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</li> <li class="tabItem marginal" data-related-content="studyMarginals" aria-label="marginal"> <span class="icon"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="navigationContents"> <div id="studyDiscover" class="studyPane active tabContent"> <div class="section"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui"><strong>Overview of Hebrews</strong></span></h3><div class="summaryOverview"><ul class="content"><li class='scalableui'><div class="overview chapterOnly"> <ul class="outline"><li class="L1 collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><p class="se title"><span class="itemLabel"><strong>B.</strong> </span><strong>THE PROMISE OF ENTERING INTO GOD’S REST (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/3#h=11:0-17:0"><strong>3:7–4:13</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><span class="icon"></span></div><ul><li class="L2"><p class="s5"><strong>1. Warning example of the unfaithful Israelites, who failed to enter into God’s rest (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/3#h=11:0-14:0"><strong>3:7-19</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><ul><li class="L3"><p class="s6">God became disgusted with the generation of Israelites who left Egypt (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/3#h=11:0-12:0">3:7-11</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Danger of developing “a wicked heart lacking faith” and of “drawing away from the living God” (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/3#h=12:0-13:0">3:12-15</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Disobedience and lack of faith prevented the Israelites from entering into God’s rest (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/3#h=13:0-14:0">3:16-19</a>)</p></li></ul></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5"><strong>2. There remains a sabbath-rest for God’s people (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4#h=14:0-17:0"><strong>4:1-13</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><ul><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Faith needed to enter into God’s rest (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4#h=14:0-15:0">4:1-5</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Entering into God’s rest possible for those listening to God’s voice (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4#h=15:0-16:0">4:6-10</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">God’s living and powerful word effective and sure to be fulfilled (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4#h=16:0-17:0">4:11-13</a>)</p></li></ul></li></ul></li><li class="L1 collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><p class="se title"><span class="itemLabel"><strong>C.</strong> </span><strong>SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST’S PRIESTHOOD (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4#h=17:0-32:0"><strong>4:14–7:28</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><span class="icon"></span></div><ul><li class="L2"><p class="s5"><strong>1. Jesus, the great High Priest (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4#h=17:0-21:0"><strong>4:14–5:10</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><ul><li class="L3"><p class="s6">A compassionate High Priest, tested and without sin (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4#h=17:0-18:0">4:14-16</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Human high priests had to make offerings for their own sins (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/5#h=18:0-19:0">5:1-3</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Christ glorified by God and called a priest “in the manner of Melchizedek” (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/5#h=19:0-20:0">5:4-6</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Learned obedience, was made perfect, and “became responsible for everlasting salvation” (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/5#h=20:0-21:0">5:7-10</a>)</p></li></ul></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5"><strong>2. Warnings against remaining immature and against apostasy (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/5#h=21:0-25:0"><strong>5:11–6:12</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><ul><li class="L3"><p class="s6">“Solid food belongs to mature people” (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/5#h=21:0-22:0">5:11-14</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Move beyond the primary doctrine, and press on to maturity (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/6#h=22:0-23:0">6:1-3</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Those falling away “nail the Son of God to the stake again” (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/6#h=23:0-24:0">6:4-8</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">God will never “forget your work” and love (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/6#h=24:0-24:293">6:9, 10</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Imitate those who inherit the promises “through faith and patience” (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/6#h=24:293-25:0">6:11, 12</a>)</p></li></ul></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5"><strong>3. God’s promise and oath—“two unchangeable things” (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/6#h=25:0-26:0"><strong>6:13-20</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><ul><li class="L3"><p class="s6">God’s promise and oath to Abraham make the Christian hope sure (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/6#h=25:0-25:729">6:13-18</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">This hope is like “an anchor for the soul” (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/6#h=25:729-26:0">6:19, 20</a>)</p></li></ul></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5"><strong>4. “Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God” (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/7#h=26:0-28:0"><strong>7:1-10</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><ul><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Unique features of Melchizedek’s priesthood (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/7#h=26:0-27:0">7:1-3</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Abraham and through him Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/7#h=27:0-28:0">7:4-10</a>)</p></li></ul></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5"><strong>5. Jesus, “a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek” (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/7#h=28:0-32:0"><strong>7:11-28</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><ul><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Jesus’ priesthood superior to the Levitical priesthood (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/7#h=28:0-29:0">7:11-14</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Jesus’ priesthood not dependent on a fleshly line of descent (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/7#h=29:0-30:0">7:15-17</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Jesus, a priest through an oath sworn by God (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/7#h=30:0-30:593">7:18-22</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Christ needs no successors; he can “save completely” (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/7#h=30:593-31:0">7:23-25</a>)</p></li><li class="L3"><p class="s6">Jesus’ outstanding qualifications as High Priest (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/7#h=31:0-32:0">7:26-28</a>)</p></li></ul></li></ul></li></ul></div> </li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-1" data-section-citation="058004001058004001"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:1</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p4" data-pid="4" class="s5"><strong>a promise of entering into his rest remains:</strong> Guided by holy spirit, Paul reveals that God’s words through David recorded at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/1/0" data-bid="2-1" class="b">Ps 95:11</a> were more than a judgment of His rebellious people; His words also conveyed a promise. The Israelites failed to enter into God’s rest. But the letter to the Hebrews does not dwell on their failures; rather, it introduces an intriguing theme: The promise to enter into his rest still “remains,” that is, it is open to Christians. (See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/0/0">study notes on Heb 4:3,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/1/0"> 10</a>.) This is the first of many times in this letter that Paul mentions “a promise” originating with God. (Some other examples are found at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/2/0" data-bid="3-1" class="b">Heb 6:12,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/2/1" data-bid="3-2" class="b"> 17;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/2/2" data-bid="3-3" class="b"> 9:15;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/2/3" data-bid="3-4" class="b"> 10:36;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/2/4" data-bid="3-5" class="b"> 11:9</a>.) This idea forms a reassuring theme. In ancient non-Biblical Greek literature, it was very rare to read about a god who made promises to humans.</p> <p id="p5" data-pid="5" class="s5"><strong>let us be on guard:</strong> Lit., “let us be in fear.” One reference work explains that “the kind of <em>fear</em> which is recommended here is that which leads to caution and care.”</p> <p id="p6" data-pid="6" class="s5"><strong>fall short of it:</strong> The rebellious Israelites had failed to work in harmony with God’s advancing purpose. Thus, they missed out on an opportunity to enter into God’s rest. Because of their rebellious spirit, they disqualified themselves from entering the Promised Land. (See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/2/0">study note on Heb 3:11</a>.) Paul urges the Hebrew Christians to avoid acting in a way that would cause them to miss out on the promised rest.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/82" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-83"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Heb 3:12, 13</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-83" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-83" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p128" data-pid="128" class="se"></p> <div id="p129" data-pid="129"><p data-pid="129" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/120/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="129" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/120/0">7/15/2011, p. 27</a></p><p data-pid="129" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/121/0">7/15/1998, p. 17</a></p> </div><p id="p130" data-pid="130" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p45" data-pid="45" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/43/0">w11 7/15 27;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/43/2"> w98 7/15 17;</a></p> <p id="p46" data-pid="46" class="sx"></p> <p id="p49" data-pid="49" class="sx"><span class="ni">w34 270</span></p> <p id="p50" data-pid="50" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-2" data-section-citation="058004002058004002"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:2</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p8" data-pid="8" class="s5"><strong>we have also had the good news declared to us:</strong> Jehovah declared good news to the Israelites after the Exodus. Among his promises, he told them that if they were obedient, they would enter into his rest in the Promised Land, enjoying a special relationship with him. In time, they would become “a kingdom of priests.