Meaning, commentary and cross references
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
NIV · New International Version
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
WEB · World English Bible
Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
What does Hebrews 4:16 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,.... Either to Christ, who is before spoken of as an high priest, and who was typified by the mercy seat, to which there seems to be an allusion; and coming to him as a priest upon his throne is very proper: to him saints come for pardon and cleansing, and for a justifying righteousness, for the acceptance of their persons, and the presentation of their services, and for every supply of grace; and to him they may come "boldly", since he stands in the relations of a Father, husband, and brother, and from him they may expect receive mercy, since it is kept for him, and with him, and is only dispensed through him; and in him they may hope to…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Hebrews 4:11–16
Secondly, We should encourage ourselves, by the excellency of our high priest, to come boldly to the throne of grace, Heb 4:16. Here observe, 1. There is a throne of grace set up, a way of worship instituted, in which God may with honour meet poor sinners, and treat with them, and they may with hope draw night to him, repenting and believing. God might have set up a tribunal of strict and inexorable justice, dispensing death, the wages of sin, to all who were convened before it; but he has chosen to set up a throne of grace.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Hebrews 4:14–16
16. Let us therefore come boldly, or, with confidence, etc. He draws this conclusion, -- that an access to God is open to all who come to him relying on Christ the Mediator; nay, he exhorts the faithful to venture without any hesitation to present themselves before God. And the chief benefit of divine teaching is a sure confidence in calling on God, as, on the other hand, the whole of religion falls to the ground, and is lost when this certainty is taken away from consciences.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Hebrews 4:13–16 (WEB)
13There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. 14Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold tightly to our confession. 15For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. 16Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
Cross references
- Ephesians 3:12
In him we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.
- Hebrews 7:25
Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them.
- Hebrews 10:19–23
Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
- Hebrews 13:6
So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
- Philippians 4:6–7
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- Isaiah 55:6–7
Seek the LORD while he may be found. Call on him while he is near.
- Ephesians 2:18
For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.
- 1 Peter 2:10
In the past, you were not a people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.