Hebrews 4:7
New International Version
God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

New Living Translation
So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”

English Standard Version
again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Berean Standard Bible
God again designated a certain day as “Today,” when a long time later He spoke through David as was just stated: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Berean Literal Bible
again He appoints a certain day as "Today," saying through David after so long a time, just as it has been said, "Today, if you shall hear His voice, do not harden your hearts."

King James Bible
Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

New King James Version
again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.”

New American Standard Bible
He again sets a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”

NASB 1995
He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”

NASB 1977
He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”

Legacy Standard Bible
He again determines a certain day, “TODAY,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”

Amplified Bible
He again sets a definite day, [a new] “Today,” [providing another opportunity to enter that rest by] saying through David after so long a time, just as has been said before [in the words already quoted], “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.”

Christian Standard Bible
he again specifies a certain day—today. He specified this speaking through David after such a long time: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
again, He specifies a certain day—today—speaking through David after such a long time, as previously stated: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.

American Standard Version
he again defineth a certain day, To-day, saying in David so long a time afterward (even as hath been said before), To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts.

Contemporary English Version
Much later God told David to make the promise again, just as I have already said, "If you hear his voice today, don't be stubborn!"

English Revised Version
he again defineth a certain day, saying in David, after so long a time, Today, as it hath been before said, Today if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So God set another day. That day is today. Many years after [your ancestors failed to enter that place of rest] God spoke about it through David in the passage already quoted: "If you hear God speak today, don't be stubborn."

Good News Translation
This is shown by the fact that God sets another day, which is called "Today." Many years later he spoke of it through David in the scripture already quoted: "If you hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn."

International Standard Version
he again fixes a definite day—"Today"—saying long afterward through David, as already quoted, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

Majority Standard Bible
God again designated a certain day as ?Today,? when a long time later He spoke through David as was just stated: ?Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.?

NET Bible
So God again ordains a certain day, "Today," speaking through David after so long a time, as in the words quoted before, "O, that today you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts."

New Heart English Bible
he again appoints a certain day, "Today," saying through David so long a time afterward (just as has been said), "Today if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

Webster's Bible Translation
(Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To-day, after so long a time; as it is said, To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Weymouth New Testament
He again definitely mentions a certain day, "To-day," saying long afterwards, by David's lips, in the words already quoted, "To-day, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts."

World English Bible
he again defines a certain day, “today”, saying through David so long a time afterward (just as has been said), “Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
again He limits a certain day, “Today,” in David saying, after so long a time, as it has been said, “Today, if you may hear His voice, you may not harden your hearts,”

Berean Literal Bible
again He appoints a certain day as "Today," saying through David after so long a time, just as it has been said, "Today, if you shall hear His voice, do not harden your hearts."

Young's Literal Translation
again He doth limit a certain day, 'To-day,' (in David saying, after so long a time,) as it hath been said, 'To-day, if His voice ye may hear, ye may not harden your hearts,'

Smith's Literal Translation
Again he limits a certain day, saying in David, To day, after such time; as it is said, To day if ye would hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Again he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time, as it is above said: To day if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Again, he defines a certain day, after so much time, saying in David, “Today,” just as it was stated above, “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

New American Bible
he once more set a day, “today,” when long afterwards he spoke through David, as already quoted: “Oh, that today you would hear his voice: ‘Harden not your hearts.’ ”

New Revised Standard Version
again he sets a certain day—“today”—saying through David much later, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And again, after a long time he appointed another day, as it is written above, for David said, Today if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Again he appointed another day, after much time, just as it is written above that David said, “Today, if you listen to his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
again, he determines a certain day, saying in David, after so long a time, Today, as it is said, Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Godbey New Testament
again he appoints a certain day, saying in David, as has previously been said, This day, after so long a time; If you may hear his voice this day, harden not your hearts.

Haweis New Testament
again he limiteth a certain day, saying by David, To-day, after so long a time; as it is said, ?To-day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts.?

Mace New Testament
he pointed out another time in the words, which were spoken by David, a long time after their going into Canaan, in the passage just now quoted, "today since ye hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

Weymouth New Testament
He again definitely mentions a certain day, "To-day," saying long afterwards, by David's lips, in the words already quoted, "To-day, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts."

Worrell New Testament
again He designateth a certain day, "To-day" (saying in David, after so long a time, as has been before said), "To-day, if ye hear His voice, harden not your hearts."

Worsley New Testament
He appoints a certain day, called To-day, saying by David so long after, (as it is recorded) "To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Sabbath Rest
6Since, then, it remains for some to enter His rest, and since those who formerly heard the good news did not enter because of their disobedience, 7 God again designated a certain day as “Today,” when a long time later He spoke through David as was just stated: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” 8For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.…

Cross References
Psalm 95:7-8
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,

Hebrews 3:7-8
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, / do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness,

Hebrews 3:15
As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.”

2 Corinthians 6:2
For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!

Psalm 95:11
So I swore on oath in My anger, “They shall never enter My rest.”

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Hebrews 3:13
But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Romans 13:11
And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.

Psalm 95:10
For forty years I was angry with that generation, and I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known My ways.”

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Psalm 119:60
I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.

Luke 19:42
and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes.

Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live,

Joshua 24:15
But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”


Treasury of Scripture

Again, he limits a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

saying.

Hebrews 3:7,8
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, …

2 Samuel 23:1,2
Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, …

Matthew 22:43
He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,

To day.

