4:16a
Let us then: Here the word then introduces an exhortation that is based on 4:14–15. It is the same word that was used in 4:14a. Connect this exhortation with 4:15 in a way that is natural in your language.
Let us…approach the throne of grace with confidence: In this exhortation the author used a figure of speech. Literally, the word throne refers to the chair or seat on which a king sits to rule his people. Figuratively, the phrase approach the throne refers to coming to God by praying to him. The phrase of grace indicates that God rules with kindness and generosity. The author used the whole exhortation to encourage his listeners to pray to God with confidence (confidence).
Some ways to translate this clause are:
we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
let’s come to God’s seat with confidence, knowing that he is gracious
In some languages a translation like “come to the throne of God” may wrongly imply that a person dies and comes to God in heaven. If that is true in your language, you should translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:
let’s pray with assurance to God, our gracious King
-or-
let’s come with confidence into the presence of God. He shows grace/kindness
Let us…approach: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Let us…approach is an exhortation. The English words Let us indicate that the exhortation includes the author. It is not a request for permission here. In many languages (as in Greek), words like “let us” are not needed because the form of the verb indicates who should approach. Another way to translate this exhortation is:
we should approach
-or-
let’s come/pray to
approach: The verb approach is important in this context. It implies that God’s people can now freely come to God by praying. In the OT, no one except the high priest could approach the “mercy seat,” which symbolized God’s presence. Now because of Jesus, all of God’s people can come to him.
Some other ways to translate this meaning are:
get near to God by means of praying
-or-
come into God’s presence
-or-
go/come to God
the throne of grace: The word throne usually refers to a special chair that is reserved for the king. It also refers to the king’s authority. The phrase the throne of grace is a figure of speech to refer to God himself. It indicates that he rules with grace and mercy. The term throne of grace is similar to the term “mercy seat,” which was used in the OT. It also symbolized God’s presence.
Some other ways to translate the throne of grace are:
• Translate the figure of speech. For example:
God on his Seat in heaven
If you use this option, be sure that it does not imply coming to God in heaven after death.
• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:
God who rules with mercy/grace
-or-
God, the source/owner of grace
-or-
God praying to him because he loves and is merciful
For more translation examples, see the note on grace in the next part of the verse.
with confidence: The phrase with confidence refers here to having a confident attitude toward God, not being afraid of him. It was also used in 3:6, where the Berean Standard Bible translated it as “confidence.” and it will occur again in 10:19 and 10:35.
Some ways to translate with confidence are:
confidently
-or-
without fear
4:16b–c
so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need: This clause tells the purpose of coming near to God in 4:16a. We come to him so that he will be merciful to us, and so that he will help us with his grace. Another way to translate this purpose is:
so that we will receive help and gracious kindness when we need it
The context indicates that God is the source of the mercy and grace that we receive. In some languages it is more natural to make that explicit in this clause. For example:
so that God will be merciful to us and graciously help us when we are in need
mercy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as mercy refers to an act of kindness for someone in need. It does not refer only to feeling pity for a person. In this verse it refers to the kind of help that God gives to people in need. He heals them, forgives their sins, and provides what they need. He comforts and sustains them when they endure sorrow, danger, or persecution.
Some other ways to translate mercy are:
show kindness
-or-
have compassion/pity ⌊on us⌋
The word mercy occurs only here in Hebrews. For more information, see mercy, sense 2, in Key Biblical Terms.
find grace: The phrase find grace refers to receiving grace. The grace is given by God, just as “mercy” is in the preceding phrase. In some languages a word like find may imply the wrong meaning that the grace was discovered by accident. The context indicates that God is the source of the grace, and this should be clear in your translation of the verse.
Other ways to translate find grace are:
receive grace
-or-
experience grace
grace: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as grace, refers to kindness or help that is given to people freely, not because they have done anything to deserve it. In this context, the word refers to God’s grace. He is good to people because he loves them. The people have not done anything to deserve his goodness.
Some other ways to translate grace in this context are:
kindness
-or-
generous help
In many languages it may be more natural to translate grace with a verb or verb phrase. In this context the implied subject is God. For example:
so that God will be kind/generous to you
-or-
so that God will graciously help you
For more information, see grace, sense A2(b), in Key Biblical Terms.
to help us in our time of need: The phrase to help us in our time of need means “to help us when we need help.” Some ways to translate the phrase are:
whenever we need help (NET Bible)
-or-
and He will help us at the time of difficulties
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