Attributed commentary excerpt
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 4:3
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Notes on the Whole Bible
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · 19th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
For we which have believed do enter into rest - That is, it is a certain fact that believers “will” enter into rest. That promise is made to “believers;” and as we have evidence that “we” come under the denomination of believers, it will follow that we have the offer of rest as well as they. That this is so, the apostle proceeds to prove; that is, he proceeds to show from the Old Testament that there was a promise to “believers” that they would enter into rest. Since there was such a promise, and since there was danger that by unbelief that “rest” might be lost, he proceeds to show them the danger, and to warn them of it. As he said ... - see Hebrews 3:11. The meaning of this passage is this. “God made a promise of rest to those who believe. They to whom the offer was first made failed, and did not enter in. It must follow, therefore, that the offer extended to others, since God designed that some should enter in, or that it should not he provided in vain. To them it was a solemn declaration that unbelievers should not enter in, and this implied that believers would. “As we now,” says he, “sustain the character of “believers,” it follows that to us the promise of rest is now made and we may partake of it.” If they shall enter ... - That is, they shall “not” enter in; see Hebrews 3:11. The “rest” here spoken of as reserved for Christians must be different from that of the promised land. It is something that pertains to Christians now, and it must, therefore, refer to the “rest” that remains in heaven. Although the works were finished ... - This is a difficult expression. What works are referred to? it may be asked. How does this bear on the subject under discussion? How can it be a proof that there remains a “rest” to those who believe now? This was the point to be demonstrated; and this passage was designed clearly to bear on that point. As it is in our translation, the passage seems to make no sense whatever. Tyndale renders it, “And that spake he verily long after that the works were made from the foundation of the world laid;” which makes much better sense than our translation. Doddridge explains it as meaning, “And this may lead us further to reflect on what is said elsewhere concerning his works as they were finished from the foundation of the world.” But it is difficult to see why they should reflect on his works just then, and how this would bear on the case in hand. Prof. Stuart supposes that the word “rest” must be understood here before “works,” and translates it, “Shall not enter into my rest, to wit, rest from the works which were performed when the world was founded.” Prof. Robinson (Lexicon) explains it as meaning, “The rest here spoken of, ‘my rest,’ could not have been God’s resting from his works Genesis 2:2, for this rest, the Sabbath, had already existed from the creation of the world.” Dr. John P. Wilson (ms. notes) renders it, “For we who have believed, do enter into rest (or a cessation) indeed (καίτοι kaitoi) of the works done (among people) from the beginning of the world.” Amidst this variety of interpretation it is difficult to determine the true sense. But perhaps the main thought may be collected from the following remarks: The Jews as the people of God had a rest promised them in the land of Canaan. Of that they failed by their unbelief. (2)The purpose of the apostle was to prove that there was a similar promise made to the people of God long subsequent to that, and to which “all” his people were invited…
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