Hebrews 6 3

Hebrews 6:3 kjv

And this will we do, if God permit.

Hebrews 6:3 nkjv

And this we will do if God permits.

Hebrews 6:3 niv

And God permitting, we will do so.

Hebrews 6:3 esv

And this we will do if God permits.

Hebrews 6:3 nlt

And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

Hebrews 6 verses

Hebrews 6 3 Meaning

Hebrews 6:3 concisely expresses a fundamental principle of faith: the resolve of believers to pursue spiritual maturity, coupled with the humble submission of all such endeavors to the ultimate will and permission of God. It affirms human agency and commitment while acknowledging divine sovereignty as the supreme guiding force in all matters, especially spiritual progression.

Hebrews 6 3 Context

Hebrews chapter 6 forms part of the author's passionate appeal to his Jewish Christian audience, urging them to advance in their understanding and experience of Christ, rather than reverting to elementary Jewish traditions. The immediate context of verse 3 follows a strong exhortation in verses 1 and 2 to "leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity." The author identifies foundational teachings—repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment—as milk for spiritual babes. Verse 3 then articulates the firm intention of the author and his ministry team to proceed with this deeper teaching, but crucially qualifies it by stating that this progress is dependent on God's divine allowance. Historically, these believers were likely under pressure from their Jewish heritage to either return to Mosaic Law or integrate Christ into an incomplete, non-finalized version of Judaism. The author's strong argument for Christ's supremacy and the finality of the New Covenant forms the overarching backdrop, making the call to maturity vital for spiritual stability and perseverance in faith.

Hebrews 6 3 Word analysis

• And (καὶ - kai): A simple conjunctive particle. Here, it functions to connect the preceding intention to "go on to maturity" (v.1) with the subsequent declaration of commitment, framing it as a direct continuation.
• this (τοῦτο - touto): A demonstrative pronoun in the accusative neuter singular. It specifically refers to the action or process of "going on to maturity" as described in Heb 6:1, which involves moving beyond elementary doctrines. It denotes the definite subject of their collective future action.
• we will do (ποιήσομεν - poiēsomene): First person plural future active indicative of the verb poieō, meaning "to do, to make, to perform." This indicates a firm resolve and intention on the part of the author and perhaps his fellow teachers/readers who are striving together. It is an active commitment, not a passive hope. The active voice highlights human agency and responsibility in pursuing spiritual growth.
• if (ἐάν - ean): A conditional particle used with the subjunctive mood. It introduces a condition upon which the action depends. It does not imply doubt or uncertainty regarding God's ability, but rather recognizes His supreme authority and sovereign choice. It's a statement of dependence.
• God (ὁ Θεὸς - ho Theos): The definite article ho emphasizes "the God" – the one true, supreme, and sovereign God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. His nature as omnipotent and all-wise underlies His power to permit or withhold.
• permits (ἐπιτρέπῃ - epitrepē): Third person singular present active subjunctive of the verb epitrepō, meaning "to turn to, concede, allow, permit, give leave, entrust." The present tense indicates a continuous or ongoing permission. The subjunctive mood is typical for conditions. It denotes that God's active consent or non-hindrance is the absolute prerequisite for the successful accomplishment of their stated goal of moving forward spiritually. This implies God's benevolent oversight and sovereign control over all endeavors, especially those concerning His kingdom and people's spiritual growth.

Words-group analysis

• "And this we will do": This phrase conveys a strong sense of purpose, commitment, and resolve from the author and those united with him. It underscores their readiness to take initiative and pursue the spiritual growth outlined previously. It reflects active human responsibility in the Christian walk.
• "if God permits": This crucial qualifying clause immediately subordinates all human plans, intentions, and commitments to divine sovereignty. It's an expression of humility, acknowledging that while believers must act with determination, the ultimate success and very possibility of their endeavors depend entirely on God's will and permission. It's a theological safeguard against human presumption and highlights that spiritual progress is ultimately a work of God. This principle runs deeply throughout the Bible, emphasizing God's control over human efforts and outcomes.

Hebrews 6 3 Bonus section

This short verse encapsulates a vital Christian principle found consistently in Scripture, especially in the New Testament epistles: the need to qualify all human plans and aspirations with the caveat of God's will. It acts as a divine filter for ambition, ensuring that self-reliance is replaced with God-reliance. The phrase "if God permits" reflects not an apathetic or fatalistic attitude, but a vibrant and active trust in the Lord's perfect timing and design. It implies that genuine spiritual progress is not solely achieved through human striving but through a cooperation that God Himself enables. Furthermore, this permission from God implies a working with Him, aligned to His purposes for the individuals and for His church. It suggests that spiritual maturity, like any profound work for God, is ultimately facilitated by His grace and His guiding hand.

Hebrews 6 3 Commentary

Hebrews 6:3 serves as a pivotal theological statement, articulating the balanced reality of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the pursuit of spiritual maturity. The author, demonstrating his resolve to guide his audience beyond elementary teachings towards deeper truths about Christ, immediately qualifies this intent by saying "if God permits." This isn't an expression of uncertainty or a lack of conviction regarding their goal, but rather a profound theological principle: all human endeavors, particularly those concerning spiritual advancement and ministry, are entirely dependent upon God's will. It’s a prayerful acknowledgment that the timing, success, and even the ability to perform such actions rest in God's providential hands. This statement humbles the human agent while elevating God to His rightful place of ultimate authority. It teaches believers to plan with zeal, but always with a readiness to submit those plans to the Lord's supreme direction, mirroring the constant dependence demonstrated by Christ and His apostles in the Scriptures. It prevents presumption and fosters a spirit of humble trust in divine leading.

• Example 1: A church planning an evangelistic outreach humbly states, "We plan to hold a city-wide evangelism campaign next spring, if the Lord wills and opens the doors."
• Example 2: A student sets out a study schedule for deepening their understanding of Scripture, praying, "Lord, I desire to grow in your word and have outlined these studies, if you permit and guide my efforts."