Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

Hebrews 4:1

Being left [κ α τ α λ ε ι π ο μ ε ν η ς]. Still remaining : not being neglected. It is not a reason for fearing that is given, but a circumstance connected with the thing to be avoided. As there is now left a promise, let us fear. Being left announces the thought which is afterward emphasized, and on which the whole treatment of the subject turns - that God's original promise of rest remains unchanged, and still holds good. Such being the case, he who doubts the promise itself, or thinks that it is too late for him to enjoy its fulfillment, runs a risk.

Should seem to come short [δ ο κ η υ σ τ ε ρ η κ ε ν α ι]. According to this rendering, the meaning is that one must avoid the appearance of having failed to enter into the rest; the perfect tense [υ σ τ ε ρ η κ ε ν α ι] placing the reader at the parousia, when judgment will be pronounced. This is forced, tame, and irrelevant to the previous discussion. Rend. lest any one of you think he has come too late for it. This accords with the previous admonitions against unbelief. For one to think that he has come too late to inherit the promise is to disbelieve an immutable promise of God. Hence the writer may well say, "Since this promise remains, let us fear to distrust it." JUsterein is to be behind; to come late; to come short; hence, to suffer need, as Philippians 4:12; of material deficiency, Luke 14:14; John 2:3; of moral and spiritual shortcoming, Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 8:8; Hebrews 12:15.

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Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

Hebrews 4:1

Old Testament

New Testament