Devine Scripture

Hebrews 4:11

What does Hebrews 4:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 4:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 4:11 means

Because such a rest remains, believers must be diligent to enter it. The paradox—strive to rest—means we actively hold fast to faith and obedience rather than drifting into the same disobedience that ruined the wilderness generation. Diligence is not self-salvation; it is the vigilant, persevering response to God’s promise. The goal is corporate: “that no man fall” by the old example. We watch ourselves and one another so that the community walks into God’s rest together. The verse turns promise into pastoral urgency, calling for endurance that refuses the hardening patterns of unbelief.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because of this, let us have a strong desire to come into that rest, and let no one go after the example of those who went against God's orders.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

May we be diligent, then, to enter into that rest, that no one in the same example of the unbelief may fall,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let us therefore use diligence to enter into that rest, that no one may fall after the same example of not hearkening to the word.

Context

With verse 10 defining the rest, verse 11 issues a practical exhortation: do not repeat Israel’s disobedience. This sets the stage for verses 12–13, where the searching power of God’s word and all-seeing gaze will explain why complacency is dangerous. The chapter’s rhetoric moves from promise to warning to means: God’s word exposes the heart’s state, compelling us to seek the mercy and help God supplies through our great high priest (v. 14–16).

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

v.11This passage

v.12For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 1:10

    Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:

  • Colossians 3:6

    for which things’ sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience:

  • Hebrews 6:11

    And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end:

  • Luke 13:24

    Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

  • John 6:27

    Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed.

  • Romans 11:30

    For as ye in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience,

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