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/4/0" data-bid="5-1" class="b">Ex 19:5, 6;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/4/1" data-bid="5-2" class="b"> 23:20-25,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/4/2" data-bid="5-3" class="b"> 31</a>) The nation failed to exercise faith and proved disobedient. So Jehovah eventually rejected that nation and “had the good news declared” to those who became Christ’s spirit-anointed disciples. If they exercised faith and proved obedient, they would enter into God’s rest, enjoy his favor, and become kings and priests in the heavenly Kingdom.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/5/0" data-bid="6-1" class="b">1Pe 2:9;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/5/1" data-bid="6-2" class="b"> Re 5:10</a>.</p> <p id="p9" data-pid="9" class="s5"><strong>they were not united by faith with those who listened:</strong> The majority of the Israelites of Moses’ day did not benefit from <strong>the word,</strong> or the message of the good news, declared to them. The Israelites did not have faith like that of Joshua and Caleb, who were among “those who listened” to the message, that is, obeyed it. In contrast, the disobedient Israelites refused to obey Jehovah’s command to take possession of the Promised Land.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/6/0" data-bid="7-1" class="b">Nu 14:1-11,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/6/1" data-bid="7-2" class="b"> 35-38</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/83" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-84"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mt 4:23; Ac 15:7; Col 1:23</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-84" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-84" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p50" data-pid="50" class="sx"><span class="ni">w34 270;</span><span class="ni"> w31 139</span></p> <p id="p51" data-pid="51" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-3" data-section-citation="058004003058004003"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:3</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p11" data-pid="11" class="s5"><strong>we who have exercised faith do enter into the rest:</strong> The context shows that Paul refers to the rest day that began when Jehovah finished his work of creation. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/8/0" data-bid="9-1" class="b">Heb 4:4, 5,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/8/1" data-bid="9-2" class="b"> 10</a>) The Genesis record provides a key fact about that day: “God went on to <em>bless</em> the seventh day and to declare it <em>sacred.”</em> (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/9/0" data-bid="10-1" class="b">Ge 2:2, 3</a>) This declaration meant that by the end of the rest day, all of Jehovah’s purposes regarding the earth and mankind would be fulfilled. All creation would be exactly as God intended it to be. Though the rebellion of Satan, Adam, and Eve brought disharmony into that rest day, their actions did not disrupt Jehovah’s purpose. Paul’s inspired words assured the Hebrew Christians that they could enter into Jehovah’s rest. They could join Jehovah in his rest by obediently working in harmony with his advancing purpose. For example, they needed to trust in Jehovah and exercise faith in his promises.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/10/0" data-bid="11-1" class="b">Heb 3:19;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/10/1" data-bid="11-2" class="b"> 4:6</a>.</p> <p id="p12" data-pid="12" class="s5"><strong>although his works were finished:</strong> Jehovah’s earthly creative works were finished after Eve was created. So Paul’s reasoning here might be summed up this way: God’s rest day began long ago, and ever since then, God has invited humans to enter that rest. Although many refuse, the opportunity to “enter into the rest” has remained open for those who exercise faith.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/84" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-85"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">De 1:34, 35; Ps 95:11; Heb 3:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-85" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-85" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/85" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-86"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ex 31:17</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-86" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-86" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p130" data-pid="130" class="se"></p> <p id="p131" data-pid="131" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/122/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 1129</a></p> <div id="p132" data-pid="132"><p data-pid="132" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/123/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="132" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/123/0">7/15/1998, p. 17</a></p> </div><p id="p133" data-pid="133" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p46" data-pid="46" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/44/0">it-1 1129;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/44/2"> w98 7/15 17;</a></p> <p id="p47" data-pid="47" class="sx"></p> <p id="p51" data-pid="51" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/49/0">w65 655;</a><span class="ni"> im 296;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/49/2"> w62 748;</a><span class="ni"> g61 2/8 7;</span><span class="ni"> lg 179;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/49/5"> w51 27;</a><span class="ni"> w45 59;</span><span class="ni"> w34 270</span></p> <p id="p52" data-pid="52" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-4" data-section-citation="058004004058004004"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:4</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p14" data-pid="14" class="s5"><strong>“And God rested on the seventh day from all his works”:</strong> Paul quotes from <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/12/0" data-bid="13-1" class="b">Ge 2:2</a>, which refers to the seventh day of the creative week. In that verse, the Hebrew expression rendered “he began to rest” suggests that God’s day of rest had not come to its end. This understanding is supported by the following points: Regarding all the earlier creative days, it is stated that “there was evening and there was morning,” meaning that each successive day had ended. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/13/0" data-bid="14-1" class="b">Ge 1:5,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/13/1" data-bid="14-2" class="b"> 8,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/13/2" data-bid="14-3" class="b"> 13,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/13/3" data-bid="14-4" class="b"> 19,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/13/4" data-bid="14-5" class="b"> 23,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/13/5" data-bid="14-6" class="b"> 31</a>) However, no such statement is made regarding the seventh day. In addition, at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/14/0" data-bid="15-1" class="b">Heb 4:7</a>, Paul applies the expression “Today,” as used at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/15/0" data-bid="16-1" class="b">Ps 95:7</a>, to God’s day of rest, indicating that the day was still ongoing when David penned that inspired psalm. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/16/0" data-bid="17-1" class="b">Ps 95:7-11</a>; see <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/3/0">study note on Heb 4:7</a>.) In harmony with this reasoning, Paul shows that the seventh day was still ongoing in his time and that it was possible for Christians to enter “into God’s rest.”—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/17/0" data-bid="18-1" class="b">Heb 4:3,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/17/1" data-bid="18-2" class="b"> 10, 11</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/86" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-87"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 2:2; Ex 20:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-87" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-87" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p133" data-pid="133" class="se"></p> <p id="p134" data-pid="134" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/124/0"><em>“All Scripture,”</em> p. 18</a></p> <p id="p135" data-pid="135" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/125/0"><em>Reasoning,</em> pp. 349-350</a></p> <p id="p136" data-pid="136" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p47" data-pid="47" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/45/0">si 18;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/45/2"> rs 349-350;</a></p> <p id="p48" data-pid="48" class="sx"></p> <p id="p52" data-pid="52" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/50/0">w80 11/15 19;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/50/2"> g72 11/22 8;</a><span class="ni"> im 296;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/50/5"> w61 378;</a><span class="ni"> g61 2/8 7;</span><span class="ni"> w45 59</span></p> <p id="p53" data-pid="53" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-5" data-section-citation="058004005058004005"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:5</span></h3><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/87" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-88"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ps 95:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-88" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-88" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p53" data-pid="53" class="sx"><span class="ni">im 296;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/51/1"> w61 378;</a><span class="ni"> w45 59</span></p> <p id="p54" data-pid="54" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-6" data-section-citation="058004006058004006"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:6</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p16" data-pid="16" class="s5"><strong>did not enter in because of disobedience:</strong> In a similar statement at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/19/0" data-bid="20-1" class="b">Heb 3:19</a>, Paul says that the Israelites did not enter into God’s rest “because of lack of faith.” Their lack of faith in Jehovah’s promises to support and protect them led them to disobey his commands. The result of this disobedience was that those rebels did not enter the Promised Land and did not enter into God’s rest. (See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/4/0">study notes on Heb 3:11;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/5/0"> 4:2</a>.) The Bible shows that exercising faith involves obedience.