Menu

Hebrews 6:4

Hebrews 6:4 in Multiple Translations

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

As for those who at one time saw the light, tasting the good things from heaven, and having their part in the Holy Spirit,

It's impossible for those who once understood and experienced God's heavenly gift—who shared in receiving the Holy Spirit,

For it is impossible that they which were once lightened, and haue tasted of the heauenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy Ghost,

for [it is] impossible for those once enlightened, having tasted also of the heavenly gift, and partakers having became of the Holy Spirit,

For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

For it is impossible for those who have been once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit.

For it is impossible for those who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

I will explain why it is important to do that. Some people have at one time fully understood the message about Christ [MET]. They have experienced a relationship with Jesus Christ that God [EUP/MTY] gave to them. They have received the Holy Spirit the same as others have.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 6:4

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Hebrews 6:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK αδυνατον γαρ τους απαξ φωτισθεντας γευσαμενους τε της δωρεας της επουρανιου και μετοχους γενηθεντας πνευματος αγιου
αδυνατον adunatos G102 unable Adj-NSN
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
τους ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APM
απαξ hapax G530 once Adv
φωτισθεντας phōtizō G5461 to illuminate Verb-APP-APM
γευσαμενους geuō G1089 to taste Verb-ADP-APM
τε te G5037 and/both Particle
της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF
δωρεας dōrea G1431 free gift Noun-GSF
της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF
επουρανιου epouranios G2032 heavenly Adj-GSF
και kai G2532 and Conj
μετοχους metochos G3353 partaker Adj-APM
γενηθεντας ginomai G1096 to be Verb-AOP-APM
πνευματος pneuma G4151 spirit/breath: spirit Noun-GSN
αγιου hagios G40 holy Adj-GSN
Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 6:4

αδυνατον adunatos G102 "unable" Adj-NSN
Unable means lacking the power or strength to do something, as seen in Acts 14:8 and Romans 15:1. It can also describe something that is impossible, like in Matthew 19:26 and Mark 10:27.
Definition: ἀ-δύνατος, -ον, [in LXX for אֶבְיוֹן, דַּל, etc. ;] __1. of persons, unable, powerless: Act.14:8; figuratively Rom.15:1 (MM, VGT, see word). __2. Of things, impossible: Mat.19:26, Mrk.10:27, Luk.18:27, Rom.8:3, Heb.6:4,18 10:4 11:6. † (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: could not do, impossible, impotent, not possible, weak See also: Acts 14:8; Luke 18:27; Hebrews 6:4.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
τους ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
απαξ hapax G530 "once" Adv
Once or one time, like in 2 Corinthians 11:25. It can also mean once for all, as in Hebrews 9:26-27.
Definition: ἅπαξ adv., [in LXX for אֶחָד, פַּעַם ;] __(a) once: 2Co.11:25, Heb_9:26-27; ἔτι ἅ., Heb.12:26-27; ἅ. τ. ἐνιαυτοῦ, Heb.9:7; καί ἅ. κ. δίς, twice: Php.4:16, 1Th.2:18; __(b) once for all: Heb.6:4 9:28 10:2, 1Pe.3:18, Ju 3 5 (MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: once See also: 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 6:4.
φωτισθεντας phōtizō G5461 "to illuminate" Verb-APP-APM
To illuminate means to shine light on something, making it brighter and more visible, as in Luke 11:36. It can also mean to enlighten someone spiritually, as in John 1:9.
Definition: φωτίζω (φῶς) [in LXX for אוֹר hi, יָרָה hi., etc. ;] __1. intrans., to shine, give light (Arist., Plut., a1.): before ἐπί, Rev.22:5. __2. Trans. __(a) to illumine, enlighten (Diod., Plut., al.): with accusative, Luk.11:36, Rev.21:23; pass., Rev.18:1. Metaphorical, of spiritual enlightenment (Psa.119:130, Sir.45:17, al.): Jhn.1:9, Eph.1:18 3:9, R, txt., Heb.6:4 10:32; __(b) to bring to light, make known (Polyb.): 1Co.4:5, Eph.3:9, R, mg., 2Ti.1:10 (cf. Kennedy, Sources, 107 f.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: enlighten, illuminate, (bring to, give) light, make to see See also: 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 6:4.
γευσαμενους geuō G1089 "to taste" Verb-ADP-APM
This word means to taste or eat something, and can also mean to experience good or bad things. It is used in the Bible to describe people eating or tasting food, like in Matthew 27:34. It can also be used figuratively, like in Hebrews 6:4.
Definition: γεύω, γεύομαι, [in LXX chiefly for טעם ;] to make to taste. Mid., to taste eat: absol., Act.10:10 20:11, Col.2:21; with genitive, Mat.27:34, Luk.14:24, Act.23:14; with accusative (not cl., but see Westc, Heb., l.with; M, Pr., 66, 245), Jhn.2:9. Metaphorical, Heb.6:4; ῥῆμα θεοῦ, Heb.6:5 (on case, see supr., and cf. Milligan, NTD, 68) θανάτου (cf. Talmudic טַעַם מִיתָה), Mat.16:28, Mrk.9:1, Luk.9:27, Jhn.8:52, Heb.2:9; before ὅτι, 1Pe.2:3 (Cremer, 148).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: eat, taste See also: 1 Peter 2:3; Hebrews 6:5; Hebrews 2:9.
τε te G5037 "and/both" Particle
A conjunction meaning and or both, used to connect words or ideas closely. Found in Matthew 28:12 and Acts 2:33, it shows a strong link between things.
