Devine Scripture

Hebrews 4:16

What does Hebrews 4:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 4:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 4:16 means

Because we have such a high priest, we are invited to draw near with boldness to the throne of grace. God’s throne, which might terrify sinners, is for believers a place of mercy and help through Jesus. We come to receive, not to merit—to find both pardon (“mercy”) and empowering favor (“grace”) exactly “in time of need.” The way is open, the welcome is warm, and the supply is sufficient. Confidence is not arrogance; it rests on Christ’s person and work. The chapter ends with this gracious call: come now, often, and expectantly, to the God who gives rest and help.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then let us come near to the seat of grace without fear, so that mercy may be given to us, and we may get grace for our help in time of need.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

we may come near, then, with freedom, to the throne of the grace, that we may receive kindness, and find grace--for seasonable help.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let us approach therefore with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace for seasonable help.

Context

This final verse gathers the chapter’s strands: the promise of rest, the danger of unbelief, the piercing word, and the provision of a great high priest. The appropriate response is not withdrawal but approach—confident, needy, and expectant. Here the argument turns from warning to invitation, from exposure to supply. The next chapters will unfold the nature of Jesus’ priesthood in greater detail, but the practical application is already placed in the reader’s hands: come for mercy and grace.

v.15For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

v.16This passage

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 7:19

    (for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh unto God.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:8

    Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

  • Romans 8:15

    For ye received not the spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

  • Isaiah 27:11

    When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off; the women shall come, and set them on fire; for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have compassion upon them, and he that formed them will show them no favor.

  • Ephesians 3:12

    in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.

  • Hebrews 10:19

    Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,

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