Hebrews 6

Hebrews 6:1

Wherefore (διο). Because of the argument already made about the difficulty of the subject and the dulness of the readers.

Let us cease to speak (αφεντεςτονλογον). Second aorist active participle of αφιημ, to leave off or behind.

Of the first principles of Christ (τηςαρχηςτουΧριστου). Objective genitive Χριστου (about Christ). “Leaving behind the discussion of the beginning about Christ,” another way of saying again ταστοιχειατηςαρχηςτωνλογιωντουθεου of 5:12.

And press on (καφερωμεθα). Volitive present subjunctive passive, “Let us be borne on” (both the writer and the readers). The Pythagorean Schools use φερωμεθα in precisely this sense of being borne on to a higher stage of instruction. Bleek quotes several instances of Greek writers using together as here of αφεντεςφερωμεθα (Eurip., Androm. 393, for instance).

Unto perfection (επτηντελειοτητα). Old word from τελειος mature, adults as in 5:14. Only twice in N.T. (here and Colossians 3:14). Let us go on to the stage of adults, not babes, able to masticate solid spiritual food. The writer will assume that the readers are adults in his discussion of the topic.

Not laying again the foundation (μηπαλινθεμελιονκαταβαλλομενο). The regular idiom for laying down the foundation of a building (θεμελιον, Lu 6:48f.). The metaphor is common (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the foundation is important, but one cannot be laying the foundation always if he is to build the house. There are six items mentioned here as part of the “foundation,” though the accusative διδαχην in apposition with θεμελιον may mean that there are only four included in the θεμελιον. Two are qualitative genitives after θεμελιον (μετανοιας and πιστεως). What is meant by “dead works” (απονεκρωνεργων) is not clear (9:14), though the reference may be to touching a corpse (Numbers 19:1; Numbers 31:19).

There are frequent allusions to the deadening power of sin (James 2:17; James 2:26; John 7:25; Romans 6:1; Romans 6:11; Romans 7:8; Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5). The use of repentance and faith together occurs also elsewhere (Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21; 1 Thessalonians 1:9).

Hebrews 6:2

The other four items are qualitative genitives with διδαχην (βαπτισμων, επιθεσεωςχειρων, αναστασεωςνεκρων, κριματοςαιωνιου). The plural βαπτισμων “by itself does not mean specifically Christian baptism either in this epistle (9:10) or elsewhere (Mr 7:4), but ablutions or immersions such as the mystery religions and the Jewish cultus required for initiates, proselytes, and worshippers in general” (Moffatt). The disciples of the Baptist had disputes with the Jews over purification (John 3:25). See also Acts 19:2. “The laying on of hands” seems to us out of place in a list of elementary principles, but it was common as a sign of blessing (Matthew 19:13), of healing (Mr 7:32), in the choice of the Seven (Acts 6:6), in the bestowal of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6), in separation for a special task (Acts 13:3), in ordination (1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Timothy 5:22; 2 Timothy 1:6). Prayer accompanied this laying on of the hands as a symbol. The resurrection of the dead (both just and unjust, John 5:29; Acts 24:15) is easily seen to be basal (cf. 1 Corinthians 15) as well as eternal judgment (timeless and endless).

Hebrews 6:3

If God permit (εανπερεπιτρεπηοθεος). Condition of the third class with εανπερ (note περ indeed). See 1 Corinthians 16:7 (εανοκυριοςεπιτρεψη) and Acts 18:21 (τουθεουθελοντος). It is not an idle form with the author. He means that he will go on with the argument and not attempt to lay again the foundation (the elements). Moffatt takes him to mean that he will teach them the elements at a later time (13:23) if the way opens, a less probable interpretation.

Hebrews 6:4

As touching those who were once enlightened (τουςαπαξφωτισθεντας). First aorist passive articular participle (the once for all enlightened) of φοτιζω, old and common verb (from φως) as in Lu 11:36. The metaphorical sense here (cf. John 1:9; Ephesians 1:18; Hebrews 10:32) occurs in Polybius and Epictetus. The accusative case is due to ανακαινιζειν in verse 6. Hαπαξ here is “once for all,” not once upon a time (ποτε) and occurs again (Hebrews 9:7; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 9:27; Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 12:26; Hebrews 12:27).

Tasted of the heavenly gift (γευσαμενουςτηςδωρεαςτηςεπουρανιου). First aorist middle participle of γευω, old verb once with accusative (verse 5, καλονρημα, δυναμεις), usually with genitive (Hebrews 2:9) as here.

Partakers of the Holy Ghost (μετοχουςπνευματοςαγιου). See 3:14 for μετοχο. These are all given as actual spiritual experiences.

