"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."
— Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Hebrews 4:16 is the "throne of grace" verse, the call to come to God boldly for mercy and help. This page gives the verse, where it sits in Hebrews 4, and a plain reading. For more on the theme, see Bible verses about grace, Bible verses about mercy, and Bible verses about prayer.
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The verse
The King James reads: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
"Approach" (KJV "come") is proserchomai (G4334), to come near. "Confidence" (KJV "boldly") is parrēsia (G3954), freedom and boldness in speaking. "Throne" is thronos (G2362), and "grace" is charis (G5485). "Mercy" is eleos (G1656). "Help" is boētheia (G996), and "in time of need" comes from eukairos (G2121), well-timed: help that arrives when it is needed.
Where it sits in Hebrews 4
Hebrews 4 begins with God's promised rest and ends with a warning that "the word of God is alive and active" and nothing is hidden from him (Hebrews 4:12-13). Then the writer turns to Jesus.
"Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess" (Hebrews 4:14). Verse 15 explains why that matters: "we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." Verse 16 draws the conclusion. Chapter 5 continues the high priest theme.
What the verse is saying
The verse turns the idea of a throne around. A throne usually means distance and fear, but this one is a throne "of grace." Because Jesus understands human weakness from the inside, people can come near with boldness instead of holding back.
What they find there is mercy and grace that fits the moment. The writer does not tell readers to fix themselves first. The invitation is for "our time of need," which is exactly when people tend to feel least able to approach.
Questions people ask
What does Hebrews 4:16 say?
In the NIV it says, "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." The KJV says, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace."
What does Hebrews 4:16 mean?
It invites people to come to God boldly in prayer because Jesus, their high priest, understands their weakness. At God's throne they receive mercy and timely help.
What is the throne of grace?
It is the writer's picture of God's rule as a place where grace is given. In Hebrews 4:14-16, believers can approach it because Jesus is their high priest.
Who wrote Hebrews?
The letter does not name its author. Christians have suggested Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, and others, but the writer is unknown.
What other verses are like Hebrews 4:16?
Hebrews 4:15 (a high priest who empathizes with our weaknesses), Philippians 4:6 (present your requests to God), and Matthew 7:7 (ask, seek, knock) are close companions.
