Hebrews 4:2
New International Version
For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.

New Living Translation
For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God.

English Standard Version
For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.

Berean Standard Bible
For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it.

Berean Literal Bible
And indeed we are those having had the gospel preached just as they did; but the message of their hearing did not profit them, not having been united with the faith of those having heard.

King James Bible
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

New King James Version
For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

New American Standard Bible
For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also did; but the word they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united with those who listened with faith.

NASB 1995
For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.

NASB 1977
For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.

Legacy Standard Bible
For indeed we have had good news proclaimed to us, just as they also; but the word that was heard did not profit those who were not united with faith among those who heard.

Amplified Bible
For indeed we have had the good news [of salvation] preached to us, just as the Israelites also [when the good news of the promised land came to them]; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not united with faith [in God] by those who heard.

Christian Standard Bible
For we also have received the good news just as they did. But the message they heard did not benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For we also have received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard did not benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith

American Standard Version
For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard.

Contemporary English Version
We have heard the message, just as they did. But they failed to believe what they heard, and the message did not do them any good.

English Revised Version
For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because they were not united by faith with them that heard.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We have heard the same Good News that your ancestors heard. But the message didn't help those who heard it in the past because they didn't believe.

Good News Translation
For we have heard the Good News, just as they did. They heard the message, but it did them no good, because when they heard it, they did not accept it with faith.

International Standard Version
because we have had the good news told to us as well as to them. But the message they heard did not help them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened to it.

Majority Standard Bible
For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it.

NET Bible
For we had good news proclaimed to us just as they did. But the message they heard did them no good, since they did not join in with those who heard it in faith.

New Heart English Bible
For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard did not profit them, because they were not united by faith with those who heard.

Webster's Bible Translation
For to us was the gospel preached, as well as to them: but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Weymouth New Testament
For Good News has been brought to us as truly as to them; but the message they heard failed to benefit them, because they were not one in faith with those who gave heed to it.

World English Bible
For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn’t profit them, because it wasn’t mixed with faith by those who heard.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for we also are having good news proclaimed, even as they, but the word heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard,

Berean Literal Bible
And indeed we are those having had the gospel preached just as they did; but the message of their hearing did not profit them, not having been united with the faith of those having heard.

Young's Literal Translation
for we also are having good news proclaimed, even as they, but the word heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard,

Smith's Literal Translation
For we also were announced of the good news, as well as they: but the word of the report profited them not, not being mixed with faith to them having heard.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For unto us also it hath been declared, in like manner as unto them. But the word of hearing did not profit them, not being mixed with faith of those things they heard.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this was announced to us in a similar manner as to them. But the mere hearing of the word did not benefit them, since it was not joined together with a faith in those things that they heard.

New American Bible
For in fact we have received the good news just as they did. But the word that they heard did not profit them, for they were not united in faith with those who listened.

New Revised Standard Version
For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For the gospel was preached to us, as it was to them also, but the word they heard did not benefit them: because it was not mixed with faith in those who heard it.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For we also were evangelized as they were, but the word did not benefit those who heard, because it was not joined with faith by those who heard it.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For we have had the good news preached to us, even as they had: but the word preached did not profit them, for it was not mixed with faith in those who heard it.

Godbey New Testament
For we truly have had the gospel preached unto us, as they did also: but the word of hearing did not profit them, not being mixed with faith to those hearing.

Haweis New Testament
For we are hearing the same gospel preached as they did; but the word heard did not profit them, not being incorporated by faith with those who heard it.

Mace New Testament
for to us was the good promise made, as well as to them: but the word address'd to them was not effectually receiv'd with faith by those that heard it.

Weymouth New Testament
For Good News has been brought to us as truly as to them; but the message they heard failed to benefit them, because they were not one in faith with those who gave heed to it.

Worrell New Testament
For, indeed, we have had the Gospel proclaimed to us, even as also they; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not having been mingled with faith on the part of those who heard.

Worsley New Testament
for we are graciously offered it, as they also were. But the word, which they heard, did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Sabbath Rest
1Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. 2For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it. 3Now we who have believed enter that rest. As for the others, it is just as God has said: “So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’ ” And yet His works have been finished since the foundation of the world.…

Cross References
Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

James 1:22-25
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ...

Matthew 13:19-23
When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. / The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. / But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. ...

1 Corinthians 10:1-5
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. / They all ate the same spiritual food ...

Galatians 3:2
I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?

1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. / The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

John 12:37-40
Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. / This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” / For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: ...

Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.

1 Peter 2:7-8
To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” / and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.

Isaiah 53:1
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

Psalm 95:7-11
For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice, / do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness, / where your fathers tested and tried Me, though they had seen My work. ...

Deuteronomy 1:32
But in spite of all this, you did not trust the LORD your God,

Numbers 14:22-23
not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness—yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times— / not one will ever see the land that I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it.

Ezekiel 33:31-32
So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. / Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.


Treasury of Scripture

For to us was the gospel preached, as well as to them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

unto us.

Acts 3:26
Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Galatians 3:8
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

preached.

Romans 10:16,17
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? …

did.

Romans 2:25
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

1 Corinthians 13:3
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

not being, etc.