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/20/0" data-bid="21-1" class="b">Joh 3:16</a> and <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/6/0">study note,</a> <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/21/0" data-bid="22-1" class="b">36</a>; compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/22/0" data-bid="23-1" class="b">Jas 2:20-23</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/88" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-89"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Nu 14:30; De 31:27</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-89" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-89" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p136" data-pid="136" class="se"></p> <p id="p137" data-pid="137" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/126/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 1129</a></p> <div id="p138" data-pid="138"><p data-pid="138" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/127/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="138" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/127/0">7/15/1998, pp. 17-18</a></p> </div><p id="p139" data-pid="139" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p48" data-pid="48" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/46/0">it-1 1129;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/46/2"> w98 7/15 17;</a></p> <p id="p49" data-pid="49" class="sx"></p> <p id="p54" data-pid="54" class="sx"><span class="ni">im 296;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/52/1"> w63 42;</a><span class="ni"> ln 7</span></p> <p id="p55" data-pid="55" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-7" data-section-citation="058004007058004007"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:7</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p18" data-pid="18" class="s5"><strong>by saying long afterward in David’s psalm:</strong> Paul quotes <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/24/0" data-bid="25-1" class="b">Ps 95:7, 8</a> and attributes that psalm to David. (The writer of <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/25/0" data-bid="26-1" class="b">Ps 95</a> is not identified in the Hebrew text, but the Greek <em>Septuagint</em> has a superscription that reads: “A song of praise by David.”) Those words were indeed penned “long afterward.” By David’s day, about 450 years had passed since God declared that the rebellious Israelites would not enter into his rest (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/26/0" data-bid="27-1" class="b">Nu 14:22, 23;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/26/1" data-bid="27-2" class="b"> Heb 3:7,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/26/2" data-bid="27-3" class="b"> 11;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/26/3" data-bid="27-4" class="b"> 4:3,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/26/4" data-bid="27-5" class="b"> 5</a>) and nearly 3,000 years had passed since the start of God’s rest day (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/27/0" data-bid="28-1" class="b">Ge 2:2</a>).—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/7/0">study note on Heb 4:4</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/89" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-90"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ps 95:7, 8</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-90" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-90" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p139" data-pid="139" class="se"></p> <div id="p140" data-pid="140"><p data-pid="140" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/128/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="140" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/128/0">7/15/1998, pp. 17-18</a></p> </div><p id="p141" data-pid="141" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p49" data-pid="49" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/47/0">w98 7/15 17-18;</a></p> <p id="p50" data-pid="50" class="sx"></p> <p id="p55" data-pid="55" class="sx"><span class="ni">im 296;</span><span class="ni"> lg 179;</span><span class="ni"> w45 59</span></p> <p id="p56" data-pid="56" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-8" data-section-citation="058004008058004008"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:8</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p20" data-pid="20" class="s5"><strong>Joshua:</strong> Joshua, the son of Nun, is referred to twice in the Christian Greek Scriptures. (See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/8/0">study note on Ac 7:45</a>.) In Hebrew, his name means “Jehovah Is Salvation.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/29/0" data-bid="30-1" class="b">Jos 1:1</a>, ftn.) The Greek equivalent of the name is <em>I·e·sousʹ,</em> which is usually translated “Jesus.” (See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/9/0">study note on Mt 1:21</a>.) However, the context shows that in this case, <em>I·e·sousʹ</em> refers to the Joshua of the ancient nation of Israel who led God’s people into the Promised Land. Here Paul highlights that only through Jesus Christ, a leader greater than Joshua, would God’s promises be fulfilled.</p> <p id="p21" data-pid="21" class="s5"><strong>have spoken of another day:</strong> Although Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, that land did not become a lasting <strong>place of rest.</strong> After Joshua died, God’s people again turned rebellious. Their land was soon blighted by idolatry, war, and oppression. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/30/0" data-bid="31-1" class="b">Jg 2:10-15</a>) The Israelites were again at odds with God’s purpose, so they failed to enter into his sacred rest day. However, as Paul points out under inspiration, God later spoke “of another day” of rest “in David’s psalm.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/31/0" data-bid="32-1" class="b">Heb 4:7, 8</a>) Jehovah there referred to that rest day as “today.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/32/0" data-bid="33-1" class="b">Ps 95:7</a>) He thus showed that the opportunity to enter into his rest was still open. And as Paul indicates at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/33/0" data-bid="34-1" class="b">Heb 4:9</a>, Christians need to seize that opportunity.—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/10/0">study note on Heb 4:3</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/90" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-91"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ex 24:13; De 1:38</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-91" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-91" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p141" data-pid="141" class="se"></p> <p id="p142" data-pid="142" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/129/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> p. 833</a></p> <div id="p143" data-pid="143"><p data-pid="143" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/130/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="143" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/130/0">7/15/2011, p. 26</a></p><p data-pid="143" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/131/0">7/15/1998, p. 18</a></p> </div><p id="p144" data-pid="144" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p50" data-pid="50" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/48/0">it-2 833;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/48/2"> w11 7/15 26;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/48/5"> w98 7/15 18;</a></p> <p id="p51" data-pid="51" class="sx"></p> <p id="p56" data-pid="56" class="sx"><span class="ni">im 296;</span><span class="ni"> ns 121;</span><span class="ni"> g61 2/8 7;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/54/3"> w59 748;</a><span class="ni"> lg 179;</span><span class="ni"> w45 59</span></p> <p id="p57" data-pid="57" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-9" data-section-citation="058004009058004009"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:9</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p23" data-pid="23" class="s5"><strong>there remains a sabbath-rest:</strong> The Greek term here rendered “sabbath-rest” (<em>sab·ba·ti·smosʹ</em>) is not the one usually used for “the Sabbath.” (See, for example, <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/35/0" data-bid="36-1" class="b">Mt 12:1;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/35/1" data-bid="36-2" class="b"> 28:1</a> and <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/11/0">study note;</a> <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/36/0" data-bid="37-1" class="b">Lu 4:16</a>) According to one reference work, it “does not refer to a ‘sabbath day’ as such.” Rather, it “stresses festivity and joy, expressed in worship and praise of God.” Another reference calls it “a special period of rest for God’s people modeled after the traditional sabbath.” So Paul is referring to a future time when the real meaning of the Sabbath would be fulfilled. As “Lord of the Sabbath,” Jesus would then provide complete rest or relief from the burdensome effects of sin and death. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/37/0" data-bid="38-1" class="b">Mt 12:8</a> and <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/12/0">study note</a>) Paul may have used this unique Greek word—which is not found anywhere else in the Greek Scriptures nor even in the <em>Septuagint</em>—to emphasize that he was not referring to the traditional Jewish Sabbath. And as the Bible shows elsewhere, Christians are not under obligation to observe a literal Sabbath day.—See Glossary, “<a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/13/0">Sabbath</a>”; see also <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/38/0" data-bid="39-1" class="b">Col 2:14,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/38/1" data-bid="39-2" class="b"> 16</a> and <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/14/0">study note</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/91" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-92"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mr 2:28</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-92" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-92" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p144" data-pid="144" class="se"></p> <p id="p145" data-pid="145" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/132/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> pp. 832-833</a></p> <div id="p146" data-pid="146"><p data-pid="146" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/133/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="146" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/133/0">7/15/2011, p. 26</a></p><p data-pid="146" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/134/0">10/1/2001, p. 30</a></p><p data-pid="146" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/135/0">7/15/1998, p. 18</a></p><p data-pid="146" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/136/0">2/1/1998, p. 19</a></p> </div><p id="p147" data-pid="147" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/137/0"><em>Reasoning,</em> pp. 349-350</a></p> <p id="p148" data-pid="148" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p51" data-pid="51" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/49/0">it-2 832-833;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/49/2"> w11 7/15 26;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/49/4"> w01 10/1 30;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/49/8"> w98 2/1 19;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/49/10"> w98 7/15 18;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/49/12"> rs 349-350;</a></p> <p id="p52" data-pid="52" class="sx"></p> <p id="p57" data-pid="57" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/55/0">w80 11/15 20;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/55/4"> g74 10/8 21-22;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/55/6"> g72 11/22 8;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/55/8"> w70 119-120;</a><span class="ni"> im 296;</span><span class="ni"> g61 2/8 7;</span><span class="ni"> lg 179;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/55/13"> w51 27;</a><span class="ni"> w45 58-59</span></p> <p id="p58" data-pid="58" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-10" data-section-citation="058004010058004010"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:10</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p25" data-pid="25" class="s5"><strong>the man who has entered into God’s rest:</strong> God chose to rest by ceasing to carry out earthly works of creation. He did so in order to let his purpose respecting the earth come to a glorious fulfillment. