Hebrews – Chapter 4

New Testament • 16 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 4 of Hebrews begins: "Let us fear therefore lest, the promise being left of entering into his rest, any of you should be thought to be wanting." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 16 verses, two threads run through the text: faith and trust in God and God's mercy and forgiveness. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Let us fear therefore lest, the promise being left of entering into his rest, any of you should be thought to be wanting.

2For unto us also it hath been declared in like manner as unto them. But the word of hearing did not profit them, not being mixed with faith of those things they heard.

3For we, who have believed, shall enter into rest; as he said: As I have sworn in my wrath: If they shall enter into my rest; and this indeed when the works from the foundation of the world were finished.

4For in a certain place he spoke of the seventh day thus: And God rested the seventh day from all his works.

5And in this place again: If they shall enter into my rest.

6Seeing then it remaineth that some are to enter into it, and they to whom it was first preached did not enter because of unbelief:

7Again he limiteth a certain day, saying in David; To day, after so long a time as it is above said: To day if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

8For if Jesus had given them rest he would never have afterwards spoken of another day.

9There remaineth therefore a day of rest for the people of God.

10For he that is entered into his rest, the same also hath rested from his works, as God did from his.

11Let us hasten therefore to enter into that rest: lest any man fall into the same example of unbelief.

12For the word of God is living and effectual and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow: and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13Neither is there any creature invisible in his sight: but all things are naked and open to his eyes, to whom our speech is.

14Having therefore a great high priest that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God: let us hold fast our confession.

15For we have not a high priest who cannot have compassion on our infirmities: but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin.

16Let us go therefore with confidence to the throne of grace: that we may obtain mercy and find grace in seasonable aid.

Important Verses in Hebrews 4

“Let us fear therefore lest, the promise being left of entering into his rest, any of you should be thought to be wanting.”

Hebrews 4:1

“For in a certain place he spoke of the seventh day thus: And God rested the seventh day from all his works.”

Hebrews 4:4

“For the word of God is living and effectual and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow: and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12

“Let us go therefore with confidence to the throne of grace: that we may obtain mercy and find grace in seasonable aid. ”

Hebrews 4:16

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, Hebrews was written with jewish Christians wavering under pressure, urged to hold fast to Christ in view. Chapter 4 of 13 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 16 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "Let us fear therefore lest, the promise being left of entering into his rest, any of you should be thought to be…" The final verse reads: "Let us go therefore with confidence to the throne of grace: that we may obtain mercy and find grace in seasonable aid. " The wider setting of Hebrews is this: Written to Jewish Christians tempted to drift back to the synagogue, Hebrews argues that Christ is superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood: He is the eternal High Priest who offered Himself once for all. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Hebrews around Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued.

Who Wrote It

Unknown; the Church receives it as apostolic. Ancient suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, and Apollos

When It Was Written

Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Let us fear therefore lest, the promise being left of entering into his rest, any of you should be thought to be wanting." The passage repeatedly touches on faith and trust in God.

Catholic exegesis reads Hebrews 4 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Hebrews grounds Catholic teaching on Christ's priesthood (CIC 1544-1545). St. Cyril of Alexandria and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 791).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Hebrews 4 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
  • ✓True conversion means turning away from sin and returning to God with our whole heart.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

Hebrews Chapter 4 belongs to the New Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. Hebrews grounds Catholic teaching on Christ's priesthood (CIC 1544-1545). Here the believer is invited to ponder poverty of spirit and detachment.

Let Hebrews Chapter 4 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hebrews Chapter 4 about?

Hebrews 4 contains 16 verses. It opens with "Let us fear therefore lest, the promise being left of entering into his rest, any of you should be thought to be…" and closes with "Let us go therefore with confidence to the throne of grace: that we may obtain mercy and find grace in seasonable aid. ". The book as a whole is theological homily.

What is a key verse in Hebrews 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Let us fear therefore lest, the promise being left of entering into his rest, any of you should be thought to be wanting." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Hebrews Chapter 4?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Hebrews and when?

Unknown; the Church receives it as apostolic. Ancient suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, and Apollos. Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued.

Related Chapters

Psalms 6Shares people and themes with this chapterMark 11Shares people and themes with this chapterRomans 11Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Apostles' Creed🙏Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love🙏Divine Mercy Chaplet🙏Act of Contrition

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