Hebrews 4:6
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

Hebrews 3:12,18,19
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God…

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

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Benefit Failed Faith Glad Good Gospel Heard Hearers Hearing Indeed Meet Message Mixed News Preached Presented Proclaimed Profit True. United Wasn't Word
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Benefit Failed Faith Glad Good Gospel Heard Hearers Hearing Indeed Meet Message Mixed News Preached Presented Proclaimed Profit True. United Wasn't Word
Hebrews 4
1. The Sabbath-Rest for Christians is attained by faith.
12. The power of God's word.
14. By our high priest Jesus, the Son of God,
16. we may and must go boldly to the throne of grace.














For we also received the good news
This phrase emphasizes the continuity of God's revelation. The "good news" refers to the Gospel, the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Greek word for "good news" is "euangelion," which historically was used to announce a victory or the birth of a king. In the context of Hebrews, it underscores the fulfillment of God's promises through Christ, a message that transcends time and is as relevant to the original audience as it is to us today.

just as they did
The "they" refers to the Israelites in the wilderness, who received God's promises but failed to enter His rest due to unbelief. This comparison serves as a warning and a reminder of the consequences of disbelief. Historically, the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a powerful narrative of faith and failure, illustrating the importance of trust in God's promises.

but the message they heard was of no value to them
The Greek word for "message" is "logos," which can mean word, reason, or principle. Here, it signifies the divine communication from God. The phrase "of no value" indicates that the message did not benefit them because it was not united with faith. This highlights the necessity of faith in receiving and acting upon God's word. The historical context of the Israelites' unbelief serves as a cautionary tale for the readers of Hebrews.

since they did not share the faith
Faith is the critical element that differentiates those who benefit from the message from those who do not. The Greek word for "faith" is "pistis," which implies trust, belief, and confidence in God. The Israelites' lack of faith resulted in their failure to enter God's rest, serving as a stark warning to the audience of Hebrews and to us today about the importance of faith in God's promises.

of those who comprehended it
The word "comprehended" suggests an understanding and acceptance that goes beyond mere intellectual assent. It involves a deep, personal grasp of the truth that leads to action. The Greek root "syniemi" implies putting together, understanding, or perceiving. This phrase underscores the necessity of not only hearing the word but also internalizing and acting upon it through faith. The historical context of those who did enter God's rest, like Joshua and Caleb, exemplifies the blessings of faith and obedience.

(2) For unto us was.--Rather, for we have had glad tidings preached unto us, even as they had. The object of these words is to support Hebrews 4:1, "a promise being left." How fitly the good news of the promise might, alike in their case and in ours, be designated by the same word as the "gospel," will afterwards appear.

The word preached.--Literally, the word of hearing, i.e., the word which was heard (1Thessalonians 2:13). But this does not mean the word heard by them. As in Isaiah 53:1 (where the same word is found in the Greek version) the meaning is "our message," "that which we have heard from God," so here the words signify what was heard by those who declared the promise to the people, especially the message which Moses received from God.

Not being mixed with faith.--A change of reading in the Greek, which rests on the strongest authority, compels us to connect these words, not with the message, but with the people: "since they had not been united (literally, mingled) by faith with them that heard." That the word of Moses and those associated with him in declaring God's promise (perhaps Aaron, Joshua, Caleb) might benefit the people, speakers and hearers must be united by the bond of faith. Here the margin of the Authorised version preserves the true text, following the Vulgate and the earliest of the printed Greek Testaments (the Complutensian).

Verse 2. - For truly we have had good tidings (or, a gospel) preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, not being mingled by faith with those that heard it. The meaning and purpose of the first part of this verse is plain, as is also the general intention of the second; viz. to account parenthetically for the gospel to the Israelites under Moses having failed of its purpose, and at the same time to renew the warning of their example with respect to the gospel now preached to Christians. But the passage is still one of singular difficulty, on account both of the various readings of it, and of the peculiarity of the language used whatever reading be adopted. With respect to the various readings, the main and indeed only important question is between

(1) συγκεκραμένος agreeing with λόγος ἀκοῆς, and

(2) συγκεκραμένους, agreeing with ἐκείνους. The variation between συγκεκραμ and συγκεκερασμ, being only different forms of the participle, does not affect the meaning. Then the readings τῶν ἀκουσάντων and τοῖς, ἀκούσθεισιν for τοῖς ἀκούσασι rest on such slight authority, and are so likely to have been substitutions (the latter to make the reading συγκεκραμένους intelligible), that they need not be considered.

(1) The reading of the Textus Receptus, following the Vulgate, is μὴ συγκεκραμένος τῇ πίστει τοῖς ἀλούσασιν. But . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

we
ἐσμεν (esmen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

also
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

received the good news,
εὐηγγελισμένοι (euēngelismenoi)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2097: From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.

just as
καθάπερ (kathaper)
Adverb
Strong's 2509: Even as, just as. From katha and per; exactly as.

they [did];
κἀκεῖνοι (kakeinoi)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2548: And he, she, it, and that. From kai and ekeinos; likewise that.

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

message
λόγος (logos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

they heard
ἀκοῆς (akoēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 189: Hearing, faculty of hearing, ear; report, rumor. From akouo; hearing.

was of no value
ὠφέλησεν (ōphelēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5623: To help, benefit, do good, be useful (to), profit. From the same as opheleia; to be useful, i.e. To benefit.

to them,
ἐκείνους (ekeinous)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

since they did not share
συγκεκερασμένους (synkekerasmenous)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4786: To mix with, unite. From sun and kerannumi; to commingle, i.e. to combine or assimilate.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faith
πίστει (pistei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

of those who
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

comprehended [it].
ἀκούσασιν (akousasin)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 4:2 For indeed we have had good news (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 4:1
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