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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Hebrews 4:1 - 4:1
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Being left (καταλειπομένης)
Still remaining: not being neglected. It is not a reason for fearing that is given, but a circumstance connected with the thing to be avoided. As there is now left a promise, let us fear. Being left announces the thought which is afterward emphasized, and on which the whole treatment of the subject turns - that God's original promise of rest remains unchanged, and still holds good. Such being the case, he who doubts the promise itself, or thinks that it is too late for him to enjoy its fulfillment, runs a risk.
Should seem to come short (δοκῇ ὑστερηκέναι)
According to this rendering, the meaning is that one must avoid the appearance of having failed to enter into the rest; the perfect tense (ὑστερηκέναι) placing the reader at the parousia, when judgment will be pronounced. This is forced, tame, and irrelevant to the previous discussion. Rend. lest any one of you think he has come too late for it. This accords with the previous admonitions against unbelief. For one to think that he has come too late to inherit the promise is to disbelieve an immutable promise of God. Hence the writer may well say, “Since this promise remains, let us fear to distrust it.” Ὑστερεῖν is to be behind; to come late; to come short; hence, to suffer need, as Phi 4:12; of material deficiency, Luk 15:14; Joh 2:3; of moral and spiritual shortcoming, Rom 3:23; 1Co 8:8; Heb 12:15.