# For we were told the good news just as they were

This can be stated in active form. AT: "For we heard the good news just as they did" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

# as they were

Here "they" refers to the Hebrews' ancestors who were alive during the time of Moses.

# But that message did not benefit those who did not unite in faith with those who obeyed

"But that message did not benefit those who did not join with the people who believed and obeyed." The author is talking about two groups of people, those who received God's covenant with faith, and those who heard it but did not believe. This can be stated in positive form. AT: "But that message benefited only those who believed and obeyed it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])