Definition: τέ, enclitic copulative particle (= Lat. -que as καί = and, ac, atque, not very frequently in NT, more than two-thirds of the occurrences being in Ac. __1. τέ solitarium, and, denoting a closer affinity than καί between words and sentences which it connects (BL, §77, 8): Mat.28:12, Jhn.4:42, Act.2:33, 37 40 10:22 11:21, al. __2. Denoting a closer connection than simple καί, τὲ . . . καί, τὲ καί, τὲ . . . τέ (Act.26:16 Rom.14:8), as well . . . as also, both . . . and: Luk.12:45, Act.1:1 15:9, 21:30, al.; τὲ . . . δέ, and . . . and, Act.19:2; τὲ γάρ . . . ὁμοίως δὲ καί, Rom.1:26, 27. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: also, and, both, even, then, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 1:3.
της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
δωρεας dōrea G1431 "free gift" Noun-GSF
A free gift is something given without expectation of payment, like the gift of God in John 4:10 or the gift of the Spirit in Acts 2:38.
Definition: δωρεά, -ᾶς, ἡ (δίδωμι), [in LXX chiefly (-άν) for חִנָּם, as Gen.29:15 ;] a gift: Act.11:17, Rom.5:15, Heb.6:4; δ. τ. θεοῦ, Jhn.4:10, Act.8:20; τ. Χριστοῦ, Eph.4:7; τ. πνεύματος, Act.2:38 10:45; τ. δικαιοσύνης, Rom.5:17; τ. χάριτος, Eph.3:7; ἀνεκδιηγήτὶῳ δ., 2Co.9:15. Acc, δωρεάν, adverbially (as frequently in LXX), __(a) freely, as a gift: Mat.10:8, Rom.3:24, 2Co.11:7, 2Th.3:8, Rev.21:6 22:17; __(b) in vain, uselessly: (Jhn.15:25 LXX) Gal.2:21.† SYN.: see: δόμα (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: gift See also: 2 Corinthians 9:15; Ephesians 3:7; Hebrews 6:4.
της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
επουρανιου epouranios G2032 "heavenly" Adj-GSF
Heavenly refers to things that are in or from heaven, like heavenly bodies or God's kingdom. It is used in Philippians 2:10 and 1 Corinthians 15:40.
Definition: ἐπουράνιος, -ον (οὐρανός), [in LXX: Psa.68:14 (שַׁדַּי), DA TH Dan.4:23 A (שָׁמַיִם) 2Ma.3:39, 3Ma.6:28 3Mac 7:6, 4Ma.4:11 AR, 4Ma.11:3 א* ;] in or of heaven, heavenly (in Hom., of the Gods): οἱ ἐ., opposite to ἐπίγειοι and καταχθόνιοι, Php.2:10; to χοϊκός, 1Co.15:48-49; σώματα (see Lft., Col., 376), 1Co.15:40; βασιλεία, 2Ti.4:18; παπρίς, Heb.11:16; Ἱερουσαλήμ, Heb.12:22; κλῆσις (cf. Lft. on Php.3:14), Heb.3:1; τὰ ἐ., Heb.8:5 9:23; opposite to ἐπίγειος, Jhn.3:12; id., of the heavenly regions, Eph.1:3, 20 2:6 3:10 6:12; ἡ δωρεὰ ἡ ἐ., Heb.6:4 (Cremer, 468).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: celestial, (in) heaven(-ly), high See also: 1 Corinthians 15:40; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 6:4.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
μετοχους metochos G3353 "partaker" Adj-APM
A partaker is someone who shares in something, like a partner or associate. In the Bible, it refers to sharing in Christ, as seen in Hebrews 3:14. This concept is also found in Luke 5:7.
Definition: μέτοχος, -ον (μετέχω), [in LXX chiefly for חָבֵר ;] __1. sharing in, partaking of: with genitive of thing(s), Heb.3:1 6:4 12:8; τ. Χριστοῦ, Heb.3:14. __2. As subst., ὁ μ., a partner, associate: Luk.5:7, Heb.1:9" (LXX) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: fellow, partaker, partner See also: Hebrews 1:9; Hebrews 6:4; Hebrews 3:1.
γενηθεντας ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-AOP-APM
A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.
Definition: γίνομαι, Ion. and κοινή for Att. γίγν- (M. Pr., 47; Bl., §6, 8 Mayser, 166 f.), [in LXX chiefly for היה ;] __1. of persons, things occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: Jhn.1:15 8:58, 1Co.15:37; a first appearance in public, Mrk.1:4, Jhn.1:6, al.; before ἐκ (of birth), Rom.1:3, Gal.4:4; διά, Jhn.1:3; βροντή, Jhn.12:29; σεισμός, Rev.6:12; γογγυσμός, Act.6:1; χαρά, Act.8:8, many other similar exx.; ἡμέρα, Luk.22:66, al.; ὀψέ, Mrk.11:19; πρωΐα, Mat.27:1; νύξ, Act.27:27. __2. Of events, to come to pass, take place, happen: Mat.5:18, Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:20 2:15, Act.4:21, 2Ti.2:18, al.; μὴ γένοιτο [LXX for חָלִילָה, Jhn.22:29, al.], far be it, God forbid: Rom.3:4 (ICC, in l.), 1Co.6:15 and frequently in Pl.; καὶ ἐγένετο, ἐγένετο δέ ([in LXX for וַיְהִי ;] see Burton, 142 f.; M, Pr., 16f.; Dalman, Words, 32 f.; Robertson, Gr., 1042 f.), with indic, Mat.7:28, Luk.1:8, al.; before καί and indic., Luk.8:1, Act.5:7, al.; with accusative and inf., Mrk.2:23, Luk.3:21, al.; ὡς δὲ ἐγένετο, before τοῦ with inf., Act.10:25; with dative of person(s), to befall one: with inf., Act.20:16; with accusative and inf., Act.22:6; with adv., εὖ, Eph.6:3; τ́ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ (Field, Notes, 115), Act.7:40 (LXX); before εἰς, Act.28:6. __3. to be made, done, performed, observed, enacted, ordained, etc.: Mat.6:10 19:8, Mrk.2:27 11:23, Act.19:26, al.; before διά with genitive, Mrk.6:2, Act.2:43; ὑπό, Luk.13:17; ἐκ, Luk.4:23; ἐν, 1Co.9:15; ἀπογραφή, Luk.2:2; ἀνάκρισις Act.25:26; ἄφεσις, Heb.9:22; ὁ νόμος, Gal.3:17; τὸ πάσχα, Mat.26:2. __4. to become, be made, come to be: with pred., Mat.4:3, Luk.4:3, Jhn.2:9, 1Co.13:11, al.; before ὡς, ὡσεί, Mat.10:25, Mrk.9:26; εἰς (M, Pr., 71f.), Mrk.12:1o, al.; with genitive Rev.11:15; id., of age, Luk.2:42; with dative, γ. ἀνδρί ([LXX for הָיָה לְאִישׁ, Rut.1:12, al. ;] see Field, Notes, 156), Rom.7:3, 4; before ἐν, Act.22:17, Rev.1:10, al.; ἐπάνω, Luk.19:19; μετά, with genitive, Mrk.16:[10], Act.9:19; before εἰς, ἐπί (Field, Notes, 135), κατά (ib., 62), with accusative of place, Act.20:16 21:35 27:7, al.; before ἐκ, Mrk.9:7, Luk.3:22, 2Th.2:7, al. Aoristic pf. γέγονα (M, Pr., 52, 145f.; Field, Notes, 1f.), Mat.25:6, Luk.10:36, al. Aor. ἐγενήθη (for ἐγένετο, M, Pr., 139f.; Mayser, 379), Mat.11:23, al. (Cf. απο-, δια-, επι-, παρα-, συμ-, παρα-, προ-.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 637 NT verses. KJV: arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Acts 5:5; 1 Peter 1:15.
πνευματος pneuma G4151 "spirit/breath: spirit" Noun-GSN
The Greek word for spirit or breath refers to the vital principle or mental disposition of a person, as seen in John 3:8 and 1 Corinthians 5:5. It can also mean a superhuman spirit, like the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:2.
Definition: πνεῦμα, -τος, τό, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for רוּחַ ;] __1. of air in motion; __(a) wind: Jhn.3:8; pl., Heb.1:7 (LXX); __(b) breath: π. ζωῆς, Rev.11:11; π. τοῦ στόματος, figuratively, 2Th.2:8 (cf. Ps 32 (33)6). __2. Of the vital principle, the spirit (Arist., Polyb., al.): Luk.8:55, Jhn.19:30, Act.7:59, al.; opposite to σάρξ, Mat.26:41, Mrk.14:38, 1Co.5:5, al.; to σῶμα, Rom.8:10, 1Co.6:17 7:34, 1Pe.4:6; to ψυχή, Php.1:27, Heb.4:12; τὸ π. καὶ ἡ ψ. καὶ τ. σῶμα, 1Th.5:23 (M, Th., in l.); dative, τῷ π., in spirit, Mrk.2:8 8:12, Jhn.11:33 13:21, Act.18:25, Rom.12:11, 1Co.7:34, 1Pe.3:18, al.; of the human spirit of Christ, Rom.1:4, 1Ti.3:16. __3. spirit, i.e. frame of mind, disposition, influence: Luk.1:17, Rom.8:15, 1Co.4:21, Gal 6:1, Eph.2:2, 2Ti.1:7, 1Jn.4:6, al. __4. An incorporeal being, a spirit: Luk.24:37, 39 Act.23:8; π. ὁ θεός, God is spirit, Jhn.4:24; πατὴρ τῶν π., Heb.12:9; of disembodied human beings, Heb.12:23, 1Pe.3:19 (ICC, in l.; DB, iii, 795); of angels. Heb.1:14; of demons or evil spirits, Mat.8:16, Mrk.9:20, Luk.9:39, al.; π. πύθυωνα, Act.16:16; πνεύματα δαιμονίων, Rev.16:14; π. δαιμονίου ἀκαθάρτου, Luk.4:33; π. ἀσθενείας (Bl., §35, 5), Luk.13:11; π. ἀκάθαρτον, Mat.10:1, Mrk.1:23, Luk.4:36, Act.5:16; π. ἄλαλον (καὶ κωφόν), Mrk.9:17, 25; πονηρόν, Luk.7:21, Act.19:12, al. __5. Of the Holy Spirit, π. ἅγιον, τὸ ἅ. π., τὸ π. τὸ ἅ. τὸ π., π. (the article as a rule being used when the Spirit is regarded as a Person or a Divine Power, and omitted when the reference is to an operation, influence or gift of the Spirit; see WM, 151:5; Bl., §46, 7): anarth., Mat.1:18 3:11, 16 4:1, Mrk.1:8 (Swete, in l.), ib.10, Luk.1:15, Jhn.7:39, Act.19:2, Rom.5:5, 1Co.2:4, al.; with art., Mat.4:1 12:31, 32 Mrk.1:10 3:29, Luk.2:26, Jhn.7:36 14:26, Act.4:31 5:3, Rom.8:16, al.; (τὸ) π. (τοῦ) θεοῦ, Mat.3:16, Rom.8:9, Eph.3:16, 1Jn.4:2, al.; τὸ π. τ. πατρός, Mat.10:20; π. θεοῦ ζῶντος, 2Co.3:3; (τὸ) π. τοῦ κυρίου, Luk.4:18, Act.5:9 8:39; τὸ π. Ἰησοῦ, Act.16:7; Χριστοῦ, Rom.8:9; Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, Php.1:19; τὸ π. τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.15:26 16:13, 1Jn.4:6; λείγει (μαρτυρεῖ) τὸ π. (τὸ ἅγιον), Act.21:11 28:25, 1Ti.4:1, Heb.3:7 10:15, Rev.14:13; before τ. ἐκκλησίαις, Rev.2:7, 11 17, 29, 3:6, 12, 22; ἐν τ. π., Luk.2:27; κατὰ πνεῦμα, Rom.8:4, 5; ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ π., Jhn.3:5, διὰ πνεύματος αἰωνίου, Heb.9:14; ἐν ἁγιασμῷ πνεύματος, 2Th.2:13, 1Pe.1:2; ἓν π., 1Co.12:13, Eph.2:18 4:4; ὁ δὲ κύριος τὸ π. ἐστιν, 2Co.3:17; of that which is effected or governed by the Spirit, opposite to γράμμα, Rom.2:29 7:6, 2Co.3:6. SYN.: νοῦς, which in NT is contrasted with π. as "the action of the understanding in man with that of the spiritual or ecstatic impulse" (DB, iv, 612); ψυχή — the usual term in cl. psychology—in NT, "expresses man as apart from God, a separate individual, π. expresses man as drawing his life from God" (DB, 1-vol., 872). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 350 NT verses. KJV: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind See also: 1 Corinthians 2:4; Acts 7:59; 1 Peter 1:2.
αγιου hagios G40 "holy" Adj-GSN
In the Bible, this word means holy or set apart, describing God and things dedicated to Him. It appears in Luke 1:49 and John 17:11, highlighting God's purity and majesty.
Definition: ἅγιος, -α, ον (τό ἅγός, religious awe; ἅζω, to venerate), [in LXX chiefly for קֹ֫דֶשׁ ;] primarily, dedicated to the gods, sacred (Hdt.; rare in Att., never in Hom., Hes. and Trag., who use ἁγνός), hence, holy, characteristic of God, separated to God, worthy of veneration. __1. Its highest application is to God himself, in his purity, majesty, and glory: Luk.1:49, Jhn.17:11, Rev.4:8. Hence __(a) of things and places which have a claim to reverence as sacred to God, e.g. the Temple: Mat.24:15, Heb.9:1; __(b) of persons employed by him, as angels: 1Th.3:13; prophets, Luk.1:70; apostles, Eph.3:5. __2. Applied to persons as separated to God's service: __(a) of Christ, Mrk.1:24, Jhn.6:69, Act.4:30; __(b) of Christians, Act.9:13, Rom.1:7, Heb.6:10, Rev.5:8. __3. In the moral sense of sharing God's purity: Mrk.6:20, Jhn.17:11, Act.3:14, Rev.3:7. __4. Of pure, clean sacrifices and offerings: 1Co.7:14, Eph.1:4. SYN.: ἁγνός, pure, both in ceremonial and spiritual sense; ἱερός (sacer), sacred, that which is inviolable because of its (external) relation to God; ὅσιος (sanctus as opposite to nefas), that which is based on everlasting ordinances of right. (Cf. Tr., Syn., §lxxxviii; DB, ii, 399 f.; Cremer, 34, 594-601; MM, VGT, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 228 NT verses. KJV: (most) holy (one, thing), saint See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 1:26; 1 Peter 1:12.