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/40/0" data-bid="41-1" class="b">Ge 2:2, 3</a>) Paul urges Hebrew Christians to work in harmony with God’s advancing purpose by resting “from [their] own works,” that is, by accepting God’s arrangements for redemption through Christ. They could not establish their own righteousness through personal efforts, including performing works based on the Mosaic Law, which was by then considered dead. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/41/0" data-bid="42-1" class="b">Ro 10:4;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/41/1" data-bid="42-2" class="b"> Col 2:13, 14;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/41/2" data-bid="42-3" class="b"> Heb 7:12</a>; compare <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/15/0">study note on Heb 6:1</a>.) Additionally, they needed to avoid falling into the “pattern of disobedience” set by the unfaithful Israelites.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/42/0" data-bid="43-1" class="b">Heb 4:11</a>; see <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/16/0">study note on Heb 4:3</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/92" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-93"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 2:2, 3</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-93" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-93" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p148" data-pid="148" class="se"></p> <p id="p149" data-pid="149" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/138/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 1129</a></p> <p id="p150" data-pid="150" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/139/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> pp. 832-833</a></p> <div id="p151" data-pid="151"><p data-pid="151" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/140/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="151" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/140/0">7/15/2011, p. 27</a></p><p data-pid="151" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/141/0">10/15/2008, p. 32</a></p><p data-pid="151" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/142/0">10/1/2001, pp. 30-31</a></p><p data-pid="151" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/143/0">7/15/1998, p. 18</a></p><p data-pid="151" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/144/0">2/1/1998, p. 19</a></p> </div><p id="p152" data-pid="152" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/145/0"><em>Reasoning,</em> pp. 349-350</a></p> <p id="p153" data-pid="153" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p52" data-pid="52" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/50/0">it-1 1129;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/50/2"> it-2 832-833;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/50/4"> w11 7/15 27;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/50/6"> w08 10/15 32;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/50/8"> w01 10/1 30-31;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/50/12"> w98 2/1 19;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/50/14"> w98 7/15 18;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/50/16"> rs 349-350;</a></p> <p id="p53" data-pid="53" class="sx"></p> <p id="p58" data-pid="58" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/56/0">w83 2/15 26;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/56/2"> w80 11/15 20;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/56/5"> g72 11/22 8;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/56/7"> g70 9/8 28;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/56/10"> w67 431;</a><span class="ni"> im 296;</span><span class="ni"> g61 2/8 7;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/56/13"> w51 27;</a><span class="ni"> w45 59</span></p> <p id="p59" data-pid="59" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-11" data-section-citation="058004011058004011"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:11</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p27" data-pid="27" class="s5"><strong>do our utmost:</strong> See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/17/0">study note on 2Ti 2:15</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/93" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-94"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ps 95:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-94" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-94" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p153" data-pid="153" class="se"></p> <div id="p154" data-pid="154"><p data-pid="154" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/146/0"><em>Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook,</em></a></p><p data-pid="154" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/146/0">8/2019, p. 7</a></p> </div><p id="p155" data-pid="155" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/147/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 545</a></p> <div id="p156" data-pid="156"><p data-pid="156" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/148/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="156" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/148/0">7/15/2011, p. 25</a></p><p data-pid="156" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/149/0">10/1/2001, pp. 30-31</a></p><p data-pid="156" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/150/0">7/15/1998, p. 18</a></p> </div><p id="p157" data-pid="157" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p53" data-pid="53" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/51/0">mwb19.08 7;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/51/2"> it-1 545;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/51/4"> w11 7/15 25;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/51/6"> w01 10/1 30-31;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/51/10"> w98 7/15 18;</a></p> <p id="p54" data-pid="54" class="sx"></p> <p id="p59" data-pid="59" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/57/0">w83 2/15 26;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/57/2"> gh 60;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/57/4"> g72 11/22 8;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/57/6"> w70 535;</a><span class="ni"> im 296;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/57/9"> w61 378;</a><span class="ni"> g61 2/8 7;</span><span class="ni"> lg 179;</span><span class="ni"> w45 59</span></p> <p id="p60" data-pid="60" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-12" data-section-citation="058004012058004012"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:12</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p29" data-pid="29" class="s5"><strong>the word of God:</strong> The context shows that here “the word of God” refers to God’s message expressing his purpose, his word of promise. In the preceding verses (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/45/0" data-bid="46-1" class="b">Heb 3:7–4:11</a>), Paul discussed God’s expressed purpose for the Israelites. They were to become his special property and enter the Promised Land, where they could enjoy pure worship and the blessings it brings. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/46/0" data-bid="47-1" class="b">Ex 3:8;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/46/1" data-bid="47-2" class="b"> 19:5, 6;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/46/2" data-bid="47-3" class="b"> De 12:9, 10</a>) God arranged for his promises and his purposes to be recorded under inspiration in his written Word, the Bible. Thus, by extension, the phrase “the word of God” as found at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/47/0" data-bid="48-1" class="b">Heb 4:12</a> can rightly be applied to the Bible.—Compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/48/0" data-bid="49-1" class="b">2Ti 3:16</a> and <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/18/0">study note</a>.</p> <p id="p30" data-pid="30" class="s5"><strong>the word of God is alive:</strong> God’s word, his expressed purpose, is “alive” in a number of ways. Earlier, the disciple Stephen had used similar wording to refer to the Law given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Stephen used the expression “living sacred pronouncements [lit., “living words”].” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/49/0" data-bid="50-1" class="b">Ac 7:38</a>; see also <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/50/0" data-bid="51-1" class="b">Ro 3:2</a> and <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/19/0">study note</a>.) That “word,” or message, gave a hope of life to those who chose to apply it. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/51/0" data-bid="52-1" class="b">De 32:47</a>) Also, the divine message was meant to live in the hearts of those who embraced it. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/52/0" data-bid="53-1" class="b">De 30:14</a>) Most important, Jehovah God is always alive and working to fulfill his word; therefore, his word is enduring, lasting, and effective.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/53/0" data-bid="54-1" class="b">Isa 55:10, 11</a>.</p> <p id="p31" data-pid="31" class="s5"><strong>exerts power:</strong> Or “is powerful (active).” In the case of the Israelites who did not cooperate with God’s purpose, “the word of God” exerted power by revealing the lack of faith in their hearts. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/54/0" data-bid="55-1" class="b">Heb 3:8,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/54/1" data-bid="55-2" class="b"> 16-19</a>) Paul here urges the Hebrew Christians to learn from this inspired record. He knew that the powerful, effective “word of God” would exert unfailing power in their lives as well; it could reveal what was in their hearts, build up their faith, and help them to change their lives for the better.