Hebrews 6 1

Hebrews 6:1 kjv

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,

Hebrews 6:1 nkjv

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

Hebrews 6:1 niv

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,

Hebrews 6:1 esv

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

Hebrews 6:1 nlt

So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.

Hebrews 6 verses

Hebrews 6 1 Meaning

The verse serves as a pivotal command, urging believers to progress beyond the fundamental principles of Christian faith to a deeper, more profound understanding and practical living of truth. It calls for active spiritual advancement, emphasizing that while foundational truths like turning away from unfruitful actions and placing trust in God are essential for initial salvation, believers should not continually re-establish these introductory elements but rather build upon them towards spiritual maturity and fullness in Christ. This forward movement is crucial to prevent stagnation and to fully embrace the profound realities of the New Covenant.

Hebrews 6 1 Context

Hebrews 6:1 serves as a direct transition and imperative, stemming from the author's previous frustration in Hebrews 5:11-14. There, the author rebukes his audience for their spiritual immaturity, lamenting that despite sufficient time, they still require teaching basic principles instead of being able to discern deeper truths themselves. The use of "Therefore" (Διό) strongly links this verse to that earlier admonition, highlighting a crucial demand for the readers to transcend spiritual infancy and strive for maturity. The broader context of the letter to the Hebrews continually underscores the unparalleled supremacy of Christ over all aspects of the Old Covenant. Throughout, the author issues stern warnings against drifting from the truth, falling away, and apostasy. Thus, the exhortation to spiritual maturity in 6:1 is not merely academic but an urgent necessity for the readers' perseverance in faith amid potential persecution and the temptation to regress to outdated Jewish practices.

Hebrews 6 1 Word analysis

• Therefore (Διό - Dio): This conjunction emphatically connects the present statement to the preceding argument in Heb 5:11-14. It introduces a logical consequence, implying that because the audience is immature and requires deeper understanding, they are morally obligated to advance.
• let us leave (ἀφέντες - aphentes): This aorist participle, derived from aphiēmi, signifies "having left," "setting aside," or "dismissing." It implies moving forward from a position, not discarding or abandoning it as false, but rather not continually reiterating or remaining fixated on it. It illustrates building upon, not constantly relaying, a foundation.
• the elementary doctrine (τὸν τῆς ἀρχῆς λόγον - ton tēs archēs logon): This phrase translates literally to "the word of the beginning" or "the discourse of the beginning."
• ἀρχῆς (archēs): Means "beginning," "origin," or "first principle." It refers to the basic, primary elements of Christian instruction—the ABCs of the faith.
• λόγον (logon): Denotes "word," "reason," "discourse," or "teaching." Together, they describe the foundational, introductory teachings necessary for conversion and initial growth.
• of Christ (τοῦ Χριστοῦ - tou Christou): This genitive phrase means "concerning Christ" or "pertaining to Christ." It specifies that these foundational teachings are rooted in and revolve around the Messiah, distinguishing them as uniquely Christian principles.
• and go on (φέρονται - pherōmetha, first person plural subjunctive passive of pherō): Meaning "let us be carried along," or "let us press on." It implies an active commitment to progress, combined with a recognition that divine grace and the Holy Spirit's enablement propel believers forward in their spiritual journey. The movement is both intentional and Spirit-empowered.
• to maturity (ἐπὶ τὴν τελειότητα - epi tēn teleiotēta): Signifies "to perfection," "to completeness," or "to spiritual maturity."
• τελειότητα (teleiotēta): The goal of spiritual growth. It implies reaching a state of full development, spiritual robustness, and comprehensive understanding in Christ, not absolute moral sinlessness, but functional completeness in faith and practice.
• not laying again a foundation (μὴ πάλιν θεμέλιον καταβαλλόμενοι - mē palin themelion kataballomenoi): This strong negative prohibition highlights the futility and impropriety of continually repeating initial spiritual acts.
• μὴ (mē): A strong negative particle used for prohibition.
• πάλιν (palin): "Again," "anew," "repeatedly."
• θεμέλιον (themelion): "Foundation," "groundwork," the solid base structure upon which a building rests.
• καταβαλλόμενοι (kataballomenoi): From kataballō, "to lay down," "to cast down." The entire phrase prohibits reiterating or re-establishing what should already be established and subsequently built upon.
• of repentance (μετανοίας - metanoias): Denotes "a change of mind," "a turning about." It implies a decisive reorientation of heart, will, and direction, turning away from sin and self and actively turning towards God. This is a foundational, indispensable response to the Gospel message.
• from dead works (ἀπὸ νεκρῶν ἔργων - apo nekrōn ergōn): Translates to "from unproductive deeds," or "from spiritually lifeless acts."
• νεκρῶν (nekrōn): "Dead," "lifeless," "unfruitful."
• ἔργων (ergōn): "Works," "deeds," "actions." These refer to human actions performed apart from genuine saving faith in Christ. Such deeds, whether ritualistic, legalistic, or merely self-righteous attempts to earn God's favor, lack spiritual vitality and cannot lead to justification or true life. They can include relying on Mosaic Law without understanding its fulfillment in Christ or acts performed by pagan beliefs.
• and of faith toward God (καὶ πίστεως ἐπὶ Θεόν - kai pisteōs epi Theon): Means "and of trust towards God."
• πίστεως (pisteōs): "Faith," "trust," "conviction," implying an active reliance and belief. It's the conviction that God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised.
• ἐπὶ Θεόν (epi Theon): "Toward God." This phrase precisely defines the object of saving faith: it is not a vague belief, but specific trust and reliance upon the one true God, the Father revealed through Jesus Christ.

