For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

HEBREWS 4:2KJV
Know the Bible

Hebrews 4:2 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 4:2 mean?

Hebrews 4:2 says that both the current readers and people in the past heard the good news, but the message did not benefit those earlier people because they did not combine what they heard with faith. The verse highlights that simply hearing the message is not enough; trusting it is necessary for it to have an effect.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians, reminding them of the Israelites who heard God’s promises in the wilderness but did not enter God’s rest because they did not believe. The verse draws a parallel between the past and present, showing that the same message requires faith to be effective for anyone who hears it.

The Greek behind Hebrews 4:2

  • "Preached" (εὐηγγελισμένοι, euēngelisthēmen): This word means "to bring good news" or "to announce the gospel." The use of this term shows that the message given to both groups was not just any message, but specifically the good news about God’s promise.
  • "Mixed" (συγκεκερασμένους, sugkekerasmenous): This word carries the idea of blending or combining. The verse uses it to say the message was not "mixed" with faith in those who heard, meaning the message and faith must come together for the message to have value.
  • "Faith" (πίστις, pistis): This word means trust or belief. The verse points out that faith is the essential ingredient that makes the message effective for those who hear it.

Why Hebrews 4:2 matters

  • Hebrews 4:2 clears up the idea that hearing the gospel or God’s promises alone is enough; it emphasizes that faith is required for the message to have any real benefit.
  • The verse connects the experience of the Israelites in the wilderness with the readers’ own situation, warning them not to repeat the same mistake of unbelief.
  • Hebrews 4:2 helps explain the larger theme of the chapter, which is about entering God’s rest, showing that faith is the key to receiving what God offers.

Where else these words appear

“mixed” Greek G4786 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:

“as” Greek G2509 · used in 13 verses

  • Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
  • 2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

“did” Greek G5623 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
  • Mark 7:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
  • Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

“preached” Greek G189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Luke 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
  • Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?