—Compare <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/20/0">study notes on Php 2:13</a> and <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/21/0">1Th 2:13</a>, where Paul uses a term related to the one here translated “exerts power.”</p> <p id="p32" data-pid="32" class="s5"><strong>two-edged sword:</strong> The Greek word for “sword” (<em>maʹkhai·ra</em>) in this verse likely refers to a relatively short sword. (For an example, see Media Gallery, “<a class="it" href="/en/wol/tc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/0">Roman Sword</a>”; compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/55/0" data-bid="56-1" class="b">Re 1:16;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/55/1" data-bid="56-2" class="b"> 2:12;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/55/2" data-bid="56-3" class="b"> 6:8</a>, where a different Greek word, <em>rhom·phaiʹa,</em> rendered “long sword,” is used.) Some swords were “two-edged,” that is, their blade had two sharp edges, making it possible to cut with both sides. This word picture emphasizes the penetrating power of God’s word. It is more powerful and effective than any man-made instrument or tool, as Paul goes on to explain.</p> <p id="p33" data-pid="33" class="s5"><strong>the dividing of soul and spirit:</strong> Paul here stresses that God’s word, or message, can deeply penetrate the inner person, as would a sharp sword. As used in the Bible, the Greek word rendered “soul” generally refers to a living creature and thus to what is physical, tangible, and visible. (See Glossary, “<a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/22/0">Soul</a>”; see also <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/23/0">study note on 1Co 15:44</a>.) Here, then, “soul” refers to what a person appears to be on the outside, while “spirit” refers to what a person is on the inside, his dominant mental attitude. (See Glossary, “<a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/24/0">Spirit</a>.”) God’s inspired word pierces to “the dividing of soul and spirit” in that it reveals much more than what a person appears to be on the surface. The way a person responds to God’s message reveals his true self, his attitudes and motives.</p> <p id="p34" data-pid="34" class="s5"><strong>joints from the marrow:</strong> This word picture further emphasizes how deeply God’s word can penetrate the inner person. Joints (where bones come together) and marrow are not visible, but they function within the body, beneath the surface. In fact, because marrow is found only deep inside the bones, this Greek word was also used figuratively to refer to the kernel or innermost part of something. Here Paul combines these terms in a figure of speech to show that God’s word can reach into, penetrate, and influence even the deepest thoughts and emotions.</p> <p id="p35" data-pid="35" class="s5"><strong>able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart:</strong> The Greek term rendered “able to discern” (lit., “able to judge”) conveys the idea of scrutinizing, evaluating, and distinguishing. The discerning power of God’s word is seen in that it is even able to distinguish between “thoughts” and “intentions,” two ideas that are very close in meaning. A person’s reaction to God’s message can reveal his <strong>thoughts</strong>—what he is thinking about. But the power of God’s word goes further in that it can reveal his <strong>intentions</strong>—the underlying reasons why he thinks as he does. This concluding statement of <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/56/0" data-bid="57-1" class="b">Heb 4:12</a> indicates that God’s word pierces deep into the figurative heart, discerning a person’s thoughts, attitudes, desires, motivations, and purposes, thus bringing the entire inner person to light.—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/25/0">study notes on Mt 22:37;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/26/0"> Eph 5:19</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/94" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-95"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Isa 55:11; Jer 23:29; Joh 8:31, 32; 1Th 2:13; 2Ti 3:16</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-95" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-95" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/95" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-96"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Eph 6:17</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-96" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-96" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p157" data-pid="157" class="se"></p> <p id="p158" data-pid="158" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/151/0"><em>Bible Verses Explained,</em> article 54</a></p> <p id="p159" data-pid="159" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/152/0"><em>Close to Jehovah,</em> pp. 41-42,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/153/0"> 185-186</a></p> <p id="p160" data-pid="160" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/154/0"><em>Enjoy Life Forever!,</em> lesson 12</a></p> <p id="p161" data-pid="161" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/155/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> pp. 606-607,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/156/0"> 1078</a></p> <p id="p162" data-pid="162" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/157/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> pp. 345,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/158/0"> 603,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/159/0"> 1202</a></p> <div id="p163" data-pid="163"><p data-pid="163" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/160/0"><em>The Watchtower</em> (Study)<em>,</em></a></p><p data-pid="163" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/160/0">9/2017, pp. 23-27</a></p> </div><div id="p164" data-pid="164"><p data-pid="164" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/161/0"><em>The Watchtower</em> (Study)<em>,</em></a></p><p data-pid="164" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/161/0">9/2016, p. 13</a></p> </div><p id="p165" data-pid="165" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/162/0"><em>Teach Us,</em> p. 26</a></p> <p id="p166" data-pid="166" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/163/0"><em>Bible Teach,</em> pp. 25-26</a></p> <div id="p167" data-pid="167"><p data-pid="167" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/164/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/164/0">2/15/2013, pp. 22-23</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/165/0">12/15/2012, p. 3</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/166/0">7/15/2011, pp. 29,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/167/0"> 32</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/168/0">2/15/2010, pp. 10-11</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/169/0">6/1/2009, p. 6</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/170/0">5/15/2009, p. 10</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/171/0">11/15/2008, p. 4</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/172/0">7/15/2005, p. 22</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/173/0">11/15/2003, p. 11</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/174/0">5/1/2000, pp. 14-15</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/175/0">7/15/1998, pp. 18-19</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/176/0">5/1/1988, p. 7</a></p><p data-pid="167" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/177/0">4/1/1986, pp. 6-7</a></p> </div><p id="p168" data-pid="168" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/178/0"><em>Worship God,</em> p. 24</a></p> <div id="p169" data-pid="169"><p data-pid="169" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/179/0"><em>Kingdom Ministry,</em></a></p><p data-pid="169" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/179/0">5/2001, p. 1</a></p> </div><p id="p170" data-pid="170" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/180/0"><em>God’s Word,</em> pp. 175-183</a></p> <p id="p171" data-pid="171" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/181/0"><em>True Peace,</em> pp. 140-141</a></p> <p id="p172" data-pid="172" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p54" data-pid="54" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/0">ijwbv article 54;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/2"> cl 41-42,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/4"> 185-186;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/6"> lff lesson 12;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/8"> it-1 606-607,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/10"> 1078;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/12"> it-2 345,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/14"> 603,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/16"> 1202;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/18"> w17.09 23-27;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/20"> w16.09 13;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/22"> bhs 26;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/24"> bh 25-26;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/26"> w13 2/15 22-23;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/28"> w12 12/15 3;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/30"> w11 7/15 29,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/32"> 32;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/35"> w10 2/15 10-11;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/37"> w09 5/15 10;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/39"> w09 6/1 6;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/41"> w08 11/15 4;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/43"> w05 7/15 22;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/45"> w03 11/15 11;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/47"> wt 24;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/49"> km 5/01 1;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/51"> w00 5/1 14-15;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/53"> w98 7/15 18-19;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/55"> gm 175-183;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/57"> w88 5/1 7;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/59"> w86 4/1 6-7;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/52/61"> tp 140;</a></p> <p id="p55" data-pid="55" class="sx"></p> <p id="p60" data-pid="60" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/0">w84 9/1 19;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/2"> w80 3/15 22;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/4"> lp 126-127;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/6"> w76 438-440;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/9"> w76 543;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/11"> g75 1/22 6;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/13"> w74 444-445;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/15"> w73 160;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/17"> w73 186;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/19"> w73 207,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/21"> 212;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/23"> tp73 