And then fell away (καπαραπεσοντας). No “then” here, though the second aorist (effective) active participle of παραπιπτω, old verb to fall beside (aside), means that. Only here in N.T. In Galatians 5:4 we have τηςχαριτοςεξεπεσατε (ye fell out of grace, to law, Paul means).

Hebrews 6:6

It is impossible to renew them again (αδυνατονπαλινανακαινιζειν). The αδυνατον (impossible) comes first in verse 4 without εστιν (is) and there is no “them” in the Greek. There are three other instances of αδυνατον in Hebrews (Hebrews 6:18; Hebrews 10:4; Hebrews 11:6). The present active infinitive of ανακαινιζω (late verb, ανα, καινος, here only in the N.T., but ανακαινοω, 2 Corinthians 4:16; Colossians 3:10) with αδυνατον bluntly denies the possibility of renewal for apostates from Christ (cf. 3:12-4:2). It is a terrible picture and cannot be toned down. The one ray of light comes in verses 8-12, not here.

Seeing they crucify to themselves afresh (αναστραυρουνταςεαυτοις). Present active participle (accusative plural agreeing with τους … παραπεσοντας) of ανασταυροω, the usual verb for crucify in the old Greek so that ανα- here does not mean “again” or “afresh,” but “up,” sursum, not rursum (Vulgate). This is the reason why renewal for such apostates is impossible. They crucify Christ.

And put him to an open shame (καπαραδειγματιζοντας). Present active participle of παραδειγματιζω, late verb from παραδειγμα (example), to make an example of, and in bad sense to expose to disgrace. Simplex verb δειγματισα in this sense in Matthew 1:19.

Hebrews 6:7

Which hath drunk (ηπιουσα). Articular second aorist active participle of πινω, to drink.

Herbs (βοτανην). Old word from βοσκω, to feed, green plant, only here in N.T. Cf. our botany.

Meet (ευθετον). Old compound verbal (ευ, τιθημ) well-placed, fit (Lu 9:62).

It is tilled (γεωργειτα). Present passive indicative of γεωργεω, old and rare verb from γεωργος (tiller of the soil, γη, εργον, 2 Timothy 2:6), here only in the N.T.

Receives (μεταλαμβανε). Present active indicative of μεταλαμβανω, old verb to share in, with genitive (ευλογιας) as here (Acts 2:46) or with accusative (Acts 24:25).

Hebrews 6:8

If it beareth (εκφερουσα). Present active participle of εκφερω, conditional participle. For “thorns and thistles” see Matthew 7:16 for both words (ακανθαςκατριβολους). Roman soldiers scattered balls with sharp iron spikes, one of which was called tribulus, to hinder the enemy’s cavalry.

Rejected (αδοκιμος). See 1 Corinthians 9:27; Romans 1:28. For καταραςεγγυς (nigh unto a curse) see Galatians 3:10.

To be burned (ειςκαυσιν). “For burning.” Common sight in clearing up ground.

Hebrews 6:9

But we are persuaded (πεπεισμεθαδε). Perfect passive indicative of πειθω, literary plural. Note Paul’s use of πεπεισμα in 2 Timothy 1:12.

Better things (τακρεισσονα). “The better things” than those pictures in 6:4-8.

That accompany salvation (εχομενασωτηριας). “Things holding on to salvation” (Mr 1:38), a common Greek phrase εχομενα, present middle participle of εχω.

Though we thus speak (εκαουτωςλαλουμεν). Concessive condition of the first class. Explanatory, not apologetic, of his plain talk.

Not unrighteous to forget (ουγαραδικοςεπιλαθεσθα). Second aorist middle infinitive of επιλανθανω with genitive case (εργου, work, αγαπης, love). But even God cannot remember what they did not do.

In that ye ministered and still do minister (διακονησαντεςκαδιακονουντες). First aorist active and present active participle of the one verb διακονεω, the sole difference being the tense (single act aorist, repeated acts present).

Hebrews 6:11

And we desire (επιθυμουμενδε). Literary plural again like πεπεισμεθα (6:9). He is not wholly satisfied with them as he had already shown (5:11-14). They have not given up Christ (6:4-8), but many of them are still babes (νηπιο, 5:13) and not adults (τελειο, 5:14) and others are in peril of becoming so.

Unto the fulness of hope (προςτηνπληροφοριαντηςελπιδος). For πληροφορια see 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Colossians 2:2.

To the end (αχρτελους). As in Hebrews 3:6; Hebrews 3:14.

Hebrews 6:12

That ye be not sluggish (ιναμηνωθρογενησθε). Negative final clause with second aorist middle subjunctive of γινομα, “that ye become not sluggish (or dull of hearing)” as some already were (5:11).

Imitators (μιμητα). See 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:14 for this word (our “mimic” in good sense). The writer wishes to hold and develop these sluggards through those who inherit the promises (see 10:19-12:3), one of his great appeals later in ch. Hebrews 11 full of examples of “faith and long-suffering.”

