FocusA serious warning against falling away
Connection to the wholeThe appeal moves beyond foundations into a warning whose severity must be retained rather than explained away by the readers' earlier experiences.
interpretation Hebrews 6:2
KJVOf the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Read it in context
Go on toward maturity
Start reading at Hebrews 6:1 (Hebrews 6:1 to Hebrews 6:8).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The appeal moves beyond foundations into a warning whose severity must be retained rather than explained away by the readers' earlier experiences.
- 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
- 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
- 6:3 And this will we do, if God permit.
- 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,
- 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
- 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
- 6:7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
- 6:8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
Who
- Who wrote the book? The author is unknown. Paul is a longstanding attribution, while Barnabas and Apollos are among other historical proposals; none can be established with certainty. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hebrews 5:1–10:39): The Christian hearers are taught about Jesus' priesthood and sacrifice, with calls to maturity and perseverance. Israel's priests and worshippers are historical examples in the explanation. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A community of Christians who had endured suffering and needed perseverance. They are traditionally identified as Jewish Christians, but their precise location and ethnic composition are uncertain. Biblical references: Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 13:22. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Go on toward maturity. Read Hebrews 6:1 through Hebrews 6:8 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The appeal moves beyond foundations into a warning whose severity must be retained rather than explained away by the readers' earlier experiences. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The writing refers to the readers' earlier suffering and continuing need for endurance. It does not supply a calendar date or identify its author. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The exact destination and place of composition are not explicitly settled. The reference to those of Italy is a greeting and does not by itself establish where the writer is located. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Go on toward maturity (Hebrews 6:1 to Hebrews 6:8). Start reading at Hebrews 6:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus' priesthood, sacrifice, and help for the tempted govern the exposition. The repeated warnings and calls to hold fast belong to that same argument and should not be explained away. See Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Hold fast, encourage one another, and obey the word heard. Read assurance and access through Christ alongside the warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back. interpretation
Cited: Hebrews 6:1, Hebrews 6:8, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38
Who wrote it, and how we know
Uncertain; Pauline authorship is held by many
Not known
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author.
Early traditionAncient opinion was divided. Some in the East accepted Pauline authorship; Origen concluded that only God knows who wrote it. Tertullian suggested Barnabas.
What is debatedThe author is genuinely unknown. The polished Greek and the manner of citing Scripture differ from Paul's letters. Claiming certainty here overstates the evidence.
Related passages
- the doctrine Heb 9:10 Mark 7:4,8 Luke 11:38 Matt 3:14 Matt 20:22-23 Matt 28:19 Mark 16:16 Luke 3:16
- laying Acts 6:6 Acts 8:14-18 Acts 13:3 Acts 19:6
- resurrection Heb 11:35 Isa 26:19 Ezek 37:1-14 Dan 12:2 Matt 22:23-32 Luke 14:14 John 5:29 John 11:24-25
- eternal Eccl 12:14 Matt 25:31-46 Acts 17:31 Acts 24:25 Rom 2:5-10,16 2 Cor 5:10 2 Pet 3:7 Jude 1:14-15
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Hebrews 6
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back. The warning and encouragement here continue the appeal to maturity begun in Hebrews 5:11.
Hebrews 2:1 Hebrews 3:1 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 10:39
Confidence joined to diligence
Hebrews 6:9–12FocusLove, patience, and continued hope
Connection to the wholeThe warning is followed by confidence concerning the readers and an appeal for each to continue with diligence rather than become slothful.
interpretation The promise and the anchor
Hebrews 6:13–20FocusGod's faithfulness and Jesus' priesthood
Connection to the wholeGod's oath to Abraham supplies encouragement, and the anchor image returns the discussion to Jesus as the forerunner and high priest.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Hebrews
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Hebrews 2:1 Hebrews 3:1 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 10:39
God has spoken in the Son
Hebrews 1:1–2:18FocusRevelation, salvation, and shared humanity
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes the Son's greatness, warns against neglecting salvation, and explains His participation in flesh and blood and help for the tempted.
interpretation Hear His voice and enter rest
Hebrews 3:1–4:13FocusChrist, the wilderness warning, and faith
Connection to the wholeComparison with Moses leads to the wilderness example and the continuing appeal to hear God rather than harden the heart.
interpretation FocusAccess, maturity, and an enduring priesthood
Connection to the wholeChrist's priesthood is developed through exhortation, warning, and the scriptural figure of Melchisedec.
interpretation Covenant and sacrifice
Hebrews 8:1–10:18FocusA sufficient offering
Connection to the wholeThe discussion of sanctuary and offerings explains Christ's priestly work and the significance of His once-for-all sacrifice.
interpretation Hold fast and endure
Hebrews 10:19–12:29FocusFaith, discipline, and the unshaken kingdom
Connection to the wholeThe doctrinal argument leads to sustained exhortation, examples of faith, and warnings that preserve the readers' responsibility to continue.
interpretation Faithfulness in the community
Hebrews 13:1–25FocusLove, worship, and obedience
Connection to the wholePractical instructions and final requests apply the preceding exhortation to the readers' conduct together and their continuing confession.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.