Heb 4:11-13 | RWP | e4.org | Let us therefore give diligence ( σπουδασωμεν ουν ). Volitive subjunctive aorist of σπουδαζω , old verb to hasten ( ), to be eager and alert ( ). The exhortation has a warning like that in . That no man fall ( ινα μη πεση ). Negative purpose with ινα μη and the second aorist active subjunctive of πιπτω , to fall. After the same example of disobedience ( εν τω αυτω υποδειγματ της απειθειας ). The unbelief is like that seen in the Israelites ( , ; ). Hυποδειγμα is a late word from υποδεικνυμ ( ) and means a copy ( ; ). The Israelites set a terrible example and it is so easy to copy the bad examples.

‏ Hebrews 4:11-13

Let us therefore give diligence ( σπουδασωμεν ουν ). Volitive subjunctive aorist of σπουδαζω, old verb to hasten (2Ti 4:9), to be eager and alert (1Th 2:17). The exhortation has a warning like that in 4:1.

That no man fall ( ινα μη πεση ). Negative purpose with ινα μη and the second aorist active subjunctive of πιπτω, to fall.

After the same example of disobedience ( εν τω αυτω υποδειγματ της απειθειας ). The unbelief is like that seen in the Israelites (3:12, 18; 4:2). Hυποδειγμα is a late word from υποδεικνυμ (Mt 3:7) and means a copy (Joh 13:15; Jas 5:10). The Israelites set a terrible example and it is so easy to copy the bad examples.

The word of God ( ο λογος του θεου ). That just quoted about the promise of rest and God's rest, but true of any real word of God.

Living ( ζων ). Cf. the Living God (3:12). In Philo and the Book of Wisdom the Logos of God is personified, but still more in Joh 1:1-18 where Jesus is pictured as the Logos on a par with God. "Our author is using Philonic language rather than Philonic ideas" (Moffatt). See Joh 6:63: "The words which I have spoken are spirit and are life."

Active ( ενεργης ). Energetic, powerful (Joh 1:12; Php 3:21; Col 1:29).

Sharper ( τομωτερος ). Comparative of τομος, cutting (from τεμνω, to cut), late adjective, here only in the N.T.

Than ( υπερ ). Often so after a comparative (Lu 16:8; 2Co 12:13).

Two-edged ( διστομον ). "Two-mouthed" ( δι-, στομα ), double-mouthed like a river (Polybius), branching ways (Sophocles), applied to sword ( ξιφος ) by Homer and Euripides.

Piercing ( διικνουμενος ). Present middle participle of διικνεομα, old verb to go through, here only in N.T.

Even to the dividing ( αχρ μερισμου ). Old word from μεριζω ( μερος, part), to partition.

Of soul and spirit ( ψυχης κα πνευματος ). As in 1Th 5:23; 1Co 15:45, but not an argument for trichotomy. Psychology is constantly changing its terminology.

Of both joints and marrow ( αρμων τε κα μυελων ). From αρω, to join, comes αρμος, old word, here only in the N.T. Μυελος (from μυω, to shut), old word, here only in N.T. This surgeon goes into and through the joints and marrow, not cleaving between them.

Quick to discern ( κριτικος ). Verbal adjective in -ικος, from κρινω, skilled in judging, as the surgeon has to be and able to decide on the instant what to do. So God's word like his eye sees the secret lurking doubt and unbelief "of the thoughts and intents of the heart" ( ενθυμησεων κα εννοιων καρδιας ). The surgeon carries a bright and powerful light for every dark crevice and a sharp knife for the removal of all the pus revealed by the light. It is a powerful picture here drawn.

That is not manifest ( αφανης ). Old adjective ( α privative and φαινω, to show), here only in the N.T. God's microscope can lay bare the smallest microbe of doubt and sin.

Naked ( γυμνα ). Both soul and body are naked to the eye of God.

Laid open ( τετραχηλισμενα ). Perfect passive participle of τραχηλιζω, late verb to bend back the neck ( τραχηλος, Mt 18:6) as the surgeon does for operating, here only in N.T. See Ro 16:4 for the peril of risking one's neck ( τραχηλον υποτιθενα ). God's eyes see all the facts in our inmost hearts. There are no mental reservations from God.

With whom we have to do ( προς ον ημιν ο λογος ). "With whom the matter or account for us is." There is a slight play here on λογος of verse 12. Surely every servant of Christ today needs to gaze into this revealing mirror and be honest with himself and God.