Hebrews

The epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, chapter 4, New English Translation and King James Version

Chapter 4 New English Translation

God's Promised Rest

1 Therefore we must be wary that, while the promise of entering his rest remains open, none of you may seem to have come short of it. 2 For we had good news proclaimed to us just as they did. But the message they heard did them no good, since they did not join in with those who heard it in faith. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, "As I swore in my anger, 'They will never enter my rest!'" And yet God's works were accomplished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has spoken somewhere about the seventh day in this way: "And God rested on the seventh day from all his works, " 5 but to repeat the text cited earlier: "They will never enter my rest!" 6 Therefore it remains for some to enter it, yet those to whom it was previously proclaimed did not enter because of disobedience. 7 So God again ordains a certain day, "Today, " speaking through David after so long a time, as in the words quoted before, "O, that today you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts." 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken afterward about another day. 9 Consequently a Sabbath rest remains for the people of God. 10 For the one who enters God's rest has also rested from his works, just as God did from his own works. 11 Thus we must make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

Jesus Our Compassionate High Priest

14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.

King James Version

   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.
   2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
   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.
   4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
   5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
   6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
   7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
   8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
   9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
   10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
   11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
   12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
   13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
   14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
   15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
   16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.