Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
come—rather as Greek, "approach," "draw near."
boldly—Greek, "with confidence," or "freedom of speech" (Ephesians 6:19).
the throne of grace—God's throne is become to us a throne of grace through the mediation of our High Priest at God's right hand (Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 12:2). Pleading our High Priest Jesus' meritorious death, we shall always find God on a throne of grace. Contrast Job's complaint (Job 23:3-8) and Elihu's " IF," etc. (Job 33:23-28).
obtain—rather, "receive."
mercy—"Compassion," by its derivation (literally, fellow feeling from community of suffering), corresponds to the character of our High Priest "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Hebrews 4:15).
find grace—corresponding to "throne of grace." Mercy especially refers to the remission and removal of sins; grace, to the saving bestowal of spiritual gifts [ESTIUS]. Compare "Come unto Me . . . and I will give you rest (the rest received on first believing). Take My yoke on you . . . and ye shall find rest (the continuing rest and peace found in daily submitting to Christ's easy yoke; the former answers to "receive mercy" here; the latter, to "find grace," Matthew 11:28-29).
in time of need—Greek, "seasonably." Before we are overwhelmed by the temptation; when we most need it, in temptations and persecutions; such as is suitable to the time, persons, and end designed (Psalms 104:27). A supply of grace is in store for believers against all exigencies; but they are only supplied with it according as the need arises. Compare "in due time," Romans 5:6. Not, as ALFORD explains, "help in time," that is, to-day, while it is yet open to us; the accepted time (II Corinthians 6:2).
help—Compare Hebrews 2:18, "He is able to succor them that are tempted."
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Hebrews 4:16:
1 Timothy 3:13
Hebrews 2:18
Hebrews 3:12
Hebrews 9:8
Hebrews 10:19
Hebrews 10:22
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