Hebrews 3:7,15
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, …

Psalm 95:7
For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

after.

1 Kings 6:1
And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.

Acts 13:20-23
And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet…

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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.














God again designated a certain day as “Today,”
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of God's call. The concept of "Today" is significant in biblical theology, representing the present moment of opportunity for repentance and faith. It reflects God's ongoing invitation to enter His rest, as seen in the context of Hebrews 3 and 4. The use of "again" suggests a repeated offer, highlighting God's patience and desire for people to respond to His call.

when a long time later He spoke through David
This refers to the period between the Israelites' wilderness journey and the time of King David, which spans several centuries. David, as a prophet and king, is a type of Christ, foreshadowing the ultimate King and Savior. The reference to David underscores the continuity of God's message throughout history and the enduring relevance of His word. It also connects the Psalms, particularly Psalm 95, to the New Testament audience, showing the timeless nature of God's call.

as was just stated:
This phrase indicates that the author of Hebrews is reiterating a previously mentioned point, emphasizing its importance. The repetition serves to reinforce the message and ensure that the audience understands the gravity of the exhortation. It also reflects a common teaching method in Scripture, where key truths are repeated for emphasis and clarity.

“Today, if you hear His voice,
This part of the verse is a direct quotation from Psalm 95:7-8, which is a call to listen and respond to God's voice. Hearing God's voice implies not just auditory reception but an obedient response. In the biblical context, hearing is often synonymous with obeying. This call is relevant to the original audience of Hebrews, who were facing the temptation to turn away from their faith, and it remains relevant to believers today.

do not harden your hearts.”
The hardening of the heart is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with rebellion and unbelief. In the wilderness, the Israelites hardened their hearts against God despite witnessing His miracles, leading to their exclusion from the Promised Land. This serves as a warning to the readers of Hebrews and to all believers to remain receptive and obedient to God's voice. The heart, in biblical terms, represents the center of one's being, including mind, will, and emotions. A hardened heart is resistant to God's influence and guidance, which can lead to spiritual downfall.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God
The divine author and initiator of the call to obedience and faith.

2. David
The King of Israel, through whom God spoke, as referenced in the Psalms.

3. Today
A designated time of urgency and opportunity for obedience and faith.

4. The Israelites
The original recipients of the warning, who hardened their hearts in the wilderness.

5. The Wilderness
The place where the Israelites tested God and failed to enter His rest due to unbelief.
Teaching Points
The Urgency of Today
The term "Today" signifies the immediacy and importance of responding to God's voice. It is a call to action without delay.

The Danger of a Hardened Heart
A hardened heart is resistant to God's voice and leads to disobedience and unbelief. It is crucial to remain open and receptive to God's guidance.

The Role of Scripture in Hearing God's Voice
Scripture is a primary means through which God speaks to us. Regular engagement with the Bible helps us discern His voice and align our lives with His will.

Faith and Obedience as Keys to Rest
Entering God's rest requires faith and obedience. Just as the Israelites missed out on the Promised Land due to unbelief, we must trust and obey to experience God's peace and rest.

The Continuity of God's Message
The message of obedience and faith is consistent throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. God's call remains the same across generations.(7) Again, he limiteth.--Better, He again marketh out (or, defineth). The next step taken (see the last Note) is to point out that, long after the occupation of Canaan, the Psalmist--God speaking in the Psalm--says "To-day," in pleading with Israel. The implied meaning is as if He said, "Harden not your hearts today, lest I swear unto you also, Ye shall not enter into My rest."

In David.--Probably this is equivalent to saying, In the Book of Psalms. In the LXX., however, Psalms 95 is ascribed to David.

After so long a time.--The period intervening between the divine sentence on the rebels in the wilderness (Numbers 14) and the time of the Psalmist.

As it is said.--The best MSS. read, as it hath been before said.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[God] again designated
ὁρίζει (horizei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3724: From horion; to mark out or bound, i.e. to appoint, decree, specify.

a certain
τινὰ (tina)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

day [as]
ἡμέραν (hēmeran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

“Today,”
Σήμερον (Sēmeron)
Adverb
Strong's 4594: Today, now. Neuter of a presumed compound of the article ho and hemera; on the day; generally, now.

when a long
τοσοῦτον (tosouton)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5118: So great, so large, so long, so many. From tosos and houtos; so vast as this, i.e. Such.

time
χρόνον (chronon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5550: A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay.

later
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

He spoke
λέγων (legōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

through
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

David
Δαυὶδ (Dauid)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1138: David, King of Israel. Of Hebrew origin; Dabid, the Israelite king.

as
καθὼς (kathōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

was just stated:
προείρηται (proeirētai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4302: To tell (say) beforehand, forewarn, declare, tell plainly. From pro and lego; to say beforehand, i.e. Predict, forewarn.

“Today,
Σήμερον (Sēmeron)
Adverb
Strong's 4594: Today, now. Neuter of a presumed compound of the article ho and hemera; on the day; generally, now.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

you hear
ἀκούσητε (akousēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

voice,
φωνῆς (phōnēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5456: Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.

{do} not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

harden
σκληρύνητε (sklērynēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4645: To harden, make hard, make stubborn. From skleros; to indurate, i.e. render stubborn.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

hearts.”
καρδίας (kardias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2588: Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 4:7 He again defines a certain day today (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 4:6
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