There remains, then,This phrase indicates a continuation or conclusion from previous arguments. The author of Hebrews has been discussing the concept of rest, drawing from the Old Testament narrative of the Israelites and their journey to the Promised Land. The use of "remains" suggests that this rest is still available and has not been fully realized by the people of God. It implies a promise that is ongoing and accessible.
a Sabbath rest
The term "Sabbath rest" is unique and signifies more than just a physical rest. It draws from the creation account inGenesis 2:2-3, where God rested on the seventh day, setting a pattern for humanity. This rest is not merely about ceasing from work but entering into a state of spiritual peace and fulfillment. It also connects to the Mosaic Law, where the Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:16-17). Theologically, it points to a deeper, eschatological rest that believers anticipate, a rest that is fulfilled in Christ, who offers rest for the soul (Matthew 11:28-30).
for the people of God.
This phrase identifies the recipients of the Sabbath rest. In the context of Hebrews, "the people of God" refers to those who have faith in Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles, who are grafted into the spiritual lineage of Abraham (Galatians 3:7-9). Historically, the people of God were the Israelites, but the New Covenant expands this to include all who believe in Christ. This rest is a promise for the community of believers, emphasizing the unity and inclusivity of God's promise. It also serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Author of HebrewsTraditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith.
2.
The RecipientsJewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and the concept of the Sabbath rest, facing pressure to revert to Judaism.
3.
Sabbath RestA concept rooted in the creation account and the Mosaic Law, symbolizing God's rest after creation and the rest promised to His people.
4.
The People of GodRefers to believers in Christ, both Jewish and Gentile, who are part of the new covenant community.
5.
The Promised LandHistorically, the land of Canaan, which was a type of the ultimate rest found in Christ.
Teaching Points
Understanding Sabbath RestThe Sabbath rest is not merely a physical rest but a spiritual rest found in Christ. It signifies ceasing from our own works and trusting in the finished work of Jesus.
The Continuity of God's PromiseThe promise of rest remains for the people of God, indicating that God's promises are enduring and applicable to believers today.
Entering God's RestBelievers are called to enter into God's rest through faith and obedience, reflecting a life of trust and reliance on God.
The Rest as a Foretaste of EternityThe Sabbath rest is a foretaste of the eternal rest believers will experience in heaven, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective.
Encouragement to PersevereThe promise of rest serves as an encouragement to persevere in faith amidst trials and temptations, knowing that ultimate rest awaits.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Hebrews 4:9?
2.How does Hebrews 4:9 define the concept of "Sabbath rest" for believers?
3.What practical steps can we take to enter God's "Sabbath rest" today?
4.How does Hebrews 4:9 connect with Genesis 2:2-3 about God's rest?
5.Why is understanding "Sabbath rest" crucial for spiritual growth and maturity?
6.How can Hebrews 4:9 encourage us to trust in God's promises more deeply?
7.What does "a Sabbath rest for the people of God" mean in Hebrews 4:9?
8.How does Hebrews 4:9 relate to the concept of eternal rest in Christianity?
9.Why is the Sabbath rest emphasized in Hebrews 4:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 4?
11.What defines a Christian comfort zone?
12.What does 'Sabbath made for man' signify?
13.How can one enter God's rest?
14.What does "Rest in Peace" (RIP) mean?What Does Hebrews 4:9 Mean
there remains• The words “There remains” declare that God’s promise is still on the table—unexpired and fully reliable.
• Hebrews has just warned that an entire generation missed entering Canaan because of unbelief (Hebrews 3:16-19). In contrast, God now assures us that the offer is still open.
• This permanence echoes Jesus’ assurance, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
• Because Scripture is accurate and true, we can bank our hope on what remains.
then• “Then” links the promise to the argument already made: if Joshua’s conquest didn’t provide the final rest (Hebrews 4:8), God must have intended something greater.
• The logical flow is simple:
– Unbelief forfeits rest (Hebrews 3:18–19).
– God swore there is a rest (Hebrews 4:3).
– Therefore, since some did not enter, the rest must still be available (Hebrews 4:6).
• The connective “then” urges immediate response—similar to Paul’s “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
a Sabbath rest• The phrase points back to the seventh day, when “God rested from all His works” (Genesis 2:2-3).
• In the Law, the Sabbath offered Israel weekly relief and pointed to something fuller (Exodus 20:8-11;Leviticus 25:4).
• Hebrews reveals the ultimate fulfillment:
– Rest from self-effort, because Christ finished redemption (John 19:30).
– Rest that begins now through faith (Matthew 11:28-29) and culminates in eternity (Revelation 14:13).
• This is not mere symbolism; it is a literal, future reality that believers will enter while already tasting it today.
for the people of God• The promise targets all who belong to Him through faith in Jesus.
• Scripture defines this people as:
– “Those who have believed” (Hebrews 4:3).
– “A chosen people… belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9-10).
– “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed” (Galatians 3:29).
• The door is open to every believer, Jew or Gentile (Ephesians 2:13-18).
• Because God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), His people can anticipate this rest with certainty.
summaryHebrews 4:9 confidently announces that God’s offer of ultimate, God-given rest still stands. Built on the unbreakable chain of His prior works and promises, this Sabbath rest is already tasted by believers through faith in Christ and will be fully realized in His presence. It belongs exclusively to God’s covenant people and calls us to trust, obey, and look forward with steadfast hope.
(9)
There remaineth therefore.--Or,
therefore there is (still)
left: the word is the same as in
Hebrews 4:6. It is tacitly assumed that no subsequent fulfilment has altered the relation of the promise. Few things in the Epistle are more striking than the constant presentation of the thought that Scripture language is
permanent and at all times
present. The implied promise, therefore, repeated whenever the "to-day" is heard, must have its fulfilment. The rescued people of Israel did indeed find a rest in Canaan: the true redeemed "people of God" shall rest with God.
A rest.--As the margin points out, the word is suddenly changed. As the rest promised to God's people is a rest with God, it is to them "a sabbath-rest." So one of the treatises of the Mishna speaks of Psalms 92 as a "Psalm for the time to come, for the day which is all Sabbath, the rest belonging to the life eternal."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Soἄρα(ara)Conjunction
Strong's 686:Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.there remainsἀπολείπεται(apoleipetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 620:From apo and leipo; to leave behind; by implication, to forsake.a Sabbath restσαββατισμὸς(sabbatismos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4520:A keeping of the Sabbath, a Sabbath rest. From a derivative of sabbaton; a 'sabbatism', i.e. the repose of Christianity.for theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.peopleλαῷ(laō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992:Apparently a primary word; a people.of God.Θεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
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NT Letters: Hebrews 4:9 There remains therefore a Sabbath rest (Heb. He. Hb) 
