Hebrews 4:9

KJV

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

There remaineth {G620} therefore {G686} a rest {G4520} to the people {G2992} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So there remains a Shabbat-keeping for God’s people.

Berean Standard Bible

There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God.

American Standard Version

There remaineth therefore a sabbath rest for the people of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 4:9, "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God," stands as a profound declaration within the Epistle to the Hebrews, offering a climactic summary and a glorious promise. It concludes the author's extended theological argument concerning God's promised rest, asserting that a unique, ultimate, and enduring "Sabbath-rest" awaits all who truly belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ, distinct from the physical rest of the Sabbath or the temporal rest found in the land of Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 4:9 is the culmination of a sustained theological argument spanning [Hebrews 3](/hebrews/3 "Hebrews 3 - Warning Against Unbelief") and [Hebrews 4](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - The Promise of Rest"). The author has been drawing a significant parallel between the ancient Israelites' failure to enter God's promised land due to unbelief and the contemporary Jewish Christians' temptation to abandon their faith in Christ. The preceding verses in [Hebrews 4:1-8](/hebrews/4-1-8 "Hebrews 4:1-8 - The Warning to Enter Rest") emphasize that the "rest" spoken of in [Psalm 95:7-11](/psalms/95-7-11 "Psalm 95:7-11 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts") was not fully realized in Joshua's leading Israel into Canaan, nor was it exhaustively fulfilled by the weekly Sabbath. The author's use of phrases like "today" and "another day" (e.g., [Hebrews 4:7](/hebrews/4-7 "Hebrews 4:7 - Today, If You Hear His Voice")) underscores that God's offer of rest remains open and yet to be fully entered by His people, leading directly to the definitive statement of verse 9.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians facing persecution and pressure to revert to the perceived security and familiarity of Judaism, including its temple rituals, sacrificial system, and adherence to the Mosaic Law, which prominently featured the Sabbath. The concept of "rest" (Hebrew: _nuakh_, Greek: _katapausis_, _sabbatismos_) would have resonated deeply with this audience, evoking memories of creation's rest ([Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")), the Sabbath commandment ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Sabbath Commandment")), and the promise of the land of Canaan as a place of rest from their wanderings and enemies ([Deuteronomy 12:9-10](/deuteronomy/12-9-10 "Deuteronomy 12:9-10 - Rest in the Promised Land")). The author skillfully uses these Old Testament types and shadows to point to a greater, spiritual reality found in Christ, arguing that the earthly forms of rest were incomplete foreshadowings of the ultimate, eternal rest God intended for His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Hebrews. Foremost is the **Superiority of Christ** and the New Covenant, as Christ is presented as the ultimate High Priest and the one through whom true rest is accessed, surpassing the Old Covenant provisions. It also highlights the theme of **Perseverance in Faith**, warning against the dangers of unbelief and disobedience, which prevented the first generation of Israelites from entering God's rest ([Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - Israel's Unbelief")). The **Nature of God's Rest** is a central theme, clarified as not merely physical cessation or a geographical location, but a spiritual, eternal state of peace, communion, and cessation from striving, a "Sabbath-rest" that fulfills the deepest human longings. Finally, the verse speaks to **Eschatological Hope**, pointing to a future, ultimate reality that awaits believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remaineth (Greek, _apoleípō_):** From G620, meaning "to leave behind (passively, remain); by implication, to forsake." This word signifies that something is still left over, still available, or still in existence. In the context of Hebrews 4:9, it strongly implies that despite the failures of past generations to enter God's rest, the promise itself has not been withdrawn or fully exhausted. It underscores the enduring nature of God's purpose and the ongoing opportunity for His people to enter into this promised state.
* **rest (Greek, _sabbatismós_):** From G4520, meaning "a 'sabbatism', i.e. (figuratively) the repose of Christianity (as a type of heaven)." This is a unique and highly significant term, appearing only here in the New Testament. While the surrounding verses use _katapausis_ (G2663) for "rest" (meaning cessation from labor or repose), _sabbatismós_ specifically evokes the idea of a "Sabbath-keeping" or "Sabbath rest." It points beyond mere physical rest to a spiritual and ultimate fulfillment of the Sabbath principle, a final, blessed state of peace and communion that God's people will enter, often understood as an eschatological rest in heaven.
* **people (Greek, _laós_):** From G2992, meaning "a people (in general; thus differing from δῆμος, which denotes one's own populace)." While _dēmos_ might refer to a specific local populace, _laós_ refers to a people group in a broader sense, often with a theological connotation of God's chosen people. Here, "the people of God" refers to the true Israel, those who, regardless of ethnic background, are united by faith in Christ and are therefore heirs of God's promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There remaineth therefore":** This phrase acts as a logical conclusion based on the preceding arguments in [Hebrews 3](/hebrews/3 "Hebrews 3 - Warning Against Unbelief") and [Hebrews 4](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - The Promise of Rest"). The word "therefore" (Greek, _ára_ G686) signals that the author is drawing a decisive inference. The fact that God still speaks of "another day" for entering rest, even after Joshua, means that the ultimate rest has not yet been fully realized. It implies that God's promise of rest is not nullified by human failure but remains open and available.
* **"a rest":** This is the crucial term _sabbatismós_ (G4520). It signifies a profound, spiritual, and ultimate "Sabbath-rest" that transcends the physical Sabbath observance or the temporary rest found in Canaan. It speaks to a complete cessation from all striving, labor, and the anxieties of life, a state of perfect peace and communion with God. This rest is not merely passive but implies an active participation in God's completed work and His eternal presence.
* **"to the people of God":** This phrase defines the beneficiaries of this promised rest. It refers not to an ethnic group but to those who, by faith, have entered into a covenant relationship with God through Christ. This includes all believers, both Jew and Gentile, who constitute the true spiritual Israel. It contrasts sharply with the "unbelieving generation" who failed to enter God's rest in the wilderness, emphasizing that this ultimate rest is reserved for those who demonstrate genuine faith and obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several literary devices to convey the profound truth of [Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People"). **Typology** is central, as the earthly Sabbath and the land of Canaan serve as types or foreshadowings of a greater, spiritual, and eternal rest. The historical failure of Israel to enter Canaan due to unbelief ([Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - Israel's Unbelief")) functions as a **Warning** to the contemporary audience, urging them to avoid a similar fate. The use of the unique term **_sabbatismós_** is a powerful rhetorical choice, elevating the concept of rest beyond mere cessation to a profound spiritual and eschatological fulfillment of the Sabbath principle. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the temporary, incomplete forms of rest in the Old Testament and the ultimate, perfect rest found in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 4:9 is a cornerstone verse, connecting the Old Testament promise of rest with its New Testament fulfillment and eschatological hope. Theologically, it affirms God's faithfulness to His promises despite human failure, demonstrating that His ultimate plan for humanity is one of peace and communion. This "Sabbath-rest" speaks to the completion of God's redemptive work in Christ, allowing believers to cease from their own striving for righteousness and enter into His finished work. It points to a deep spiritual reality where believers find rest for their souls in Christ in the present, while also anticipating the glorious, eternal rest that awaits them in the new heavens and new earth, free from sin, suffering, and toil. This rest is not earned but received by faith, a gracious gift for God's true people.

* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Jesus' Invitation to Rest")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Tears")
* [Psalm 95:11](/psalms/95-11 "God's Oath of Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 4:9 offers immense encouragement and a vital call to steadfast faith for believers today. It provides a powerful assurance that despite life's relentless trials, the burdens of sin, and the weariness of striving, a certain and glorious rest awaits those who trust in God. This future hope should motivate perseverance in the face of adversity, knowing that our ultimate destination is a state of perfect peace and communion with our Creator. Furthermore, this verse reminds us that a foretaste of this rest is available even now, as we cease from self-effort and find solace and peace in the finished work of Christ. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, not getting bogged down by the temporary struggles of this life, but fixing our eyes on the promised inheritance. Simultaneously, the preceding warnings in Hebrews 3-4 serve as a sober reminder that unbelief and disobedience are serious impediments to entering God's rest. We are therefore called to hold fast to our confession, to diligently pursue Christ, and to avoid hardening our hearts against His voice, actively entering into the rest He offers both now and in eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "enter God's rest" in my daily life, even before the ultimate fulfillment?**
* **How does the promise of an ultimate "Sabbath-rest" influence my perspective on current struggles and anxieties?**
* **In what ways might I be "hardening my heart" or failing to trust God, thereby hindering my experience of His rest?**
* **How can I more consistently find my rest and peace in Christ alone, rather than in my own efforts or achievements?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is this "rest" that remains for the people of God?**

Answer: The "rest" in [Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "The Sabbath Rest for God's People") is a unique and profound concept, referred to by the Greek word _sabbatismós_. It is far more than a physical cessation from labor or a geographical location like the land of Canaan. It represents a spiritual, ultimate, and eternal "Sabbath-rest" that fulfills the deepest longings of the human soul. This rest signifies a complete cessation from the striving against sin, the burdens of the Law, and the anxieties of life in a fallen world. It is a state of perfect peace, communion, and fellowship with God, a participation in His completed work. While believers can experience a foretaste of this rest in Christ now (as invited in [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Jesus' Invitation to Rest")), its full realization is an eschatological hope, often understood as the eternal state in God's presence, free from all sorrow and toil ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Tears")).

**Is this rest something we earn, or is it a gift?**

Answer: The rest spoken of in [Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "The Sabbath Rest for God's People") is fundamentally a gracious gift from God, received by faith, not earned by human effort or merit. The author of Hebrews contrasts this rest with the failure of the Israelites to enter Canaan due to their unbelief and disobedience ([Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Israel's Unbelief")). The very nature of "rest" implies a cessation from labor, pointing to the completed work of God, particularly in Christ. We "enter" this rest not by striving harder, but by trusting in what God has already accomplished. It is a promise for "the people of God," those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 4:9 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment and purveyor of this promised "Sabbath-rest." The Old Testament Sabbath and the earthly land of Canaan were but shadows, imperfect types pointing to the perfect rest found in Him. Christ, by His finished work on the cross, has accomplished everything necessary for humanity to cease from its futile striving for righteousness and enter into God's perfect peace. As the author of our faith and the one who has entered God's rest, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to [come to Him and find rest for their souls](/matthew/11-28-30 "Jesus' Invitation to Rest"). He is the true Joshua who leads His people into the ultimate promised land, not a physical territory, but a spiritual realm of communion with God. Through His sacrifice, He has overcome sin and death, removing the barriers that prevented humanity from experiencing true rest. Thus, the "rest" that remains for the people of God is nothing less than the eternal, peaceful, and joyful presence with Christ, a reality secured by His atoning work and accessed through faith in Him, making Him the very center of our present peace and future hope, the "author and perfecter of our faith" who has [entered into His rest](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith").

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

1 Peter 2:10

Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Isaiah 11:10

¶ And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Hebrews 4:3

For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Hebrews 4:1

¶ Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.