Hebrews 11 6

Hebrews 11:6 kjv

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 nkjv

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 niv

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 esv

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 nlt

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Hebrews 11 verses

Hebrews 11 6 Meaning

This verse states unequivocally that faith is indispensable for approaching God and receiving His favor. It reveals two essential aspects of this saving faith: acknowledging God's existence and believing in His benevolent character as one who rewards those who genuinely seek Him. It establishes faith as the sole pathway to please God, contrasting it with any effort, ritual, or human merit without a trusting heart.

Hebrews 11 6 Context

Hebrews 11 is renowned as the "Hall of Faith" or "Faith's Roll Call," celebrating numerous Old Testament figures who lived by faith, despite often not seeing the full fulfillment of God's promises in their lifetime. This chapter aims to encourage first-century Jewish Christians, who were experiencing persecution and internal pressure, to persevere in their faith and not revert to the security of traditional Judaism or apostatize. The preceding chapter warns against "drawing back" and losing confidence, while the subsequent chapter (12) urges endurance in running the Christian race. Hebrews 11:6 serves as the foundational theological statement underlying all the examples that follow; it defines the core nature of pleasing God and coming to Him, explaining why these figures are commended for their faith. It subtly challenges the ritualistic emphasis of Judaism if not accompanied by true faith in God and His promises.

Hebrews 11 6 Word analysis

• But without faith (χωρὶς δὲ πίστεως - chōris de pisteōs):
  • Chōris: Meaning "without," "apart from." It indicates an absolute exclusion. There is no alternative or supplementary path to pleasing God. This is an emphatic negative.
  • De: A conjunction, here indicating a transition or slight contrast, setting up a definitive statement.
  • Pisteōs (faith): Not mere intellectual assent, but a whole-person trust, confidence, and reliance on God. It involves conviction about things unseen and adherence to God's character and word. Its significance here is paramount: it is the exclusive means.
• it is impossible (ἀδύνατον - adynaton):
  • Meaning "impossible," "impracticable," "that cannot be done." This term reinforces the absolute nature of the previous phrase. There's no possible scenario where pleasing God occurs without faith. It's not difficult; it's genuinely not possible.
• to please him (εὐαρεστῆσαι αὐτῷ - euarestēsai autō):
  • Euarestēsai: From euaresteō, meaning "to be well-pleasing," "to find favor with." This is the ultimate goal of humanity in relation to God. It encompasses His approval and delight. The phrase implies more than mere acceptance; it means actively bringing joy to God's heart.
  • Autō: Refers to "Him," meaning God.
• for he that cometh to God (τὸν γὰρ προσερχόμενον Θεῷ - ton gar proserchomenon Theō):
  • Gar: A conjunction meaning "for," providing the reason or explanation for the previous statement.
  • Proserchomenon (cometh/draws near): Signifies drawing near, approaching, or coming into God's presence, often in worship or supplication. It implies seeking a relationship, a divine encounter, and access to Him. This is a purposeful and personal movement toward God, more than a casual visit. In the Septuagint, it often describes approaching God in sacrifice or prayer.
  • Theō: Refers to God.
• must believe (δεῖ πιστεῦσαι - dei pisteusai):
  • Dei: Signifies "it is necessary," "it is proper," "it must be." This verb indicates an absolute requirement or divine necessity. This isn't optional or a preference.
  • Pisteusai (believe): This is the active verb form of pistis (faith). It denotes active believing and trusting.
• that he is (ὅτι ἔστιν - hoti estin):
  • Hoti: Meaning "that," introducing a clause.
  • Estin: Meaning "he is" or "he exists." This refers to God's actual, absolute existence. It's the most basic component of acknowledging God: not just as a concept, but as a living reality. This directly combats atheism or agnosticism.
• and that he is a rewarder (καὶ μισθαποδότης ἐστὶν - kai misthapodotes estin):
  • Kai: Meaning "and," connecting the two necessary beliefs.
  • Misthapodotes (rewarder): A rare word in classical Greek, found in some Jewish writings. It literally means "one who pays wages," "a remunerator." Its usage here highlights God's character as just and benevolent, providing what is due, both for good (blessings) and for evil (judgment). For those who seek Him diligently, He gives good recompense. It underscores God's justice and His goodness in responding to sincere devotion.
  • Estin: Again, "he is."
• of them that diligently seek him (τοῖς ἐκζητοῦσιν αὐτόν - tois ekzētousin auton):
  • Ekzētousin (diligently seek): From ekzēteō. The prefix ek- intensifies the verb zēteō (to seek). It means to "seek out," "search for," "seek earnestly," "require thoroughly," "demand," or "investigate carefully." This isn't a casual inquiry but a fervent, persistent, wholehearted, and intentional pursuit of God. It implies effort, devotion, and perhaps, a degree of perseverance despite difficulty or uncertainty.
  • Auton: Refers to "him," God.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "But without faith it is impossible to please him": This clause sets the ultimate and absolute condition. It functions as a thesis statement, asserting faith's non-negotiable role in our relationship with God. No ritual, good deed, or intellectual agreement alone can bypass this fundamental requirement. It underlines God's intrinsic nature; He delights in trust, not mere performance.
• "for he that cometh to God must believe": This provides the reasoning and breaks down the core requirement. "Cometh to God" implies active engagement – drawing near to Him for relationship, salvation, worship, or assistance. The word "must" (dei) underscores that these two beliefs are not optional add-ons but essential preconditions for any meaningful interaction with God.
• "that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him": These are the two non-negotiable articles of faith for anyone approaching God. The first, believing that He exists, counters philosophical or practical atheism. It’s the baseline: a God-fearer must first acknowledge the objective reality of God. The second, believing that He rewards diligent seekers, addresses His character. It affirms His justice and His active involvement in human affairs, showing that seeking Him is not in vain but results in recompense (not necessarily material wealth, but spiritual blessing, eternal life, or divine favor). This belief fosters hope and motivates true devotion.

Hebrews 11 6 Bonus section

This verse contains an indirect polemic against both pagan polytheism and any form of works-righteousness (especially that implied by external adherence to Mosaic law without inward faith). By stating God is (singular, definite) and then demanding faith in His specific character, it implicitly dismisses the worship of multiple, often capricious, deities and refutes the idea that one could "please" God through mere ritual or outward observance without a heart of trust. It reinforces that divine reward is not earned by human merit or entitlement, but flows from God's gracious character in response to earnest, faith-filled seeking. This seeking is not a transaction but an earnest pursuit arising from belief.

Hebrews 11 6 Commentary

Hebrews 11:6 serves as a foundational axiom in Christian theology. It establishes that genuine faith, defined not just by acknowledging God's existence but also by trusting in His active beneficence, is the sole means by which humanity can connect with and find favor with the Creator. This faith is not passive but an active commitment (cometh, diligently seek). It addresses both our epistemological posture towards God (He is) and our ethical-relational posture (He rewards). Without this trust, all human religious activity is empty; with it, a relationship pleasing to God becomes possible. It reminds believers that seeking God earnestly leads to divine blessings and ultimate fulfillment.

Practical Examples:

• A person praying with deep trust that God hears and will act, rather than just reciting words.
• Someone obeying a challenging command from Scripture, trusting God's promise of provision or wisdom despite difficulties.
• Giving generously, believing God will "reward" in ways that align with His divine purpose, even if not financially.
• Persevering in witness or mission, believing God will ultimately bless the proclamation of His Word.