter into His rest" in my current circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What does "he limiteth a certain day" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Hebrews 4:7, "he limiteth a certain day" means that God has specifically appointed or set aside a particular time—"today"—as the window of opportunity for humanity to respond to His invitation to enter His rest. It emphasizes that this offer is not open-ended indefinitely, but has a defined, divinely ordained period. The author uses this phrase to stress the urgency of the present moment, indicating that the opportunity to respond to God's voice and enter His rest is available now, but it is also finite and must be seized without delay. This "day" is a period of grace and decision, distinct from the past opportunities that were missed by previous generations.

**Why is the emphasis on "To day" so significant in Hebrews 4:7?**

Answer: The repeated emphasis on "To day" (Greek: _sēmeron_) is profoundly significant because it underscores the critical urgency and present availability of God's offer of rest. By quoting [Psalm 95:7-8](/psalm/95-7-8 "Psalm 95:7-8 - Hear His Voice, Do Not Harden Your Hearts"), which was spoken centuries after Israel entered Canaan, the author demonstrates that God's promise of rest was not fully exhausted by that historical event. Instead, it remains a spiritual reality accessible to believers in every generation. "To day" means that the opportunity to hear God's voice and respond in faith is immediate; it is not for a future, indefinite time, nor is it a past chance that has vanished. It calls for an active, present decision, warning against spiritual procrastination and the danger of missing the current moment of grace. The implication is that "today" is the day of salvation and the day to enter God's rest, and to delay is to risk hardening one's heart and forfeiting the promise, just as the wilderness generation did ([Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - They Could Not Enter Because of Unbelief")).

**How does one "harden" their heart, and what are the consequences?**

Answer: To "harden" one's heart (Greek: _sklērýnō_) is to deliberately make oneself stubborn, resistant, or unresponsive to God's voice, His truth, and the promptings of His Holy Spirit. It's not passive ignorance but an active choice to stiffen one's will against divine influence, refusing to believe or obey. This can manifest as persistent unbelief, rebellion, spiritual apathy, or a refusal to repent. The consequences of a hardened heart are severe: it leads to spiritual insensitivity, a diminished capacity to discern God's will, and ultimately, exclusion from God's promised rest. As seen with the Israelites in the wilderness, a hardened heart prevents one from entering into God's blessings and experiencing the fullness of His salvation ([Hebrews 3:17-19](/hebrews/3-17-19 "Hebrews 3:17-19 - God's Displeasure with Unbelief")). It is a self-inflicted spiritual condition that separates individuals from the life and peace found in communion with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 4:7, with its urgent call to enter God's rest "today," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, who is the very embodiment and means of this promised rest. The Old Testament "rest" in Canaan was a shadow, but Christ is the substance. He is the one through whom God's voice is most clearly heard, and His finished work on the cross provides the true and ultimate rest for weary souls. The warning against hardening hearts is particularly poignant in light of Christ's perfect obedience, which stands in stark contrast to Israel's rebellion. Through faith in Him, believers are invited to cease from their own works and striving, entering into the spiritual Sabbath rest that Jesus offers ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, and I Will Give You Rest")). He is our great High Priest, who has entered God's rest and now intercedes for us, enabling us to confidently approach the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). Therefore, the "today" of Hebrews 4:7 is fundamentally the "today" of the New Covenant, ushered in by Christ, where His voice is the gospel message, and His sacrifice provides the perfect and lasting rest that transcends any earthly experience, securing for us an eternal inheritance in Him ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")).

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

Psalms 95:7

¶ For he [is] our God; and we [are] the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Hebrews 3:7

¶ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

Hebrews 3:8

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Hebrews 3:15

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Matthew 22:43

He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,

2 Samuel 23:1

¶ Now these [be] the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man [who was] raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,

2 Samuel 23:2

The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.