Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
What does Hebrews 4:16 mean?
Notice the end proposed: rest spiritual and eternal; the rest of grace here, and glory hereafter; in Christ on earth, with Christ in heaven.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Hebrews 4:14-16 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace - "The throne of grace!" What a beautiful expression. A throne is the seat of a sovereign; a throne of grace is designed to represent a sovereign seated to dispense mercy and pardon. The illustration or comparison here may have been derived from the temple service. In that service God is represented as seated in the most holy place on the mercy seat. The high priest approaches that seat or throne of the divine majesty with the blood of the atonement to make intercession for the people, and to plead for pardon; see the notes on Hebrews 9:7-8 . That scene was emblematic of heaven.
Key words
- in time of affliction
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in time of affliction. (u) Targum in Psal. xxix. 10. T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 3. 2. Zohar in Gen.
- therefore
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Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,.
- boldly
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Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,.
Context in Hebrews 4
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Hebrews 4 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as priesthood after Melchizedek. Hebrews presents Jesus as the final revelation of God, the great high priest, the once-for-all sacrifice, and the mediator of the better covenant. Read this chapter with the wider themes of Christology, priesthood, and sacrifice in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
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Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.