Hebrews 6:13

Made promise (επαγγειλαμενος). First aorist middle participle of επαγγελλω. Could swear by none greater (κατ’ ουδενοςειχενμειζονοςομοσα). Imperfect active of εχω in sense of εδυνατο as often with ομοσα (first aorist active infinitive of ομνυω) and ωμοσεν (he sware) is first aorist active indicative.

Hebrews 6:14

Surely (εμην). By itacism for ημην (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 205). The quotation is from Genesis 22:16f. (the promise renewed to Abraham with an oath after offering of Isaac).

Blessing (ευλογων). Hebraism (present active participle) for the Hebrew infinitive absolute and so with πληθυνων (multiplying).

Hebrews 6:15

Having patiently endured (μακροθυμησας). First aorist active participle of μακροθυμος (μακροσ, θυμος, long spirit) illustrating μακροθυμια of verse 12.

He obtained (επετυχεν). Second aorist (effective) active indicative of επετυγχανω, old verb with genitive. God was true to his word and Abraham was faithful.

Hebrews 6:16

In every dispute (πασηςαντιλογιας). Objective genitive of old word several times in Hebrews (Hebrews 6:16; Hebrews 7:7; Hebrews 12:3). Talking back, face to face, in opposition.

Final (περας). Limit, boundary (Matthew 12:42). Men may perjure themselves.

Hebrews 6:17

To shew (επιδειξα). First aorist active infinitive of επιδεικνυμ, to show in addition (επι-) to his promise “more abundantly” (περισσοτερον).

The immutability of his counsel (τοαμεταθετοντηςβουληςαυτου). Late compound verbal neuter singular (alpha privative and μετατιθημ, to change), “the unchangeableness of his will.”

Interposed (εμεσιτευσεν). First aorist active indicative of μεσιτευω, late verb from μεσιτης, mediator (Hebrews 8:6), to act as mediator or sponsor or surety, intransitively to pledge one’s self as surety, here only in the N.T.

With an oath (ορκω). Instrumental case of ορκος (from ερκος, an enclosure), Matthew 14:7; Matthew 14:9.

Hebrews 6:18

By two immutable things (διαδυοπραγματωναμεταθετων). See verse 17. God’s promise and God’s oath, both unchangeable.

In which it is impossible for God to lie (ενοιςαδυνατονψευσασθαθεον). Put this “impossibility” by that in verses 4-6.

Theon is accusative of general reference with ψευσασθα, first aorist middle infinitive of ψευδομα.

That we may have (ιναεχωμεν). Purpose clause with ινα and the present active subjunctive of εχω, “that we may keep on having.”

Strong consolation (ισχυρανπαρακλησιν). “Strong encouragement” by those two immutable things.

Who have fled for refuge (οκαταφυγοντες). Articular effective second aorist active participle of καταφευγω, old verb, in N.T. only here and Acts 14:6. The word occurs for fleeing to the cities of refuge (Deuteronomy 4:42; Deuteronomy 19:5; Joshua 20:9).

To lay hold of (κρατησα). First aorist active (single act) infinitive of κρατεω in contrast with present tense in 4:14 (hold fast).

Set before us (προκειμενης). Placed before us as the goal. See this same participle used with the “joy” (χαρας) set before Jesus (12:2).

Hebrews 6:19

Which (ην). Which hope. What would life be without this blessed hope based on Christ as our Redeemer?

As an anchor of the soul (ωςαγκυραντηςψυχης). Old word, literally in Acts 27:29, figuratively here, only N.T. examples. The ancient anchors were much like the modern ones with iron hooks to grapple the rocks and so hold on to prevent shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:19).

Both sure and steadfast (ασφαλητεκαβεβαιαν). This anchor of hope will not slip (alpha privative and σφαλλω, to totter) or lose its grip (βεβαια, from βαινω, to go, firm, trusty).

That which is within the veil (τοεσωτεροντουκαταπετασματος). The Holy of Holies, “the inner part of the veil” (the space behind the veil), in N.T. only here and Acts 16:24 (of the inner prison). The anchor is out of sight, but it holds. That is what matters.

Hebrews 6:20

As a forerunner (προδρομος). Old word used for a spy, a scout, only here in N.T. Jesus has shown us the way, has gone on ahead, and is the surety (εγγυος, Hebrews 7:22) and guarantor of our own entrance later. In point of fact, our anchor of hope with its two chains of God’s promise and oath has laid hold of Jesus within the veil. It will hold fast. All we need to do is to be true to him as he is to us.

A high priest for ever (αρχιερευςειςτοναιωνα). There he functions as our great high priest, better than Aaron for he is “after the order of Melchizedek,” the point that now calls for elucidation (5:10f.).