Hebrews Chapter 6

– “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ”: From Διὸ ἀφέντες τὸν τῆς ἀρχῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ λόγον (Dio aphentes ton tes arches tou Christou logon), literally “Therefore leaving the of the beginning of the Christ word,” aorist participle for deliberate progression; “move beyond” captures transition from basics (theological: assumes prior knowledge, cf. Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:1-2). – “and be taken forward to maturity”: From ἐπὶ τὴν τελειότητα φερώμεθα (epi ten teleioteta pherometha), literally “to the perfection let us be carried,” present passive subjunctive; “maturity” for teleioteta (completeness/perfection), emphasizing growth (cross-reference: Hebrews 7:19; Ephesians 4:13). – “not laying again the foundation”: From μὴ πάλιν θεμέλιον καταβαλλόμενοι (me palin themelion kataballomenoi), literally “not again foundation laying down,” present participle negation; architectural metaphor for basics (theological: avoids regression, cf. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11). – “of repentance from acts that lead to death”: From μετανοίας ἀπὸ νεκρῶν ἔργων (metanoias apo nekron ergon), literally “repentance from dead works,” genitive; “acts that lead to death” clarifies sinful/fruitless deeds (cf. Hebrews 9:14; Romans 6:23). – “and of faith in God”: From καὶ πίστεως ἐπὶ θεόν (kai pisteos epi theon), literally “and faith upon God,” preposition epi for direction; foundational trust (cross-reference: Hebrews 11:1; Ephesians 2:8). – “instruction about cleansing rites”: From βαπτισμῶν διδαχῆς (baptismon didaches), literally “of washings teaching,” genitive plural; “cleansing rites” broadens to include Jewish washings beyond Christian baptism (theological: cf. Hebrews 9:10; Mark 7:3-4). – “the laying on of hands”: From ἐπιθέσεώς τε χειρῶν (epitheseos te cheiron), literally “laying on both of hands,” ritual for blessing/ordination/commission (cf. Acts 8:18; 13:3; Numbers 27:18). – “the resurrection of the dead”: From ἀναστάσεώς τε νεκρῶν (anastaseos te nekron), literally “resurrection both of dead,” eschatological hope (cross-reference: Hebrews 11:35; 1 Corinthians 15:12-19). – “and eternal judgment”: From καὶ κρίματος αἰωνίου (kai krimatos aioniou), literally “and judgment eternal,” final accountability (theological: cf. Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 25:46). – “And God permitting, we will do so”: From καὶ τοῦτο ποιήσομεν ἐάνπερ ἐπιτρέπῃ ὁ θεός (kai touto poiesomen eanper epitrepe ho theos), literally “and this we will do if indeed permits God,” subjunctive condition; sovereign dependence (cf. James 4:15; Acts 18:21).

– “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened”: From Ἀδύνατον γὰρ τοὺς ἅπαξ φωτισθέντας (Adynaton gar tous hapax photisthentas), literally “For impossible the ones once having been enlightened,” aorist passive participle; “enlightened” as conversion/initiation (theological: cf. Hebrews 10:32; Ephesians 5:8; debate on apostasy vs. hypothetical). – “who have tasted the heavenly gift”: From γευσαμένους τε τῆς δωρεᾶς τῆς ἐπουρανίου (geusamenous te tes doreas tes epouraniou), literally “having tasted both the gift the heavenly,” aorist; “tasted” metaphor for experience (cf. Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 2:3). – “who have shared in the Holy Spirit”: From καὶ μετόχους γενηθέντας πνεύματος ἁγίου (kai metochous genethentas pneumatos hagiou), literally “and partakers having become of Holy Spirit,” aorist; participation in Spirit’s work (cross-reference: Hebrews 3:14; Acts 2:38). – “who have tasted the goodness of the word of God”: From καὶ καλὸν γευσαμένους θεοῦ ῥῆμα (kai kalon geusamenous theou rhema), literally “and good having tasted of God word,” aorist; Scripture’s excellence (cf. Psalm 34:8; Jeremiah 15:16). – “and the powers of the coming age”: From δυνάμεις τε μέλλοντος αἰῶνος (dynameis te mellontos aionos), literally “powers both of coming age,” eschatological miracles (theological: cf. Hebrews 2:4; Galatians 3:5). – “and who have fallen away”: From καὶ παραπεσόντας (kai parapesontas), literally “and having fallen beside,” aorist participle; “fallen away” as apostasy (cf. Luke 8:13; 1 Timothy 4:1). – “to be brought back to repentance”: From πάλιν ἀνακαινίζειν εἰς μετάνοιαν (palin anakainizein eis metanoian), literally “again to renew to repentance,” present infinitive; impossibility clause (theological: warning, cf. Hebrews 10:26-27; 12:17). – “To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again”: From ἀνασταυροῦντας ἑαυτοῖς τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ (anastaurountas heautois ton huion tou theou), literally “crucifying again to themselves the Son of God,” present participle; dative heautois as disadvantage (cross-reference: Galatians 5:11; Hebrews 12:3). – “and subjecting Him to public disgrace”: From καὶ παραδειγματίζοντας (kai paradeigmatizontas), literally “and making an example,” present participle; public shaming (cf. Matthew 1:19; Colossians 2:15). – “Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it”: From γῆ γὰρ ἡ πιοῦσα τὸν ἐπ’ αὐτῆς ἐρχόμενον πολλάκις ὑετόν (ge gar he piousa ton ep’ autes erchomenon pollakis hyeton), literally “For land the drinking the upon it coming often rain,” aorist participle; agricultural parable (theological: cf. Isaiah 5:1-7; Matthew 13:3-9). – “and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed”: From τίκτουσά τε βοτάνην εὔθετον ἐκείνοις δι’ οὓς καὶ γεωργεῖται (tiktousa te botanen eutheton ekeinois di’ hous kai georgeitai), literally “bearing both vegetation suitable to those for whom also it is cultivated,” present participle; productivity (cf. Genesis 1:12). – “receives the blessing of God”: From μεταλαμβάνει εὐλογίας ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ (metalambanei eulogias apo tou theou), literally “partakes of blessing from God,” present indicative; divine approval (cross-reference: Genesis 1:28; Deuteronomy 28:12). – “But land that produces thorns and thistles”: From ἐκφέρουσα δὲ ἀκάνθας καὶ τριβόλους (ekpherousa de akanthas kai tribolous), literally “but bringing forth thorns and thistles,” present participle; unproductivity (cf. Genesis 3:18; Matthew 7:16). – “is worthless and is in danger of being cursed”: From ἀδόκιμος καὶ κατάρας ἐγγύς (adokimos kai kataras engys), literally “unapproved and of curse near,” adjectives; “worthless” for rejected (theological: cf. 2 Corinthians 13:5; Deuteronomy 28:15-68). – “In the end it will be burned”: From ἧς τὸ τέλος εἰς καῦσιν (hes to telos eis kausin), literally “of which the end to burning,” eschatological judgment (cf. Matthew 13:40-42; John 15:6).

– “Even though we speak like this, dear friends”: From Πεπείσμεθα δὲ περὶ ὑμῶν, ἀγαπητοί (Pepeismetha de peri humon, agapetoi), literally “But we have been persuaded concerning you, beloved,” perfect passive; “dear friends” for affectionate address (theological: pastoral encouragement, cf. Hebrews 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:8). – “we are convinced of better things in your case”: From τὰ κρείσσονα καὶ ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας (ta kreissona kai echomena soterias), literally “the better things and holding salvation,” present participle; “better things” contrasts warning (cf. Hebrews 1:4; 7:19). – “the things that have to do with salvation”: From ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας (echomena soterias), literally “holding of salvation,” accompanying eternal life (cross-reference: Hebrews 2:3; Romans 8:24). – “God is not unjust”: From οὐ γὰρ ἄδικος ὁ θεὸς (ou gar adikos ho theos), literally “For not unjust God,” divine justice (cf. Deuteronomy 32:4; Romans 3:5-6). – “He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him”: From ἐπιλαθέσθαι τοῦ ἔργου ὑμῶν καὶ τῆς ἀγάπης ἧς ἐνεδείξασθε εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ (epilathesthai tou ergou humon kai tes agapes hes enedeixasthe eis to onoma autou), literally “to forget the work of you and the love which you demonstrated toward His name,” aorist infinitive negation; remembrance of deeds (theological: cf. Matthew 25:34-40; Revelation 14:13). – “as you have helped His people and continue to help them”: From διακονήσαντες τοῖς ἁγίοις καὶ διακονοῦντες (diakonesantes tois hagiois kai diakonountes), literally “having served the saints and serving,” aorist and present participles; ongoing ministry (cf. Hebrews 13:1-3; Galatians 6:10). – “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end”: From ἐπιθυμοῦμεν δὲ ἕκαστον ὑμῶν τὴν αὐτὴν ἐνδείκνυσθαι σπουδὴν πρὸς τὴν πληροφορίαν (epithymoumen de hekaston humon ten auten endeiknysthai spouden pros ten plerophorian), literally “But we desire each of you the same to demonstrate diligence toward the full assurance,” present infinitive; “diligence” for earnestness (cross-reference: Hebrews 3:6,14; 2 Peter 1:10). – “so that what you hope for may be fully realized”: From τῆς ἐλπίδος ἄχρι τέλους (tes elpidos achri telous), literally “of the hope until end,” eschatological fulfillment (cf. Colossians 1:5; Romans 8:24-25). – “We do not want you to become lazy”: From ἵνα μὴ νωθροὶ γένησθε (hina me nothroi genesthe), literally “in order that not sluggish you become,” aorist subjunctive negation; “lazy” for spiritual sluggishness (cf. Hebrews 5:11; Proverbs 6:6-11). – “but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised”: From μιμηταὶ δὲ τῶν διὰ πίστεως καὶ μακροθυμίας κληρονομούντων τὰς ἐπαγγελίας (mimetai de ton dia pisteos kai makrothymias kleronomounton tas epangelias), literally “but imitators of the ones through faith and long-suffering inheriting the promises,” present participle; “imitate” for following examples (theological: cf. Hebrews 11:1ff; 13:7; James 5:10-11).

