Hebrews 4:10

Commentary on Hebrews 4:10

Hebrews 4:10 (KJV):
“For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.”

1. Setting the Scene: Hebrews Chapter 4

Hebrews 4[i] is a pastoral exhortation built on a theological argument. The writer urges believers to persevere in faith so that they may enter God’s promised rest. The chapter weaves together themes from Psalm 95 and the creation account in Genesis, showing that God’s “rest” is both a present spiritual reality and a future eschatological hope.

Key verses include:

• Hebrews 4:1 (KJV):
  “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.”
• Hebrews 4:9 (KJV):
  “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”

The argument culminates in Hebrews 4:10, which explains the nature of this rest by comparing it to God’s rest after creation.

2. Exegetical Commentary on Hebrews 4:10

“For he that is entered into his rest…”

The “he” refers to the believer who has responded to God’s promise with faith. The context of Hebrews 4 contrasts those who hardened their hearts (as in the wilderness generation) with those who trust God’s word. Entering God’s rest is not merely about reaching the land of Canaan; it is about entering the fullness of salvation offered in Jesus Christ.

“…he also hath ceased from his own works…”

This phrase does not mean that Christians stop doing good works. The New Testament consistently teaches that faith produces obedience. Rather, the believer ceases from the works that attempt to establish righteousness before God. This is a deeply Christian theme: salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

The believer rests from striving to earn acceptance. The burden of self-justification is lifted. This is the rest of the gospel.

“…as God did from his.”

The comparison is with Genesis 2:2 (KJV):
“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”

God’s rest was not due to exhaustion. It was the satisfaction of completed work. In the same way, the believer rests because the saving work is complete—not by us, but by Jesus Christ.

This is reinforced later in Hebrews:

• Hebrews 10:12 (KJV):
  “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.”

Christ’s sitting down is the ultimate picture of completed work.

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3. Theological Insights

3.1 Rest as a Present Spiritual Reality

Believers enter God’s rest now through faith in Christ. This rest is the assurance that salvation is secure because Christ has done all that is necessary.

3.2 Rest as a Future Hope

Hebrews 4:9 speaks of a rest that “remaineth.” The Christian life is a journey toward the final consummation of God’s promises. Our present rest is a foretaste of the eternal Sabbath.

3.3 Rest and Perseverance

Hebrews 4 warns against unbelief and disobedience. Rest is entered by faith, but faith is demonstrated through perseverance.

• Hebrews 4:11 (KJV):
  “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

This “labour” is not a self-justifying effort but the diligent pursuit of faithfulness.

3.4 Rest and the Word of God

The chapter concludes with a reminder that God’s word exposes the heart.

• Hebrews 4:12 (KJV):
  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…”

True rest comes only when the word of God penetrates our hearts and leads us to Christ.

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4. Meditation Guide

4.1 Reflect

Sit quietly and read Hebrews 4:10 several times. Consider what “rest” means in your life. Are there areas where you are striving to earn God’s approval?

Hebrews 4:10 (KJV):
“For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.”

4.2 Confess

Acknowledge the ways you rely on your own works. Bring before God the burdens you carry—guilt, fear, perfectionism, or self-reliance.

4.3 Receive

Meditate on the finished work of Christ. Reflect on his words:

• Matthew 11:28 (KJV):
  “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Let the truth of the gospel settle into your heart.

4.4 Respond

Ask God to help you walk in obedience—not to earn his love, but because you already have it in Christ. Consider one practical step you can take today to live out this rest.

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5. Application to Modern Christian Living

5.1 Freedom from Self-Justification

Many Christians live with a low-grade anxiety that they are not doing enough. Hebrews 4:10 calls us to rest in Christ’s finished work.

5.2 Sabbath as a Gift

While the New Testament does not bind Christians to Old Testament Sabbath regulations, the principle of rest remains. Setting aside regular time for worship, reflection, and restoration is a wise and godly practice.

5.3 Perseverance in Faith

Rest does not mean passivity. It means trusting God enough to obey him. In a culture that prizes self-achievement, Christians are called to a countercultural posture of dependence.

5.4 Hope for the Future

The promise of eternal rest sustains believers through suffering. Our present struggles are not the final word.

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[i] Hebrews 4

King James Version

4 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.