Hebrews 4:6
Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text contrasts those who "failed to enter" with the certainty that "some" still will enter. It highlights that the promise of God's rest wasn't nullified by the failure of the first recipients, but rather, a future fulfillment remains assured.
The author is building an argument that God's promised rest hasn't been fully realized yet, using the example of the Israelites. Despite receiving the good news about entering the promised land, many failed to enter because of their disobedience and unbelief. This failure means the rest is still available for others, setting the stage for the discussion of a future, heavenly rest.
The writer of Hebrews is building a powerful argument. He's shown that God's promised rest isn't some ancient, finished thing. It's still available, still waiting.
The Promise Lingers
The phrase "it remains" (or "it is left") is key here. It tells us that God's invitation to enter His rest isn't a closed chapter. Despite the passage of time and the failures of past generations, the opportunity to experience this divine rest is still open.
God's Purpose Will Not Fail
This isn't about wishful thinking; it's about God's faithfulness. If God promises a rest, and He's revealed this promise through Scripture, it implies that His purpose will not be thwarted. Someone will enter. The existence of the promise guarantees its eventual fulfillment for a people.
A Call to Those Who Hear Now
This continuing promise is directly linked to the people receiving the letter. It's not just a historical observation; it's a call to attention for those in the present. Because some will enter, the question becomes: will you?
The Israelites heard the 'good news' of God's promised land, but for many, it led to ruin. How can good news have such a devastating outcome?
The 'First Preached' Mystery
The verse refers to "they to whom it was first preached." This points directly to the Israelites at the edge of the Promised Land in Moses' day. They received the initial announcement – the 'good news' – of entering Canaan, which was a foretaste of God's rest.
Disobedience: The Active Failure
While Hebrews 3:19 mentions "unbelief" as the reason they failed, this verse uses the word for "disobedience" (apeitheian). These two are deeply connected. Unbelief isn't just a passive lack of faith; it's an active refusal to obey God's commands and trust His provision, especially when they were told to advance and conquer the land. Their disobedience stemmed from a heart that didn't truly trust the God who had brought them out of Egypt.
Understand the original words
apeitheia · Greek Noun
The state of willful refusal to believe, obey, or submit to God’s revealed truth. It is the antithesis of faith and the primary cause of spiritual exclusion from God's presence.
euangelizō · Greek Verb
The gospel, or the glad tidings of salvation through Jesus Christ. In this context, it refers to the promise of entering God’s rest, which was historically presented to Israel and remains valid for believers today.
This verse highlights the generational failure of the Israelites to enter God's promised rest in Canaan due to disobedience. The author uses this history to warn his audience not to repeat the same mistake by rejecting Jesus, who offers a greater, eternal rest.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites are liberated from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses, receiving God's law and the promise of the land of Canaan.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin the military conquest of Canaan, the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.
c. 1400 BC
Division of Land in Canaan
Following the conquest, the land of Canaan is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, establishing their dwelling there. However, a full rest from enemies was not yet achieved.
c. 1040-1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Flourishes
King David reigns, expanding Israel's territory and establishing Jerusalem as the capital. Despite this golden age, the concept of a ultimate rest continues to be discussed.
This passage directly illustrates the 'disobedience' and 'unbelief' mentioned in Hebrews, showing how the generation that heard God's promises failed to enter the promised land due to their persistent lack of faith.
Joshua 1:1-2Joshua's leadership and the subsequent conquest of the land represent the fulfillment of the promise of rest for *some* of Israel, contrasting with the generation that died in the wilderness and highlighting the transition of God's people into His provision.
Psalm 95:7-11This is the very passage the author of Hebrews is quoting and interpreting; it directly speaks to God's invitation to rest and the warning against hardening hearts, mirroring the failure of the early Israelites to enter.
Deuteronomy 1:34-36Moses recounts God's decree that the generation that complained and rebelled would not enter the promised rest, reinforcing the theme that disobedience and unbelief have direct consequences for entering God's intended blessings.
ellicottHebrews 4:6: "Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:"
(6) The substance of the preceding verses may be thus expressed: There is a rest of God, into which some are to enter with God,—a rest not yet entered at the time of the wandering in the wilderness, and therefore not that which followed the work of creation,—a rest from which some were excluded because of unbelief. These five particulars are repea…
pooleHebrews 4:6: "Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:"
The Spirit having demonstrated, that God’s rest sworn to believers in the gospel, and mentioned by David, could not be the seventh day’s rest; proceeds to prove likewise, that it could not be the rest of Israel in the land of Canaan, since that was entered into four hundred years before he wrote by the Spirit of this better rest, since those unbel…
The text contrasts those who "failed to enter" with the certainty that "some" still will enter. It highlights that the promise of God's rest wasn't nullified by the failure of the first recipients, but rather, a future fulfillment remains assured.
The author is building an argument that God's promised rest hasn't been fully realized yet, using the example of the Israelites. Despite receiving the good news about entering the promised land, many failed to enter because of their disobedience and unbelief. This failure means the rest is still available for others, setting the stage for the discussion of a future, heavenly rest.
The author is building an argument that God's promised rest hasn't been fully realized yet, using the example of the Israelites. Despite receiving the good news about entering the promised land, many failed to enter because of their disobedience and unbelief. This failure means the rest is still available for others, setting the stage for the discussion of a future, heavenly rest.
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A Warning Across Ages
This isn't just ancient history. The author uses their failure as a stark warning. The same 'good news' of God's rest is being presented to the Hebrews (and to us). The outcome for them, due to their disobedience, serves as a critical reminder that hearing the message is not enough; responsive obedience is essential.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus Christ begins his public ministry, teaching about the Kingdom of God and offering spiritual rest to those who follow Him. His sacrificial death and resurrection fulfill prophecies and open a new covenant.
c. AD 60-62
Authorship of Hebrews
The author of Hebrews writes to a community of Jewish Christians, likely facing persecution or spiritual weariness, to encourage them to persevere in their faith in Christ.
"Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience," — The text contrasts those who "failed to enter" with the certainty that "some" still will enter. It highlights that the promise of God's rest wasn't nullified by the failure of the first recipients,…
