Heb 3:1-4:16

From Feast upon the Word (http://feastupontheword.org). Copyright, Feast upon the Word.
(Redirected from Heb 4:11-16)
Jump to: navigation, search

Home > The New Testament > Hebrews > Chapter 3-4
Previous page: Chapter 1-2                      Next page: Chapter 5-7


This page would ideally always be under construction. You are invited to contribute.


Summary[edit]

This heading should be very brief. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Discussion[edit]

This heading is for more detailed discussions of all or part of a passage. Discussion may include the meaning of a particular word, how a doctrinal point is developed throughout the passage, insights to be developed in the future, and other items. Contributions may range from polished paragraphs down to a single bullet point. The focus, however, should always be on understanding the scriptural text consistent with LDS doctrine. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • Heb 4:12. In this verse, the Logos is described as piercing (diikneomai) and creating a "dividing assunder" (the Greek noun merismos). Merismos appears only one other time in the New Testament, in Heb 2:4, where it is translated as the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The words translated here as soul (psuche) and spirit (pneuma) have a long and complex history in Greek thought, and we should be careful about taking these to mean the same thing that we mean by the English terms soul and spirit.
  • Heb 4:14-16. Verse 14 actually forms a more natural break than chapter 5. In particular, with this verse we move into the priesthood-temple section of Hebrews. Thus, in verse 14 we see the reference to Jesus as the high priest. The image is central to the author's argument for the superiority of Christianity to the older law of Moses. In identifying Jesus as a high priest the author places him in the context both of priesthood and of the temple.
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." This sentence touches on a Christological point that is also made in the Book of Mormon, namely that Christ's suffering was important because it gave him the capacity to empathize with our suffering. The author extends the point, however, to include temptation itself. In the Doctrine & Covenants it says that Christ did not recieve of a fullness at first but had to learn precept upon precept. The Christology in Hebrews doesn't seem to have the same progressive aspect, but like the Doctrine & Covenants it is at pains to emphasize Christ's humanity and make it theologically significant.
In verse 16 the author invites us to go to the "throne of grace." This is a reference to the believer's assent to God. It is also a reference to the temple, where the high priest symbolically came into God's presence within the Holy of Holies of the temple on the day of Atonement. The image, however, is changed in at least two subtle ways. First, the invitation to enter God's presence is extended to all believers, not simply to the chosen high priest. Second, the imagery is hopeful. As we shall see later on, the contrast between the awe-filled spirituality of the law of Moses and the hopeful spirituality of the Christian message is a central theme for the author.

Points to ponder[edit]

This heading is for prompts that suggest ways in which all or part of this passage can influence a person's life. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

I have a question[edit]

This heading is for unanswered questions and is an important part of the continual effort to improve this wiki. Please do not be shy, as even a basic or "stupid" question can identify things that need to be improved on this page. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

  • Heb 4:12. LDS scriptures state that the body and spirit united make up the soul of a person, so how can the word of God separate the soul from the spirit? How are the words soul and spirit being used here?

Resources[edit]

This heading is for listing links and print resources, including those cited in the notes. A short comment about the particular strengths of a resource can be helpful. Click the link above and to the right to edit or add content to this heading. →

Notes[edit]

Footnotes are not required but are encouraged for factual assertions that average readers cannot easily evaluate for themselves, such as the date of King Solomon’s death or the nuanced definition of a Greek word. In contrast, insights rarely benefit from footnoting, and the focus of this page should always remain on the scriptures themselves rather than what someone has said about them. Links are actively encouraged on all sections of this page, and links to authoritative sources are preferable to footnotes.




Previous page: Chapter 1-2                      Next page: Chapter 5-7