Study note

Hebrews 4:8

Joshua and Jesus share the same name (Greek Iēsous, Hebrew Yehoshua‘). In the Old Testament, it is usually translated as Joshua, and in the New Testament, as Jesus (see also study note on Exodus 17:9). The author is making a wordplay on their shared name. Joshua led God's people into the promised land (Joshua 3–4), but God meant more when he promised rest. Jesus provides God's ultimate rest (Hebrews 3:13–14; 4:3, 9–11, 14–16).