Any Bible student with even a passing knowledge of New Testament Greek knows that the 9th verse of Hebrews 4 literally translated reads, “There remains therefore A KEEPING OF THE SABBATH to the people of God.” In fact, some study Bibles show this translation in marginal notes. The 1917 edition of the Scofield Study Bible notes that the word “rest” in the King James translation of Hebrews 4:9 should be translated, “keeping of a Sabbath.” The New International Version translates Hebrews 4:9, “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.”
In the King James translation of the Bible, the word “rest” is found nine times in the 4th chapter of Hebrews, twice in verse 3, and once each in verses 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In eight of these instances the word “rest” is a translation of the Greek word katapausis (pronounced kat-AP’-ow-sis), or katapauo (pronounced kat-ap-OW’-o), both Greek words meaning rest. But the word “rest” in that ninth verse is NOT translated from either of the two Greek words above, but from a different Greek word, the word sabbatismos (pronounced sab-bat-is-MOS’), literally meaning “keeping of a Sabbath,” as Dr. C. I. Scofield pointed out. Although, on the very face of it, it would seem clear what is being said in that 9th verse, a careful examination of the context reveals plainly the obvious meaning of the statement: “There remains therefore a keeping of a (or ”the”) Sabbath to the people of God.”
First, consider WHO is being addressed in this verse, “the people of God,” but more particularly Hebrew (Jewish) converts. Remember, this verse is found in the letter to the Hebrews. Secondly, when Jesus appeared to Saul of Tarsus, this man, who was soon to become the mighty Apostle Paul, told Jesus: “I imprisoned and beat IN EVERY SYNAGOGUE them (those Hebrews, those Jews) that believed on Thee” (See Acts 22:19). Note well that these earliest Christians were found worshipping the Lord IN THE SYNAGOGUES – hence, on the SABBATH!!! No synagogue held Sunday services! These earliest believers knew nothing of any change in the Sabbath, yet they “believed on” Christ, that is they believed Christ’s teachings, following and obeying Him. Acts 22:19 coupled with Hebrews 4:9 are most significant in the revelation they present. We are given rare insight into one of the most debated practices of First Century believers. It plainly reveals they DID meet together on the Sabbath, the same Sabbath observed by God’s faithful people for many long centuries! The significance becomes even more profound when we remember that “the women also, which came with Him (Jesus Christ) from Galilee…RESTED THE SABBATH DAY ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDMENT” (See Luke 23:55-56). They did NOT rest on the Sabbath day simply because they were in Jerusalem and that was the custom there. These earliest followers of Jesus Christ rested on the Sabbath day BECAUSE GOD HAD GIVEN COMMANDMENT CENTURIES BEFORE TO DO SO!!! Nothing Jesus Christ had said during His earthly ministry had caused them to think God’s eternal Holy Sabbath day would be abolished or changed in any way. In fact, at the very outset of His public ministry, Jesus declared clearly and plainly that God would never allow even one tiny letter of the Ten Commandments to be altered or changed in any way as long as heaven and earth endured! (See Matthew 5:17-28).
Under apostolic COMMAND to PROVE ALL THINGS of a spiritual nature, few Christians do so. Few ministers have any idea of the mighty truth contained in Hebrews 4:9 alone. Point out to them what the Greek actually and literally says in that passage and notice the look of puzzlement and consternation that crosses their faces. Yet they are 100% positive God “called” them to preach and teach His Word faithfully. Ask the Baptist preacher if that isn’t so. Ask the same question of the Methodist, the Presbyterian, the Episcopalian and the Assembly of God pastor. Then compare what they believe and teach as God’s holy truths, and all is confusion. And we know who is the author of confusion, don’t we? Are YOU proving all things? Are you really? Are you sure??????
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley