Bible study online

Hebrews 4:2

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Hebrews 4:2

Verse 2 of 16

Scripture focus

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].

Hebrews 4:2 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Hebrews 4:2

Theological / Devotional

Gospel. Literally, “good news” (see on Mark 1:1). The statement may be rendered, “we have been gospelized, just as they also.” In OT times the gospel was “preached” through type and ceremony, in sacrifice and ritual, but it was the same gospel as that more recently proclaimed by Christ (see on Heb. 1:1, 2).

The word preached. Literally, “the word of hearing,” or “the heard word.”

Not profit them. Unless “the word preached” meets with faith on the part of the hearer, it cannot benefit him (see on Matt. 7:24-27). The effectiveness of Christ’s personal message, when here on earth, was likewise limited by the receptiveness of His hearers. Of Nazareth it is said that “he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (Matt. 13:58). The outworking of this principle is clearly illustrated in the parable of the Sower (see on Matt. 13:3).

Faith. See on chs. 3:12; 11:1.

By SdaBc