143;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/25"> g73 1/22 26;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/27"> g73 8/22 6,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/29"> 8;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/31"> w71 147-148;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/33"> ad 1117;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/34"> w70 535;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/36"> w69 201;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/37"> w67 291,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/38"> 556,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/39"> 681;</a><span class="ni"> im 148;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/41"> w63 210;</a><span class="ni"> g62 6/8 4;</span><span class="ni"> g61 3/8 3;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/44"> w60 355;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/45"> w57 374;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/46"> w53 662-663,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/47"> 671;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/58/48"> w51 623;</a><span class="ni"> w36 326</span></p> <p id="p61" data-pid="61" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-13" data-section-citation="058004013058004013"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:13</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p37" data-pid="37" class="s5"><strong>the one to whom we must give an account:</strong> This expression may suggest a word picture of a man settling accounts with those under his authority. (Compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/58/0" data-bid="59-1" class="b">Mt 18:23;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/58/1" data-bid="59-2" class="b"> 25:19;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/58/2" data-bid="59-3" class="b"> Lu 16:2</a>, where the Greek word here rendered “account” conveys a similar idea.) God is the one to whom all humans must answer for what they do. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/59/0" data-bid="60-1" class="b">Ps 62:12;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/59/1" data-bid="60-2" class="b"> Pr 24:12;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/59/2" data-bid="60-3" class="b"> Ec 12:13, 14;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/59/3" data-bid="60-4" class="b"> Ro 2:6;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/59/4" data-bid="60-5" class="b"> 14:12;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/59/5" data-bid="60-6" class="b"> 2Th 1:7-9;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/59/6" data-bid="60-7" class="b"> 1Pe 1:17;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/59/7" data-bid="60-8" class="b"> 4:5</a>) Of course, Paul did not mean that Jehovah watches Christians with the intention of punishing them for their mistakes. Instead, he observes his people with loving concern and with a keen desire to reward them.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/60/0" data-bid="61-1" class="b">Pr 19:17;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/60/1" data-bid="61-2" class="b"> Isa 40:10;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/60/2" data-bid="61-3" class="b"> Mt 6:4,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/60/3" data-bid="61-4" class="b"> 6;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/60/4" data-bid="61-5" class="b"> Heb 11:6</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/96" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-97"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ps 7:9; 90:8; Pr 15:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-97" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-97" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/97" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-98"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 17:31; Ro 2:16; 14:12</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-98" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-98" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p172" data-pid="172" class="se"></p> <p id="p173" data-pid="173" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/182/0"><em>Enjoy Life Forever!,</em> lesson 36</a></p> <div id="p174" data-pid="174"><p data-pid="174" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/183/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="174" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/183/0">6/15/2001, pp. 21-22</a></p> </div><p id="p175" data-pid="175" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p55" data-pid="55" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/53/0">lff lesson 36;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/53/2"> w01 6/15 21-22;</a></p> <p id="p56" data-pid="56" class="sx"></p> <p id="p61" data-pid="61" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/59/0">w80 4/1 27;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/59/2"> w77 355;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/59/4"> w73 555;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/59/6"> w71 357;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/59/8"> w70 535-536;</a><span class="ni"> g64 10/22 28;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/59/11"> w62 415;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/59/12"> w60 52;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/59/13"> w53 667</a></p> <p id="p62" data-pid="62" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-14" data-section-citation="058004014058004014"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:14</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p39" data-pid="39" class="s5"><strong>a great high priest:</strong> In his letter, Paul has already briefly mentioned that Jesus is a high priest. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/62/0" data-bid="63-1" class="b">Heb 3:1</a>; see <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/27/0">study note on Heb 2:17</a>.) Here he adds the adjective “great” to that title. (Compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/63/0" data-bid="64-1" class="b">Heb 10:21</a>.) In fact, as the letter goes on to show, Jesus was greater than any of the high priests in Aaron’s lineage.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/64/0" data-bid="65-1" class="b">Heb 4:14–7:28</a>.</p> <p id="p40" data-pid="40" class="s5"><strong>who has passed through the heavens:</strong> Paul here begins a discussion of the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over that of the high priests who served in the earthly tabernacle and later at the temple. Under the Mosaic Law, the high priest entered the Most Holy once a year to offer the blood of an atonement sacrifice for the nation of Israel. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/65/0" data-bid="66-1" class="b">Heb 9:7</a>) However, the great High Priest, Jesus, after his resurrection, entered into God’s presence in “heaven itself” to offer the value of his shed blood. His sacrifice made complete and permanent atonement for all those who exercise faith in him.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/66/0" data-bid="67-1" class="b">Heb 9:11, 12,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/66/1" data-bid="67-2" class="b"> 23, 24;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/66/2" data-bid="67-3" class="b"> 10:1-4</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/98" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-99"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mr 1:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-99" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-99" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/99" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-100"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Heb 10:23</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-100" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-100" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p62" data-pid="62" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/60/0">w83 2/15 26;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/60/2"> w73 216;</a><span class="ni"> w44 171</span></p> <p id="p63" data-pid="63" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-15" data-section-citation="058004015058004015"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:15</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p42" data-pid="42" class="s5"><strong>we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize:</strong> Paul does not simply say that Jesus <em>can</em> sympathize; rather, the apostle uses a double negative to add emphasis (“we do <em>not</em> have . . . who <em>cannot”</em>). Paul thus reassures the Hebrew Christians that Jesus is significantly different from the imperfect humans who served as high priests. In the history of Israel, some high priests at times proved unsympathetic toward the people they were supposed to help.</p> <p id="p43" data-pid="43" class="s5"><strong>sympathize with our weaknesses:</strong> The Greek word rendered “sympathize” means to share the experience and feelings of another person. (See also <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/68/0" data-bid="69-1" class="b">Heb 10:34</a>, where Paul uses the same Greek verb.) Jesus’ life on earth enhanced his sympathy for humans. He was fully human, and he suffered losses, disappointments, mistreatment, weariness, and humiliation. (See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/28/0">study note on Heb 2:17</a>.) Moreover, time and again he showed that he sympathizes deeply with those who struggle against pressures to sin.—See also <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/29/0">study notes on Mr 5:34;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/30/0"> Joh 11:33,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/31/0"> 35</a>.