Hebrews 6 2

Hebrews 6:2 kjv

Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Hebrews 6:2 nkjv

of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Hebrews 6:2 niv

instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

Hebrews 6:2 esv

and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

Hebrews 6:2 nlt

You don't need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

Hebrews 6 verses

Hebrews 6 2 Meaning

Hebrews 6:2 delineates foundational doctrines considered by the author to be the "elementary principles of Christ," which mature believers should have moved beyond. These include a variety of "baptisms" (referring to ceremonial washings, including Christian baptism), the practice of "laying on of hands" for imparting spiritual gifts or authority, the belief in the "resurrection of the dead," and the certainty of "eternal judgment." These are presented as essential, primary teachings that form the basis for Christian understanding before progressing to deeper spiritual truths.

Hebrews 6 2 Context

Hebrews 6:2 falls within the author's strong admonition against spiritual stagnation and the danger of falling away (apostasy) for the Jewish Christian audience. The preceding verse (6:1) states the author's intention to move beyond these "elementary principles of Christ" (which include those listed in v. 2) to press on "to maturity." This suggests the audience has not progressed as they should have. The context is an appeal to spiritual growth and perseverance, highlighting foundational truths that, while essential, should not be the sole focus for those who have been believers for a considerable time. Historically, this community was facing pressure to revert to Judaism, making the distinction between initial "milk" teachings and deeper "solid food" crucial for their faith stability.

Hebrews 6 2 Word analysis

• of the teaching (διδαχῆς - didachēs):

  • Meaning: Instruction, doctrine, teaching. It refers to a body of established principles or beliefs.
  • Significance: These are not mere practices but systematized instructions foundational to Christian understanding.
  • Greek grammatical note: The genitive form "didachēs" implies that the subsequent listed items are the content of this teaching.

• of baptisms (βαπτισμῶν - baptismōn):

  • Meaning: Plural form of "washing" or "immersion." This is crucial. It refers to ritualistic purifications, not exclusively the singular Christian baptism.
  • Original Context: Likely includes:
    • Old Testament ceremonial washings (Lev 14:8-9, Num 19:7).
    • Jewish proselyte baptisms.
    • John the Baptist's baptism of repentance (Matt 3:11).
    • The singular Christian water baptism (Rom 6:4).
    • Potentially even baptism "in" or "of" the Spirit (Acts 1:5) and suffering (Mk 10:38).
  • Significance: As elementary principles, this plurality recognizes various washings understood by a Jewish audience, moving towards the distinctiveness and fulfillment of Christian baptism. The shift from multiple preliminary washings to the one decisive baptism into Christ marks progress.

• and of laying on (ἐπιθέσεώς - epitheseōs) of hands (τῶν χειρῶν - tōn cheirōn):

  • Meaning: The act of placing hands upon someone, either literally or figuratively.
  • Original Context: This practice was widespread in Jewish and early Christian contexts.
  • Uses:
    • Blessing (Gen 48:14; Mt 19:13).
    • Healing (Mk 6:5; Acts 9:17).
    • Commissioning/ordination for service (Num 27:23; Acts 6:6; Acts 13:3; 1 Tim 4:14).
    • Imparting/receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6).
  • Significance: It's a visible, physical act that signifies divine blessing, commissioning, or transference of spiritual gifts/authority. It's an elementary concept because it involves tangible actions understood across religious traditions, though its Christian fulfillment has deeper spiritual meaning.

• and of resurrection (ἀναστάσεως - anastaseōs) of the dead (νεκρῶν - nekrōn):

  • Meaning: "Resurrection" (rising again) "of those who are dead." This refers to the bodily resurrection.
  • Original Context: A debated topic among first-century Jewish groups (Pharisees believed in it, Sadducees rejected it, Acts 23:8). For Christians, Christ's resurrection established its certainty (1 Cor 15:20-22).
  • Significance: This is a core hope and a fundamental Christian doctrine, distinguishing Christianity from purely philosophical or spirit-only beliefs about existence after death. It’s "elementary" in that it’s a necessary belief for understanding salvation and eternity.

• and of eternal (αἰωνίου - aiōniou) judgment (κρίματος - krimatos):

  • Meaning: "Eternal" refers to duration without end; "judgment" refers to the process and outcome of divine reckoning.
  • Original Context: The concept of divine judgment was pervasive in Jewish thought (Dan 12:2; Eccl 12:14) and integral to Christ's teachings (Mt 25:31-46).
  • Significance: This teaching stresses the ultimate accountability of all humanity before God and the fixed, everlasting nature of His decree, leading either to eternal life or eternal punishment. It’s an elementary principle because it underpins the urgency of repentance and faith.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "teaching of baptisms": This phrase encompasses various ceremonial and spiritual immersions, highlighting the author's emphasis on foundational instruction about purifications, perhaps moving from Old Covenant shadows to the New Covenant reality of Christian baptism as one's identity with Christ. The plural "baptisms" indicates a historical understanding of different ritual washings rather than a singular Christian rite exclusively.
• "and of laying on of hands": This grouping points to the established practice of conferring blessings, authority, and spiritual gifts through physical touch, a concept recognizable across many religious traditions but foundational to early church practices in commissioning and empowerment by the Holy Spirit.
• "and of resurrection of the dead": This foundational doctrine distinguishes Christian eschatology. It speaks to the hope and promise of a bodily rising from death for all people, which became definitively real in the resurrection of Christ, providing the basis for believers' future hope.
• "and of eternal judgment": This final elementary principle speaks to the absolute certainty of divine accountability. It establishes the irreversible and everlasting nature of God's verdict on humanity, serving as a powerful motivator for ethical living and a recognition of God's ultimate justice.

Hebrews 6 2 Bonus section

These "elementary principles" can be seen as mirroring stages of discipleship. "Baptisms" and "laying on of hands" relate to the entry points and early experiences of grace and spiritual gifting within the community of faith. "Resurrection of the dead" provides the bedrock of Christian hope and future orientation, transforming the meaning of death. "Eternal judgment" instills moral seriousness and emphasizes ultimate accountability to God, reinforcing the ethical demands of faith. The grouping of these four principles reveals a logical progression: purification and initiation lead to empowerment, which then points to a future hope and the certainty of accountability, all forming the essential framework upon which mature Christian theology and living are built. They encapsulate core Christian anthropology (our fallen state, need for renewal), Christology (His death and resurrection secure our hope), Pneumatology (Spirit's work via laying on of hands), and Eschatology (resurrection and judgment).

Hebrews 6 2 Commentary

Hebrews 6:2 presents four distinct, yet interconnected, "elementary principles" of Christian doctrine, acting as a minimum standard of understanding for those past their initial conversion. These doctrines are fundamental in that they address the means of initiation into the faith (various "baptisms," "laying on of hands" for impartation/empowerment), and the ultimate future hope and accountability ("resurrection of the dead," "eternal judgment"). The author is not denigrating these truths, but rather indicating that they are merely the groundwork. A healthy believer should not perpetually dwell on these first lessons but should actively seek to progress into a deeper comprehension of Christ's finished work and its implications. To remain solely focused on these basic tenets would be like an adult learner continuously reviewing the alphabet; it's necessary for learning but insufficient for intellectual growth. The author challenges the audience to mature, move beyond basic principles to engage with the profound realities of faith, trusting God to lead them into this deeper understanding.