A.T. Robertson Commentary Hebrews 4

Let us fear therefore (φοβηθωμεν ουν). First aorist passive volitive subjunctive of φοβεομα, to be afraid. There is no break in the argument on Ps 95. This is a poor chapter division. The Israelites perished because of disbelief. We today face a real peril.

Lest haply (μη ποτε) Here with the present subjunctive (δοκε), but future indicative in 3:12, after the verb of fearing. For the optative see 2 Timothy 2:25.

A promise being left (καταλειπομενης επαγγελιας). Genitive absolute of the present passive participle of καταλειπω, to leave behind. God's promise still holds good for us in spite of the failure of the Israelites.

Should seem to have come short of it (δοκε υστερηκενα). Perfect active infinitive of υστερεω, old verb from υστερος (comparative of root υδ like our out, outer, outermost), to be too late, to fail to reach the goal as here, common in the N.T. (11:37; 12:15).

For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us (κα γαρ εσμεν ευηγγελισμενο εσμεν). Periphrastic perfect passive indicative of ευαγγελιζω (from ευαγγελιον, good news, glad tidings) to bring good news, used here in its original sense as in verse 6 of the Israelites (ευαγγελισθεντες first aorist passive participle).

Even as also they (καθαπερ κακεινο). See verse 6. We have the promise of rest as the Israelites had. The parallel holds as to the promise, the privilege, the penalty.

The word of hearing (ο λογος της ακοης). As in 1 Thessalonians 2:13. Genitive ακοης describing λογος, the word marked by hearing (the word heard).

Because they were not united by faith with them that heard (μη συνκεκερασμενους τη πιστε τοις ακουσασιν). Μη, the usual negative of the participle. A very difficult phrase. The text is uncertain whether the participle (perfect passive of συνκεραννυμ, old verb to mix together) ends in -ος agreeing with λογος or -ους agreeing with εκεινους (them). Taking it in -ους the translation is correct. Πιστε is in the instrumental case and τοις ακουσασιν in the associative instrumental after συν.

Do enter (εισερχομεθα). Emphatic futuristic present middle indicative of εισερχομα. We are sure to enter in, we who believe.

He hath said (ειρηκεν). Perfect active indicative for the permanent value of God's word as in 1:13; 4:4; 10:9,13; 13:5; Acts 13:34. God has spoken. That is enough for us. So he quotes again what he has in verse 11 from Ps 95.

Although the works were finished (καιτο των εργων γενηθεντων). Genitive absolute with concessive use of the participle. Old particle, in N.T. only here and Ac 14:17 (with verb).

From the foundation of the world (απο καταβολης κοσμου). Καταβολη, late word from καταβαλλω, usually laying the foundation of a house in the literal sense. In the N.T. usually with απο (Matthew 25:44) or προ (John 17:24) about the foundation of the world.

Somewhere on this wise (που ουτως). See 2:6 for που τις for a like indefinite allusion to an Old Testament quotation. Here it is Ge 2:2 (cf. Exodus 20:11; 31:17). Moffatt notes that Philo quotes Ge 2:2 with the same "literary mannerism."

Rested (κατεπαυσεν). First aorist active indicative of καταπαυω, intransitive here, but transitive in verse 8. It is not, of course, absolute rest from all creative activity as Jesus shows in Joh 5:17. But the seventh day of God's rest was still going on (clearly not a twenty-four hour day).

And in this place again (κα εν τουτω παλιν). The passage already quoted in verse 3; 3:11.