Study Notes — Hebrews 6:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Hebrews 10:26–29 If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
2 2 Peter 2:20–22 If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”
3 Matthew 5:13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
4 John 15:6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
5 Matthew 7:21–22 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
6 Hebrews 12:15–17 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many. See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.
7 Matthew 12:31–32 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come.
8 Luke 11:24–26 When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.”
9 Hebrews 10:32 Remember the early days that you were in the light. In those days, you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering.
10 Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Hebrews 6:4 Summary

This verse is talking about people who have had a real experience with God, but then turn their backs on Him. It's saying that it's impossible for them to come back to God in the same way, because they are essentially rejecting the gift of salvation that Jesus died to give them (as seen in John 3:16). This is a serious warning to believers to take their faith seriously and not to drift away from God. We must remember that our salvation is a gift, but it's also a relationship that requires our response and commitment (Romans 12:1-2).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'enlightened' in Hebrews 6:4?

To be enlightened means to have a deep understanding and awareness of spiritual truth, as seen in Ephesians 1:18, where it says that God has given us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.

Can someone who has been enlightened still fall away from the faith?

According to Hebrews 6:4-6, it is possible for someone who has been enlightened to fall away, but it is impossible for them to be restored to repentance because they are essentially crucifying the Son of God all over again.

What is the 'heavenly gift' mentioned in Hebrews 6:4?

The heavenly gift is likely a reference to salvation, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, where it says that we are saved by grace through faith, and this is not of ourselves, but it is the gift of God.

How does this verse relate to the concept of eternal security?

Hebrews 6:4-6 suggests that it is possible for a believer to fall away, which challenges the idea of eternal security, but it also emphasizes the seriousness of rejecting Christ and the importance of persevering in the faith, as seen in Matthew 24:13 and Hebrews 3:14.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'taste the heavenly gift' in my own life, and how can I deepen my experience of God's presence and power?
  2. In what ways have I 'shared in the Holy Spirit', and how can I continue to seek the Spirit's guidance and empowerment?
  3. What are the implications of this verse for my own spiritual journey, and how can I ensure that I am not taking my faith for granted or drifting away from God?
  4. How can I balance the assurance of my salvation with the warning against falling away, and what role does perseverance play in my walk with God?

Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 6:4

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened,.... The Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it, "baptized"; and the word is thought to be so used in Hebrews 10:32.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 6:4

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, We must 'go on toward perfection;' "For," if we fall away,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 6:4

The foregoing counsel the Spirit enforceth on these Hebrews, from the danger of apostacy, to which the neglect of it doth dispose them, and the terrifying consequents of it, from . We must go on to perfection, unless we will draw back to perdition: so that he bespeaks them: You have been sluggish and dull, and going backward already; lest you grow worse, stir up yourselves; if you neglect it you are in danger of utter falling away: for it is impossible, not in respect of God’ s absolute and almighty power, but in respect of any created power in others or themselves, justly, and by right, it is impossible, because contrary to God’ s declared will and resolution in his church, by which his power is limited, so as he will never do it, nor suffer it to be done; in this he will not, cannot deny himself, 11:6; compare 19:24,26 . For those who were once enlightened: fwtisyentav, several interpreters render, the baptized, who were illuminated with the beams of Divine light; others, the penitent, such who had been initiated into repentance, as , and think the term once may be limited to baptisms, whereas it refers to all the other particulars. These are such who are instructed in the principles of the Christian religion, and brought out of the darkness and ignorance of Judaism and heathenism, so that they were other persons for the knowledge of gospel truths than before: they see with a new light spiritual things, and have the mind raised up to such objects as thcy knew not before; but they have no new eyes or understandings given them, and so are but as devils like angels of light, whereas the light of a real Christian is the light of life, : see . Such some Hebrews professed themselves to be, ; and as Balaam was, ,3. And have tasted of the heavenly gift; an act of sense in the body, put metaphorically for an act of the mind. Tasting in the soul, is an apprehension and reception by it, and but merely such, and no more; a taste, and not a digestion, of Christ and his benefits as revealed to them in the gospel, ,40, followed with the superficial relishes of their joy and peace on their temporary believing in them, as it was with the stony ground, . A sinner enlightened so as to see Christ and the glorious promises made to believers in him, it being agreeable to his natural principles, and being not much humbled, runs away with them with joy, having good desires and affections, but a stony heart still: such was Herod, . And were made partakers of the Holy Ghost; not by an inhabitation of his person in them, but by his operations in them, whereby he is trying how far a natural man may be raised, and not have his nature changed: as is evident in Socrates, who died for owning the unity of the Deity; and as the scribe near the kingdom of heaven, .

Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 6:4

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Ver. 4. Who were once enlightened] φωτισθεντες, as with a flash of lightning. Knowing persons, and those they call the wits of the world, are in the greatest danger of the unpardonable sin; which begins in apostasy, holds on in persecution, ends in blasphemy. And have tasted] As cooks do their sauces with the tip of their finger only; or as the Israelites tasted the fruits of the land, and vet perished in the wilderness. Men may taste that which they spit out again, as physicians oft do. The heavenly gift] Gr. Supercelestial gift, i.e. Christ, who is called the gift, John 4:10, and the benefit, 1 Timothy 6:2. Partakers of the Holy Ghost] Of his common and inferior gifts and operations. These a man may lose, and have his dispositions to sin seven times more inflamed than before, Matthew 12:44.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 6:4

(4) For it is impossible for those . . .—The connection of thought has been already explained (Hebrews 6:3); the general meaning will be examined below (Hebrews 6:6). It will be seen that the greater part of this long sentence is dependent on the word “renew” in Hebrews 6:6, “It is impossible to renew again unto repentance those who were once,” &c. Those who were once enlightened.—This metaphor is introduced again in Hebrews 10:32; neither there nor here does the context contain any notice or expansion of the figure. In that passage, however, it is applied generally to all who are addressed, and includes everything that was involved in the reception of the Christian faith. This inclusive application of the term (familiar from prophecy, from our Lord’s own words, from Apostolic usage; see Acts 26:18; Ephesians 1:18; 1 Peter 2:9) throws light on the construction of the verse before us. As the words stand in the Authorised version, “enlightened” is but the first term of a series; but it is far more probable that the clauses which follow should be regarded as explanatory of the enlightenment itself: “. . . those who were once enlightened, having both tasted . . . and been made partakers . . . and tasted . . .” Tasted of the heavenly gift.—On the first word, see the Note on Hebrews 2:9. From the clear parallelism which exists between these verses and Hebrews 2:3-5 we may infer that the “salvation” offered in the gospel (Hebrews 2:3) is intended by this “gift.” It is a gift which belongs to heaven (comp. Hebrews 1:14), bestowed by Him from whom has come the “heavenly calling” (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 2:10). The following words at once recall Hebrews 2:4, “gifts (distributions) of the Holy Ghost.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 6:4

Verse 4. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened] Before I proceed to explain the different terms in these verses, it is necessary to give my opinion of their design and meaning: 1. I do not consider them as having any reference to any person professing Christianity. 2. They do not belong, nor are they applicable, to backsliders of any kind. 3. They belong to apostates from Christianity; to such as reject the whole Christian system, and its author, the Lord Jesus. 4. And to those of them only who join with the blaspheming Jews, call Christ an impostor, and vindicate his murderers in having crucified him as a malefactor; and thus they render their salvation impossible, by wilfully and maliciously rejecting the Lord that bought them. No man believing in the Lord Jesus as the great sacrifice for sin, and acknowledging Christianity as a Divine revelation, is here intended, though he may have unfortunately backslidden from any degree of the salvation of God. The design of these solemn words is evidently, First, to show the Hebrews that apostasy from the highest degrees of grace was possible; and that those who were highest in the favour of God might sin against him, lose it, and perish everlastingly. Secondly, to warn them against such an awful state of perdition, that they might not be led away, by either the persuasions or persecutions of their countrymen, from the truth of the heavenly doctrine which had been delivered to them. And, Thirdly, to point out the destruction which was shortly to come upon the Jewish nation. Once enlightened-Thoroughly instructed in the nature and design of the Christian religion, having received the knowledge of the truth, Hebrews 10:32; and being convinced of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and led to Jesus the Saviour of sinners. Tasted of the heavenly gift] Having received the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins, through the Day Spring which from on high had visited them; such having received Christ, the heavenly gift of God's infinite love, John 3:16; the living bread that came down from heaven, John 6:51; and thus tasting that the Lord is gracious; 1 Peter 2:3, and witnessing the full effects of the Christian religion. Partakers of the Holy Ghost] The Spirit himself witnessing with their spirits that they were the children of God, and thus assuring them of God's mercy towards them, and of the efficacy of the atonement through which they had received such blessings.

Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 6:4

4–8. The awfulness of apostasy4. For] An inference from the previous clauses. We must advance, for in the Christian course stationariness means retrogression—non progredi est regredi.For it is impossible for those] We shall see further on the meaning of the word “impossible.” The sentence begins with what is called the accusative of the subject, “For as to those who were, &c., it is impossible, &c.” We will first explain the particular expressions in these verses, and then point out the meaning of the paragraph as a whole.once] The word, a favourite one with the writer, means “once for all.” It occurs more often in this Epistle than in all the rest of the N.T. It is the direct opposite of ðÜëéí in Hebrews 6:6.enlightened] illuminated by the Holy Spirit, John 1:9. Comp. Hebrews 10:26; Hebrews 10:32; 2 Corinthians 4:4. In the LXX. “to illuminate” means “to teach” (2 Kings 12:2). The word in later times came to mean “to baptise,” and “enlightenment,” even as early as the time of Justin Martyr (a.d. 150), becomes a technical term for “baptism,” regarded from the point of view of its results. The Syriac Version here renders it by “baptised.” Hence arose the notion of some of the sterner schismatics—such as the Montanists and Novatians—that absolution was to be refused to all such as fell after baptism into apostasy or flagrant sin (Tertull. De Pudic. 20). This doctrine was certainly not held by St Paul (1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20), and is rejected by the Church of England in her xvith Article (and see Pearson, On the Creed, Art. x.). The Fathers deduced from this passage the unlawfulness of administering Baptism a second time; a perfectly right rule, but one which rests upon other grounds, and not upon this passage. But neither in Scripture nor in the teaching of the Church is the slightest sanction given to the views of the fanatics who assert that “after they have received the Holy Ghost they can no more sin as long as they live here.” It will be remembered that Cromwell on his deathbed asked his chaplain as to the doctrine of Final Perseverance, and on being assured that it was a certain truth, said, “Then I am happy, for I am sure that I was once in a state of grace.”and nave tasted of the heavenly gift …] These clauses may be rendered “having both tasted of … and being made … and having tasted.” It is not possible to determine which heavenly gift is precisely intended; perhaps it means remission, or regeneration, or salvation, which St Paul calls “God’s unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15); or, generally, “the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 10:44-46).

Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 6:4

For it is impossible - It is needless to say that the passage here Hebrews 6:4-6, has given occasion to much controversy, and that the opinions of commentators and of the Christian world are yet

Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 6:4

4. For—What is the connexion? Does it mean we will press on, for to stand still will produce apostasy, and apostasy is irrecoverable?

Sermons on Hebrews 6:4

SermonDescription
T. Austin-Sparks A Final Shaking by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a boat mooring to illustrate the importance of not drifting away from the truth of Christ. He emphasizes the need to hold on tightly
A.W. Tozer (Hebrews - Part 16): All Kinds of Twisting and Turning by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher uses a story about a man hiring a coach driver to illustrate the importance of being close to God without falling into sin. He emphasizes that simply h
A.W. Tozer (Hebrews - Part 14): High Priest of the Eternal Son by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his experience of preaching about Jesus Christ and how it moved the audience. He emphasizes that preaching about Jesus is always impactful
Rolfe Barnard 6 Things We Face in Preaching the Gospel by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher expresses his joy and excitement about the current state of evangelism in America. He emphasizes the need for true evangelism that relies on the Holy S
Keith Daniel When the Godly Fall by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James 4, emphasizing the urgency of getting right with God. He appeals to the listeners to take action immediately and not delay. He shares
William Gurnall Satan's Wiles to Accuse and Trouble the Saint (Reading) by William Gurnall In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of holding on to the receipts of God's forgiveness for our sins. He emphasizes that there are special moments, like jubilee fe
Derek Prince The Cross in My Life - Part 2 by Derek Prince This sermon delves into the concept of the evil age we live in, where Satan blinds minds to delay the end of the age. It emphasizes the need for the church to hasten the close of t

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate