Hebrews 4:8

For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

For {G1063} if {G1487} Jesus {G2424} had given {G2664} them {G846} rest {G2664}, then would he {G302} not {G3756} afterward {G3326}{G5023} have spoken {G2980} of {G4012} another {G243} day {G2250}.

For if Y’hoshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later of another “day.”

For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.

For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day.

Commentary

Hebrews 4:8 is a pivotal verse within the author's compelling argument regarding God's promised "rest," asserting that the physical entry into the land of Canaan under Joshua was not the ultimate fulfillment of divine repose. This verse underscores the enduring nature of God's invitation to a deeper, spiritual rest, which remains accessible through faith.

Context

The book of Hebrews is addressed to Jewish believers, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith in Jesus Christ and resist the temptation to revert to the practices of Judaism. Chapters 3 and 4 specifically issue a solemn warning against the perils of unbelief, drawing a stark parallel to the Israelites who, due to their disobedience and lack of faith, failed to enter God's promised land after their exodus from Egypt (Hebrews 3:19). The author meticulously clarifies that the "rest" frequently mentioned in Scripture is not merely a geographical location but a profound spiritual state of peace and cessation from one's own striving, found exclusively in God.

Linguistic Insights

The "Jesus" referenced in this verse (Greek: Iesous) is a transliteration of Joshua, the esteemed successor of Moses who successfully led the Israelites into the land of Canaan. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint), Joshua's name is rendered as Iesous, identical to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. The author's central point is that if Joshua had indeed provided the complete and ultimate spiritual rest intended by God, there would have been no subsequent need for God to speak "afterward" of "another day" for entering that rest, as He did through the psalmist David in Psalm 95:7-11.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Inadequacy of Earthly Rest: Joshua's leadership into Canaan represented a type of rest, a temporary cessation from wandering, but it was provisional and incomplete. It served as a powerful foreshadowing of a far greater spiritual reality.
  • The Ongoing Invitation to Rest: The crucial fact that God still speaks of "another day" (or "today" as highlighted in Hebrews 4:7) signifies that the ultimate, true rest remains perpetually available. This rest transcends mere physical repose; it is a profound spiritual peace and divine security found in God through faith.
  • The Superiority of Christ's Rest: By demonstrating that Joshua's rest was temporary and insufficient, the author powerfully builds the case for the superior, eternal, and perfect rest offered by Jesus Christ, the true Son of God. This ultimate rest culminates in the "Sabbath rest" that remains for the people of God.

Practical Application

Hebrews 4:8 stands as a profound reminder that God's gracious invitation to spiritual rest is timeless and perpetually active. It serves as a strong admonition for believers to diligently avoid the unbelief and disobedience that tragically prevented the wilderness generation from entering God's promised blessings. For us today, this "rest" is found in ceasing from our own futile efforts to earn salvation or justify ourselves, and instead, trusting completely in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is a divine call to enter into the profound peace, assurance, and security that emanates from living a life of faith, rather than continually striving in our own limited strength. As Christ Himself tenderly invited, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 1:15 (9 votes)

    Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as [he hath given] you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD'S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.

  • Joshua 22:4 (7 votes)

    And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, [and] unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.

  • Deuteronomy 12:9 (6 votes)

    For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you.

  • Hebrews 11:13 (5 votes)

    These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

  • Hebrews 11:15 (5 votes)

    And truly, if they had been mindful of that [country] from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

  • Joshua 23:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old [and] stricken in age.

  • Acts 7:45 (3 votes)

    Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;