Hebrews 4:12-16

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Hebrews 4:11-16

In this latter part of the chapter the apostle concludes, first, with a serious repeated exhortation, and then with proper and powerful motives. I. Here we have a serious exhortation: Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, Heb. 4:11. Observe, 1. The end proposed?rest spiritual and eternal, the rest of grace here and glory hereafter?in Christ on earth, with Christ in heaven. 2. The way to this end prescribed?labour, diligent labour; this is the only way to rest; those who will not... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Hebrews 4:11-13

4:11-13 Let us then be eager to enter into that rest, lest we follow the example of the Israelites and fall into the same kind of disobedience. For the word of God is instinct with life; it is effective; it is sharper than a two-edged sword; it pierces right through to the very division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it scrutinizes the desires and intentions of the heart. No created thing can ever remain hidden from his sight; everything is naked to him and is compelled to meet the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Hebrews 4:14-16

4:14-16 Since, then, we have a high priest, great in his nature, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our creed. For we have not a high priest who is such that he cannot feel with us in our weaknesses; but one who has gone through every temptation, just in the same way as we have, and who is without sin. Let us then confidently approach his throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help as need demands. Here we are coming to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick and powerful ,.... This is to be understood of Christ, the essential Word of God; for the Word of God was a known name of the Messiah among the Jews; See Gill on John 1:1 and therefore the apostle makes use of it when writing to them: and the words are introduced as a reason why care should be taken, that men fall not off from the Gospel, because Christ, the author, sum, and substance of it, is the living God, omnipotent and omniscient; for not a thing, but a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight ,.... Christ is the Lord God omniscient; there is no creature, in general, rational, or irrational, animate or inanimate, but what are known to him, and seen by him; for all creatures are made, and upheld by him, and he is omnipresent; and in particular, there is no man but is manifest to him; so בריה , "creature", is often used by the Rabbins for "man"; all men, openly profane men, who are enemies to Christ, and his people,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 4:14

Seeing then that we have a great high priest ,.... That Christ is a priest, and an high priest, has been observed already, in Hebrews 2:1 but here he is called a great one, because of the dignity of his person, as follows, and the virtue of his sacrifice; and because of the place where he now officiates as a priest, heaven and with respect to the continuation of his priesthood; and likewise because he makes others priests unto God; and this great high priest is no other than the Word of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest ,.... That is cruel and unmerciful; the saints have an high priest, but not such an one: which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; such as bodily diseases and wants, persecutions from men, and the temptations of Satan; under all which Christ sympathizes with his people; and which sympathy of his arises from his knowledge and experience of these things, and the share he has had of them, and from that union there is between him and his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace ,.... Either to Christ, who is before spoken of as an high priest, and who was typified by the mercy seat, to which there seems to be an allusion; and coming to him as a priest upon his throne is very proper: to him saints come for pardon and cleansing, and for a justifying righteousness, for the acceptance of their persons, and the presentation of their services, and for every supply of grace; and to him they may come "boldly", since he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful - Commentators are greatly divided concerning the meaning of the phrase Ὁ λογος τον Θεου , the word of God; some supposing the whole of Divine revelation to be intended; others, the doctrine of the Gospel faithfully preached; others, the mind of God or the Divine intellect; and others, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is thus denominated in John 1:1 , etc., and Revelation 19:13 ; the only places in which he is thus incontestably characterized in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest - God, from whom this word comes, and by whom it has all its efficacy, is infinitely wise. He well knew how to construct his word, so as to suit it to the state of all hearts; and he has given it that infinite fullness of meaning, so as to suit it to all cases. And so infinite is he in his knowledge, and so omnipresent is he, that the whole creation is constantly exposed to his view; nor is there a creature of the affections, mind, or... read more

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