1 Therefore, let us fear, lest perhaps, while a promise {epangelia: enduring offer} of entering His {Theos, Faithful Rest Giver} rest remains, any one of you might seem to have fallen short of it.
2 For indeed we also have had good news {euangelizomai: saving message} proclaimed to us, just as they also; but the word of hearing did not benefit those, since it was not mixed with faith {pistis: unwavering trust} in those who heard.
3 For we who have believed are entering into the rest, just as He {Theos, Righteous Oath-Giver} has said, “As I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter into My rest {katapausis: promised Sabbath rest},’” although the works had been brought to completion from the foundation of the world.
4 For He {Theos, Sovereign Rest-Giver} has spoken somewhere concerning the seventh {hebdomes: Sabbath day} in this manner: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.”
5 And again in this place He {Theos, Warning Judge} said, “They shall not enter into My rest {katapausin: divine place of completion}.”
6 Therefore, the opportunity still remains for some to enter it {auten: promised rest}; but those who formerly received the good news did not enter because of disobedience {apeitheia: refusal to be persuaded}.
7 Again, He {Theos, Patient Caller} appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying in David after so long a time, just as it has been said before, “Today, if you should hear His voice, do not harden your hearts {kardia: stubborn inner will}.”
8 For if Joshua {Iesous: Old Covenant leader} had given them rest, He {Theos, Speaker of Promise} would not have been speaking about another day after these things.
9 So then, a Sabbath-rest {sabbatismos: continuing sacred rest} still remains for the people of God {Theos, Faithful Rest-Giver}.
10 For the one who has entered His rest has also himself ceased from his works, just as God {Theos, Supreme Pattern of Rest} did from His own {idion: uniquely His}.
11 Therefore let us be diligent {spoudazomen: wholehearted focused effort} to enter that rest {katapausin: promised divine repose}, so that no one may fall in the same example of disobedience.
12 For the word of God {Theos, Penetrating Judge} is alive and at work—surpassing any two-edged sword in incisiveness; it cuts through to separate soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and it evaluates the thoughts {enthumeseon: inner deliberations} and intentions of the heart.
13 And there is no creature {ktisis: created being} hidden before Him {Theos, All-Knowing Judge}, but all things are naked and laid bare to His eyes, to whom our account is due.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus {Iesous, Heavenly High Priest}, the Son of God {Theos, Heavenly Access Giver}, let us firmly hold to our confession.
15 For we do not have a high priest {archiereus: Heavenly Mediator} who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses {astheneia: human frailties}; rather, we have One who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin.
16 Therefore, let us approach with confidence {parresia: courageous openness} the throne {thronos: Heavenly authority seat} of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the right time.