</p> <p id="p44" data-pid="44" class="s5"><strong>tested in all respects:</strong> See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/32/0">study notes on Heb 2:18;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/33/0"> 4:15;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/34/0"> 5:8</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/100" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-101"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Isa 53:4; Mt 9:36; Heb 2:17</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-101" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-101" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/101" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-102"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mt 4:1; Lu 22:28; Heb 2:18</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-102" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-102" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/102" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-103"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Heb 7:26; 1Pe 2:22</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-103" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-103" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p175" data-pid="175" class="se"></p> <p id="p176" data-pid="176" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/184/0"><em>Enjoy Life Forever!,</em> lesson 31</a></p> <p id="p177" data-pid="177" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/185/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 2<em>,</em> p. 67</a></p> <div id="p178" data-pid="178"><p data-pid="178" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/186/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="178" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/186/0">2/15/2000, pp. 11-12</a></p><p data-pid="178" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/187/0">6/1/1995, pp. 30-31</a></p><p data-pid="178" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/188/0">2/15/1989, pp. 12-13</a></p> </div><p id="p179" data-pid="179" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p56" data-pid="56" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/54/0">lff lesson 31;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/54/2"> it-2 67;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/54/4"> w00 2/15 11-12;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/54/6"> w95 6/1 30-31;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/54/8"> w89 2/15 13;</a></p> <p id="p57" data-pid="57" class="sx"></p> <p id="p63" data-pid="63" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/61/0">w83 2/15 20;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/61/2"> w79 8/15 31;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/61/4"> lp 139;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/61/6"> g77 9/8 28;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/61/8"> ts 139-140;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/61/10"> w71 570;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/61/12"> w70 560;</a><span class="ni"> g64 1/22 9;</span><span class="ni"> g64 8/8 28;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/61/16"> w63 678;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/61/17"> w61 550;</a><span class="ni"> g61 2/8 4;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/61/19"> w53 437;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/61/20"> w51 596;</a><span class="ni"> w42 231;</span><span class="ni"> w31 220</span></p> <p id="p64" data-pid="64" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="58-4-16" data-section-citation="058004016058004016"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Hebrews 4:16</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p46" data-pid="46" class="s5"><strong>Let us, then, approach . . . with freeness of speech:</strong> Though sinful, Christians can approach Jehovah by worshipping him acceptably and praying to him freely. They can do so because Jesus, as “a great high priest,” applies the benefits of the ransom sacrifice in their behalf. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/70/0" data-bid="71-1" class="b">Heb 4:14;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/70/1" data-bid="71-2" class="b"> 10:19-22,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/70/2" data-bid="71-3" class="b"> 35</a>; see <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/35/0">study notes on Eph 3:12;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/36/0"> Heb 3:6</a>.) The form of the Greek verb rendered “let us . . . approach” indicates that a Christian can freely approach God’s throne at any time. However, this “freeness of speech” does not mean that Christians are free to speak to Jehovah in an irreverent or overly casual manner. They should pray in a respectful and dignified manner with full faith and confidence that Jehovah is willing to hear their prayers.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/71/0" data-bid="72-1" class="b">1Jo 3:21, 22;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/71/1" data-bid="72-2" class="b"> 5:14</a>.</p> <p id="p47" data-pid="47" class="s5"><strong>the throne of undeserved kindness:</strong> In the Bible, “throne” is often used figuratively to signify a seat of ruling authority. Jehovah’s throne of undeserved kindness thus represents his way of ruling, which is characterized by his generous love and kindness. (See Glossary, “<a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/37/0">Undeserved kindness</a>.”) Such kindness moved Jehovah to provide a way for imperfect humans to approach his royal presence. Paul urges the Hebrew Christians to take advantage of this great undeserved kindness, which is extended by means of Jesus Christ, the “great high priest,” on the basis of his ransom sacrifice. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/72/0" data-bid="73-1" class="b">Heb 4:14</a>; see <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070808/38/0">study notes on Joh 1:14</a>.) Thus, when approaching God in prayer, true Christians can trust that they will “receive mercy and find undeserved kindness . . . at the right time”—whenever it is needed.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/103" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-104"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Eph 2:18; 3:11, 12; Heb 10:19-22</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-104" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-104" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p179" data-pid="179" class="se"></p> <div id="p180" data-pid="180"><p data-pid="180" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/189/0"><em>The Watchtower</em> (Study)<em>,</em></a></p><p data-pid="180" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/189/0">7/2016, pp. 23-24</a></p> </div><div id="p181" data-pid="181"><p data-pid="181" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/190/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="181" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/190/0">3/15/2000, pp. 7-8</a></p><p data-pid="181" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/191/0">1/15/1999, pp. 16-17</a></p><p data-pid="181" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/192/0">6/1/1995, pp. 30-31</a></p><p data-pid="181" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/193/0">2/15/1989, pp. 12-13</a></p><p data-pid="181" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204448/194/0">5/15/1986, p. 22</a></p> </div><p id="p182" data-pid="182" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p57" data-pid="57" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/55/0">w16.07 23-24;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/55/2"> w00 3/15 7-8;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/55/4"> w99 1/15 16-17;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/55/6"> w95 6/1 30-31;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/55/8"> w89 2/15 13;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270058/55/10"> w86 5/15 22;</a></p> <p id="p58" data-pid="58" class="sx"></p> <p id="p64" data-pid="64" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/62/0">w83 2/15 20;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/62/2"> w80 6/1 19;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/62/4"> w78 8/1 5;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/62/6"> w74 137;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/62/8"> ts 140;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/62/11"> w73 211;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/62/13"> w72 549;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/62/15"> w70 560;</a><span class="ni"> g64 1/22 9;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020058/62/18"> w63 140</a></p> <p id="p65" data-pid="65" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div> </div> <div id="studyParallel" class="studyPane tabContent"> <div class="section"> <h3 class="title">Parallel Translations</h3> <div class="helpText">Click a verse number to display parallel Bible verses.</div> <div class="parallel"> <div class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div> <div class="extract"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="studyMarginals" class="studyPane tabContent"> <div class="section marginalsQuotation"><h3 class="title"><span class="sectionIcon"></span><span class="scalableui">Quotation</span></h3><div class="content categorizedMarginal"><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/84/3" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-85-3"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:3</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ps 95:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-85-3" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-85-3" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/86/3" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-87-3"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:4</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 2:2</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-87-3" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-87-3" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/87/3" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-88-3"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:5</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ps 95:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-88-3" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-88-3" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/89/3" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-90-3"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:7</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ps 95:7, 8</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-90-3" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-90-3" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="section marginalsGeneral"><h3 class="title"><span class="sectionIcon"></span><span class="scalableui">General</span></h3><div class="content categorizedMarginal"><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/82/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-83-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:1</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Heb 3:12, 13</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-83-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-83-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/83/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-84-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:2</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mt 4:23; Ac 15:7; Col 1:23</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-84-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-84-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/84/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-85-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:3</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">De 1:34, 35; Heb 3:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-85-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-85-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/85/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-86-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:3</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ex 31:17</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-86-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-86-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/86/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-87-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:4</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ex 20:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-87-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-87-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/88/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-89-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:6</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Nu 14:30; De 31:27</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-89-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-89-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/90/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-91-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:8</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ex 24:13; De 1:38</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-91-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-91-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/91/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-92-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:9</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mr 2:28</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-92-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-92-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/92/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-93-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:10</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ge 2:2, 3</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-93-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-93-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/93/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-94-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:11</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ps 95:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-94-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-94-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/94/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-95-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:12</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Isa 55:11; Jer 23:29; Joh 8:31, 32; 1Th 2:13; 2Ti 3:16</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-95-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-95-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/95/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-96-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:12</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Eph 6:17</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-96-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-96-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/96/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-97-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:13</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ps 7:9; 90:8; Pr 15:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-97-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-97-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/97/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-98-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:13</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 17:31; Ro 2:16; 14:12</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-98-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-98-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/98/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-99-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:14</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mr 1:11</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-99-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-99-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/99/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-100-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:14</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Heb 10:23</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-100-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-100-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/100/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-101-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:15</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Isa 53:4; Mt 9:36; Heb 2:17</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-101-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-101-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/101/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-102-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:15</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mt 4:1; Lu 22:28; Heb 2:18</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-102-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-102-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/102/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-103-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:15</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Heb 7:26; 1Pe 2:22</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-103-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-103-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/58/4/103/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-104-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">Heb. 4:16</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span 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href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30107" class="cl vx vp study"><strong>4</strong> </a>Therefore, since a promise of entering into his rest remains, let us be on guard for fear someone among you seems to fall short of it.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/82" data-bid="83-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v58-4-2-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30108" class="vl vx vp study">2 </a>For we have also had the good news declared to us,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/83" data-bid="84-1" class="b">+</a> just as they had; but the word that they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. </span><span id="v58-4-3-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30109" class="vl vx vp study">3 </a>For we who have exercised faith do enter into the rest, just as he has said: “So I swore in my anger, ‘They will not enter into my rest,’”<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/84" data-bid="85-1" class="b">+</a> although his works were finished from the founding of the world.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/85" data-bid="86-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v58-4-4-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30110" class="vl vx vp study">4 </a>For in one place he has said of the seventh day as follows: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works,”<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/86" data-bid="87-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v58-4-5-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30111" class="vl vx vp">5 </a>and here again he says: “They will not enter into my rest.”<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/87" data-bid="88-1" class="b">+</a></span></p> <p id="p15" data-pid="15" class="sb"><span id="v58-4-6-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30112" class="vl vx vp study">6 </a>Therefore, since it remains for some to enter into it, and those to whom the good news was first declared did not enter in because of disobedience,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/88" data-bid="89-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v58-4-7-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30113" class="vl vx vp study">7 </a>he again marks off a certain day by saying long afterward in David’s psalm, “Today”; just as it has been said above, “Today if you listen to his voice, do not harden your hearts.”<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/89" data-bid="90-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v58-4-8-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30114" class="vl vx vp study">8 </a>For if Joshua<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/90" data-bid="91-1" class="b">+</a> had led them into a place of rest, God would not afterward have spoken of another day. </span><span id="v58-4-9-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30115" class="vl vx vp study">9 </a>So there remains a sabbath-rest for the people of God.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/91" data-bid="92-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v58-4-10-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30116" class="vl vx vp study">10 </a>For the man who has entered into God’s rest has also rested from his own works, just as God did from his own.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/92" data-bid="93-1" class="b">+</a></span></p> <p id="p16" data-pid="16" class="sb"><span id="v58-4-11-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30117" class="vl vx vp study">11 </a>Let us therefore do our utmost to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall into the same pattern of disobedience.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/93" data-bid="94-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v58-4-12-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30118" class="vl vx vp study">12 </a>For the word of God is alive and exerts power<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/94" data-bid="95-1" class="b">+</a> and is sharper than any two-edged sword<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/95" data-bid="96-1" class="b">+</a> and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints from the marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart. </span><span id="v58-4-13-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30119" class="vl vx vp study">13 </a>And there is not a creation that is hidden from his sight,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/96" data-bid="97-1" class="b">+</a> but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/97" data-bid="98-1" class="b">+</a></span></p> <p id="p17" data-pid="17" class="sb"><span id="v58-4-14-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30120" class="vl vx vp study">14 </a>Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/98" data-bid="99-1" class="b">+</a> let us hold on to our public declaration of him.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/99" data-bid="100-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v58-4-15-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30121" class="vl vx vp study">15 </a>For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/100" data-bid="101-1" class="b">+</a> but we have one who has been tested in all respects as we have,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/101" data-bid="102-1" class="b">+</a> but without sin.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/102" data-bid="103-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v58-4-16-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070162/30122" class="vl vx vp study">16 </a>Let us, then, approach the throne of undeserved kindness with freeness of speech,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070162/103" data-bid="104-1" class="b">+</a> so that we may receive mercy and find undeserved kindness to help us at the right time.</span></p>  <div class="pswp" tabindex="-1" role="dialog" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="pswp__bg"></div> <div class="pswp__scroll-wrap">  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