– “When God made His promise to Abraham”: From Τῷ γὰρ Ἀβραὰμ ἐπαγγειλάμενος ὁ θεός (To gar Abraam epangeilamenos ho theos), literally “For to Abraham having promised God,” aorist participle; covenant reference (cf. Genesis 22:16-17; Galatians 3:16). – “since there was no one greater for Him to swear by”: From ἐπεὶ κατ’ οὐδενὸς εἶχεν μείζονος ὀμόσαι (epei kat’ oudenos eichen meizonos omosai), literally “since by no one He had greater to swear,” imperfect possession; self-oath (theological: divine supremacy, cf. Isaiah 45:23; Jeremiah 22:5). – “He swore by Himself”: From ὤμοσεν καθ’ ἑαυτοῦ (omosen kath’ heautou), literally “swore by Himself,” aorist; ultimate authority (cross-reference: Genesis 22:16; Hebrews 7:21). – “saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants””: From λέγων Εἰ μὴν εὐλογῶν εὐλογήσω σε καὶ πληθύνων πληθυνῶ σε (legon Ei men eulogon eulogeso se kai plethynon plethyno se), literally “saying If not blessing I will bless you and multiplying I will multiply you,” Hebraic intensive infinitive; quotation from Genesis 22:17 LXX (cf. Genesis 12:2; 15:5). – “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised”: From καὶ οὕτω μακροθυμήσας ἐπέτυχεν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας (kai houto makrothymesas epetychen tes epangelias), literally “and thus having been patient he obtained the promise,” aorist participles; endurance example (theological: cf. Hebrews 11:8-19; James 5:11). – “People swear by someone greater than themselves”: From ἄνθρωποι γὰρ κατὰ τοῦ μείζονος ὀμνύουσιν (anthropoi gar kata tou meizonos omnousin), literally “For men by the greater swear,” present general truth; human custom (cf. Exodus 22:11; Matthew 23:16-22). – “and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument”: From καὶ ἡ ἀντιλογία πέρας εἰς βεβαίωσιν ὁ ὅρκος (kai he antilogia peras eis bebaiosin ho horkos), literally “and of all dispute end for confirmation the oath,” legal finality (cross-reference: Numbers 30:2; Galatians 3:15). – “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear”: From ἐν ᾧ περισσότερον βουλόμενος ὁ θεὸς ἐπιδεῖξαι τοῖς κληρονόμοις τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τὸ ἀμετάθετον τῆς βουλῆς αὐτοῦ (en ho perissoteron boulomenos ho theos epideixai tois kleronomois tes epangelias to ametatheton tes boules autou), literally “in which more wishing God to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable of His counsel,” present participle intent; “unchanging nature” for immutable will (theological: cf. Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2). – “to the heirs of what was promised”: From τοῖς κληρονόμοις τῆς ἐπαγγελίας (tois kleronomois tes epangelias), literally “to the heirs of the promise,” believers as inheritors (cf. Galatians 3:29; Romans 4:13). – “He confirmed it with an oath”: From ἐμεσίτευσεν ὅρκῳ (emesiteusen horko), literally “interposed with oath,” aorist; mediated assurance (cf. Genesis 22:16). – “God did this so that, by two unchangeable things”: From ἵνα διὰ δύο πραγμάτων ἀμεταθέτων (hina dia dyo pragmaton ametatheton), literally “in order that through two things unchangeable,” purpose; promise and oath (theological: double surety, cf. Numbers 23:19). – “in which it is impossible for God to lie”: From ἐν οἷς ἀδύνατον ψεύσασθαι θεόν (en ois adynaton pseusasthai theon), literally “in which impossible to lie God,” divine truthfulness (cross-reference: Titus 1:2; John 8:44 contrast). – “we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged”: From ἰσχυρὰν παράκλησιν ἔχωμεν οἱ καταφυγόντες κρατῆσαι τῆς προκειμένης ἐλπίδος (ischyran paraklesin echomen hoi kataphygontes kratesai tes prokeimenes elpidos), literally “strong encouragement we might have the ones having fled to lay hold of the lying before hope,” aorist participle refuge; biblical imagery (cf. Proverbs 18:10; Colossians 1:5). – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”: From ἣν ὡς ἄγκυραν ἔχομεν τῆς ψυχῆς ἀσφαλῆ τε καὶ βεβαίαν (hen hos ankyran echomen tes psyches asphalē te kai bebaian), liter