• "leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity": This central exhortation conveys a movement from initial learning to deep understanding and experience. The "elementary doctrine" represents the foundational truths absorbed at conversion and early discipleship, akin to basic education. "Maturity" is the ultimate goal, signifying a state where believers possess spiritual discernment, can handle deeper biblical truths ("solid food"), and demonstrate robust, unshakeable faith in daily life, enabling them to distinguish good from evil.
• "not laying again a foundation": This phrase underlines the futility and inappropriateness of repeatedly revisiting the starting points of faith. Once a spiritual foundation is established through repentance and faith, the focus shifts to building upon it with deeper knowledge, consistent application, and persistent spiritual disciplines. To re-lay the foundation indicates a lack of progress and perhaps an unreadiness to move into more advanced spiritual concepts.
• "repentance from dead works and of faith toward God": These are the first two specific elements identified by the author as foundational components of the "elementary doctrine of Christ." They represent the dual, immediate, and essential responses required for genuine conversion and the initiation of Christian life. "Dead works" are any human endeavors—religious rituals, moral efforts, or self-righteous acts—that are disconnected from saving faith and thus spiritually futile. "Repentance" involves turning definitively away from such practices, coupled with active, wholehearted "faith toward God," signifying a complete trust in Him as the sole source of salvation and righteousness. These two initial steps are non-negotiable for spiritual birth and serve as the necessary bedrock for subsequent growth.

Hebrews 6 1 Bonus section

The "elementary doctrine of Christ" mentioned in Hebrews 6:1 is immediately clarified in 6:1b-2, where the author implicitly lists six specific foundational elements. These were likely common catechetical points for new converts in the early church, serving as their initial 'basic training' in the faith. These six principles are:

1. Repentance from dead works: A turning away from unproductive actions that lack spiritual life.
2. Faith toward God: Active trust and reliance on God.
3. Instruction about washings: Referring to various ceremonial purifications, including Christian baptisms.
4. Laying on of hands: Likely associated with the reception of the Holy Spirit, ordination, or healing.
5. Resurrection of the dead: The doctrine of bodily resurrection for all, both righteous and wicked.
6. Eternal judgment: The certainty of God's final righteous judgment.

The author emphasizes that while these six elements are indispensable and foundational for a believer, they represent the beginning. Remaining perpetually fixated on them rather than moving into a deeper apprehension of Christ’s superiority, priesthood, and the full implications of the New Covenant signifies spiritual stagnation and prevents true maturity. The passage implies that mastery of these basics should propel one into greater depths of theological understanding and Christian living.

Hebrews 6 1 Commentary

Hebrews 6:1 serves as a crucial turning point, passionately calling believers away from spiritual complacency and towards deliberate growth. The author’s admonition in 5:11-14 (spiritual infancy and inability to digest "solid food") naturally leads to this imperative. It’s not about abandoning foundational truths—like repentance from deeds done without faith (dead works) and genuine trust in God—but understanding that these are launching points, not final destinations. Continually revisiting these first principles instead of progressing indicates a failure to mature. The phrase "go on to maturity" (teleioteta) implies a journey towards spiritual completeness, robustness, and the capacity for discernment (as mentioned in Heb 5:14). This progression is vital, not just for personal spiritual enrichment, but as a preventative measure against falling away from the faith, a theme urgently addressed later in the chapter (Heb 6:4-8). Practically, this means believers must move beyond initial conversion experiences to a life characterized by rigorous engagement with God’s Word, deepening their relationship with Christ, and consistently applying biblical truths to grow in holiness and effectiveness in His kingdom.