Hebrews 4:6
What does Hebrews 4:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 4:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 4:6 means
Because the promise of rest still stands, and because the first hearers failed through disobedience, it follows that others must yet enter. The author’s logic is hopeful: failure in one generation does not cancel God’s purpose. Disobedience (the fruit of unbelief) explains why they did not enter; faith and obedience explain how others will. This opens the door for the readers, who stand at their own crossroads. The verse clears away despair—God’s design remains—and also excuses no one—God’s warning remains. Both truths summon a fresh, believing response to God’s living promise.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Seeing therefore it remaineth that some should enter thereinto, and they to whom the good tidings were before preached failed to enter in because of disobedience,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Seeing therefore it remaineth that some should enter thereinto, and they to whom the good tidings were before preached failed to enter in because of disobedience,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So that as it is clear that some have to go in, and that the first hearers of the good news were not able to go in because they went against God's orders,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862since then, it remaineth for certain to enter into it, and those who did first hear good news entered not in because of unbelief--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Seeing then it remaineth that some are to enter into it, and they to whom it was first preached did not enter because of unbelief:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Seeing therefore it remains that some enter into it, and those who first received the glad tidings did not enter in on account of not hearkening to the word,
Context
Verses 4–5 have set the pattern and warning; verse 6 moves to application. It argues from the persistence of God’s purpose that a door remains open. This prepares for verse 7, which cites God’s appointment of a “To-day” in David, proving the offer continued long after Joshua. The flow is purposeful: from creation to warning to renewed opportunity, all pressing readers to hear and not harden their hearts now.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 28:28
Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles: they will also hear.
- Galatians 3:8
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed.
- Numbers 14:12
I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a nation greater and mightier than they.
- Hebrews 4:2
For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard.
- Hebrews 3:18
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were disobedient?
- Acts 13:46
And Paul and Barnabas spake out boldly, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you. Seeing ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
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