Hebrews 4:9-11 There remained therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
‘Rest to the people of God.’ Eternal Rest – [1] The rest that remains for the people of God could not be: (1) The sabbath of Genesis 2:1-4, for this was God’s rest and not man’s; (2) The sabbath of Exodus 20:8-11; (3) The rest in the promised land, for both David and Paul spoke of a future rest long after these three rests (4:7-10). [2] The rest that remains for the people of God is twofold: (1) Rest in Christ (4:3; Matt. 11:28-30); (2) Eternal rest in the next life (3:11, 18; 4:1, 5, 9-11; 14:13).
Greek verbs translated as “Rest”: [1] Anapauo, to cause or permit one to cease from labour (Matt. 11:28; 26:45; Mark 6:31; 14:41; 1Pet. 4:14; Rev. 6:11; 14:13). [2] Katapauo, to make quiet; cause one to be at rest (4:4, 8). [3] Epanapauomai, to rest upon, cause to rest upon (Luke 10:6; Rom. 2:17). [4] Hesuchazo, to cease from labour (Luke 23:56). [5] Kataskenoo, to lodge, pitch one’s tent (Acts 2:26). [6] Episkenoo, to take possession of; dwell in or on (2Cor. 12:9).
Greek nouns translated as “Rest”: [1] Sabbatismos, sabbath rest; keeping the sabbath; rest from toils and trouble, in the life to come (4:9). [2] Anapausis, cessation of motion, business or labour (Matt. 11:29; 12:43; Rev. 4:8; 14:11). [3] Katapausis, put to rest; resting place; cessation from labour so that the weary body may be rested and refreshed (3:11, 18; 4:1, 3, 5, 10, 11; Acts 7:49). [4] Anesis, relief (2Cor. 2:13; 7:5; 2Thess. 1:7). [5] Koimesis, reposing, reclining (John 11:13). [6] Eirene, translated “peace” 89 times, but rest in Acts 9:31.
‘Rest’ – This is more than a sabbath day which every man can observe as a rest period. One has to labour to enter into it. One can fail to enter this rest (4:1), but no man can possibly escape ordinary rest periods – saint or sinner.
Living the Word 