What does Hebrews 4:8 mean?
ESV: For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on.
NIV: For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.
NASB: For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that.
CSB: For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.
NLT: Now if Joshua had succeeded in giving them this rest, God would not have spoken about another day of rest still to come.
KJV: For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
NKJV: For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day.
Verse Commentary:
This verse is notable for a major difference between the King James Version and virtually all other mainstream translations. While the KJV refers here to "Jesus," other translations refer to "Joshua." The KJV makes this same choice in Acts 7:45. In Hebrew, both of these men share the same name. Moses' successor was named Yeshua, as was the son of Mary. Both of these names came into the Greek as Iēsous. The New Testament uses this version of the Hebrew name for several people (Colossians 4:11; Luke 3:29).

However, since the primary English name for the son of Nun, who was the central figure of the conquest of Canaan, is "Joshua," this is the name which probably ought to be used for this reference in Hebrews. From a purely lingual standpoint, using "Jesus" is a valid translation by the KJV, especially since that translation does not use the English name "Joshua" anywhere in the New Testament. It is, however, much less clear than other translations which more precisely specify the person in question.

The context of this verse is the potential loss of one's spiritual inheritance. This "rest" is symbolized by the failure of Israel on the borders of Canaan. Since they lost faith, God denied an entire generation entry into the Promised Land. According to the writer of Hebrews, there are three key facts to consider. First is the use of words like "today" in later Scriptures (Psalm 95). Second is that only those who were disobedient were cut off from their inheritance (Hebrews 3:16–19).

Finally, here, is the fact that the "rest" won by Joshua was not permanent or complete. If it had been, there would have been no need for David to appeal to the nation to obtain that rest in Psalm 95. Jewish theology held that the Promised Land would not be permanently held until it was ruled by Messiah. In other words, this rest is something still available to the children of God. It's important to see the application to the original readers of the book of Hebrews, and to modern Christians today. Salvation is not at stake here (John 6:39–40), but eternal rewards certainly are (Revelation 2:26–27). Earthly, material, or political dominion is not the issue, either. As applied to Christians, this is a matter of our spiritual inheritance, not dominance of our physical world.

The next few verses will round out the writer's argument. God rested when His creative work was complete (Genesis 2:2). Israel was denied "rest" in Canaan when they failed to complete their work (Psalm 95:7–11). In order for us, as Christians, to enter into our inheritance "rest" in Christ, we must "rest" from our work in the same way, and for the same reason, that God did: after completing our work.
Verse Context:
Hebrews 4:1–13 reassures Christians that they have not missed their opportunity to enjoy the ''rest'' promised by God. Chapter 3 warned about the dangers of losing faith and disobeying God. In this passage, the writer points out that psalmists like David, who came long after Moses, encouraged Israel to obtain God's rest ''today.'' Since God's rest on the seventh day of creation came only after His work was done, and Israel only suffered loss when they failed to complete their assigned work, Christians should strive to complete the work given them by God, in order to obtain the greater heavenly rewards. The most potent tool we have in this effort is the razor-sharp Word of God.
Chapter Summary:
In Hebrews chapter 4, the author refines the theme of chapter 3. An entire generation of Israel lost out on their inheritance of the Promised Land due to a lack of faith. Here, the author points out that the rest promised by God is still offered, through Christ. The razor-sharp truth of the Word of God will separate what is truly spiritual from what is faithless. We should make every effort to obtain our inheritance in Christ, which is something separate from our eternal salvation. We can also be confident, knowing Jesus can uniquely sympathize with our temptations and sufferings.
Chapter Context:
Chapters 1 and 2 explained how Messiah could not be an angel, but had to be human in order to become our example and the ''Captain'' of our salvation. Chapter 3 described Jesus as worthy of greater glory than Moses, since Jesus fulfilled the promises Moses only spoke of. Chapter 4 will continue to place Jesus as a higher example than Old Testament figures, including Joshua. This chapter bridges the focus of Hebrews from our need to ''hold fast'' in faith to Jesus' status as our ultimate High Priest.
Book Summary:
The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.
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