Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly Rather, "let us then approach with confidence." The notion of "approach" to God (προσέρχεσθαι) in the Levitical service (Leviticus 21:17; Leviticus 22:3) is prominent in this Epistle (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:1; Hebrews 10:22; Hebrews 11:6; Hebrews 12:18-22). In St Paul it only occurs once (1 Timothy 6:13), and then in a different sense. His ideal of the Christian life is not "access to God" (though he does also allude to this in one Epistle, Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12) but "oneness with Christ" "Boldly," literally, "with confidence" (Hebrews 3:6).

throne of grace Comp. Hebrews 8:1. This throne was typified in the mercy-seat above the Ark (Exodus 25:21), over which the Shechinah shone between the wings of the cherubim.

obtain mercy, and find grace Mercy in our wretchedness, and free favour, though it is undeserved.

to help in time of need Lit. "for a seasonable succour." Seasonable because "it is still called to-day" (Hebrews 3:17), and because the help is so deeply needed (Hebrews 2:18),