And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that the "rest" God spoke of in Psalm 95 wasn't the same rest described earlier from creation, nor was it the land of Canaan. It points to a different, future rest, which the people referenced in the psalm ultimately failed to enter.
And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is continuing to build his case that God's promised rest is still available, using Old Testament examples to show that the rest experienced in the Promised Land wasn't the ultimate rest. He quotes Psalm 95, referring to God's words about people not entering "my rest," which points to a rest beyond the one Joshua led Israel into. This is setting up the argument that a further rest remains for believers today.
The Bible talks about 'rest' multiple times, but are they all the same? This verse highlights a crucial distinction.
In Hebrews 4, the author carefully distinguishes between different concepts of 'rest.'
Rest from Labor
This is the rest God entered into on the seventh day after creation (Genesis 2:2). It's a rest of completion and satisfaction.
God's Promised Rest
The verse points to a different rest, one mentioned in Psalm 95:11. This isn't just the absence of work, but a specific, promised state of dwelling with God. The original Hebrew words for 'rest' in these two contexts (Genesis vs. Psalm 95) are actually different, emphasizing this point.
The word 'if' here isn't a question, but a strong statement about a future reality. What does that mean for those who heard it?
The phrasing "If they shall enter my rest" (from Psalm 95:11) is not expressing doubt, but certainty. The context of Psalm 95, spoken in the time of David, is about a rest that had not yet been fully entered into by the people of Israel, even though they possessed the land of Canaan.
This implies:
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The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 95:11 to draw a distinction between the earthly rest of the Promised Land achieved by Joshua and a deeper, future spiritual rest promised by God, warning that disobedience can bar access to both.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt after centuries of slavery, beginning their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin conquering the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham's descendants.
c. 1370 BC
Promised Land Achieved
Most of the Promised Land is conquered and divided among the tribes of Israel, fulfilling God's promise of a physical "rest."
c. 1000 BC
Reign of King David
David rules as king over Israel, a period remembered for its relative peace and prosperity, though not without its challenges.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Psalm 95 Written
David, likely during his reign, composes Psalm 95, which includes the warning that future generations might not enter God's rest.
c. AD 60-65
Hebrews Written
The author of Hebrews writes to Jewish believers, encouraging them to persevere in their faith amidst persecution and doubt.
This is the very passage quoted in Hebrews 4:5, emphasizing God's warning that those who grumbled and tested Him would not enter His promised rest.
Hebrews 3:11This verse directly precedes Hebrews 4:5 and echoes the same warning from Psalm 95:11, highlighting the consequence of disobedience for the Israelites in the wilderness.
Numbers 14:23This passage records God's oath after the spies returned with a bad report, stating that the very generation that came out of Egypt would not enter the promised land, reinforcing the idea of a forfeited rest.
Genesis 2:2This verse describes God resting on the seventh day of creation, establishing the concept of God's 'rest' which the author of Hebrews uses as a foundational reference point.
wesleyHebrews 4:5: "And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest."
4:5 In this psalm, of a rest yet to come.
pooleHebrews 4:5: "And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest."
And in this place again: kai here is not so much copularive, connecting an instance of David to the same purpose of that of Moses about the seventh day’s rest from the creation; but discretive, joining an instance of another rest of God different from the seventh day’s rest. Moses spake of this, but David here of a further rest; for in Psalm 95:11 , David spake not of the seventh day, but of God’s last and eternal rest. I…
This verse highlights that the "rest" God spoke of in Psalm 95 wasn't the same rest described earlier from creation, nor was it the land of Canaan. It points to a different, future rest, which the people referenced in the psalm ultimately failed to enter.
The author is continuing to build his case that God's promised rest is still available, using Old Testament examples to show that the rest experienced in the Promised Land wasn't the ultimate rest. He quotes Psalm 95, referring to God's words about people not entering "my rest," which points to a rest beyond the one Joshua led Israel into. This is setting up the argument that a further rest remains for believers today.
The author is continuing to build his case that God's promised rest is still available, using Old Testament examples to show that the rest experienced in the Promised Land wasn't the ultimate rest. He quotes Psalm 95, referring to God's words about people not entering "my rest," which points to a rest beyond the one Joshua led Israel into. This is setting up the argument that a further rest remains for believers today.
"And again in this passage he said,
“They shall not enter my rest.”" — This verse highlights that the "rest" God spoke of in Psalm 95 wasn't the same rest described earlier from creation, nor was it the land of Canaan. It points to a *different*, future rest, which the…
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Last reviewed October 2026