Hebrews 6 7

Hebrews 6:7 kjv

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

Hebrews 6:7 nkjv

For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;

Hebrews 6:7 niv

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.

Hebrews 6:7 esv

For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.

Hebrews 6:7 nlt

When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God's blessing.

Hebrews 6 verses

Hebrews 6 7 Meaning

Hebrews 6:7 presents an agricultural analogy, asserting that land which regularly absorbs rain and consequently yields a useful crop for its cultivators receives God's blessing. This serves as a metaphor for believers: just as good soil produces desired fruit when nurtured by rain, individuals who continually receive divine grace and truth are expected to respond by demonstrating spiritual fruitfulness, thus earning God's approval and favor. It contrasts this fruitful land with the barren land described in the following verse, highlighting the expected outcome for those who genuinely embrace God's provisions.

Hebrews 6 7 Context

Hebrews 6:7 is part of a crucial passage (Heb 6:4-8) in which the author issues a severe warning against apostasy, or falling away from the faith. Following an exhortation to "press on to maturity" (Heb 6:1-3) and a lament over the audience's continued need for elementary teachings, the author underscores the seriousness of experiencing the power of God yet abandoning it.

Verses 7 and 8 serve as an agricultural parable illustrating the previous warning. Verse 7 describes the positive outcome of land that is receptive and productive—it receives God's blessing. This is directly contrasted by verse 8, which depicts unproductive land, symbolizing those who experience divine grace but fail to bear fruit, ultimately facing judgment. The original audience, Jewish Christians, might have been contemplating reverting to Judaism due to persecution, internal strife, or a lack of spiritual growth. The agricultural imagery would have resonated deeply, as rainfall and fruitful harvests were direct indicators of divine favor in the Old Testament, making the analogy a powerful and familiar call to persevere in faith and demonstrate spiritual maturity through good works.

Hebrews 6 7 Word analysis

• For land (γῆ – gē): Refers to the ground or soil, a common biblical metaphor for human hearts or lives. It implies that a life, like land, is intended to be cultivated.
• that drinks in (πίνουσα – pinousa): A present active participle, denoting continuous action. This signifies ongoing, receptive absorption, indicating a willing and persistent uptake of nourishment, not merely a superficial encounter.
• the rain (τὸν ὑετὸν – ton hueton): Refers to precipitation, a direct reference to divine provision and blessing, symbolizing God's grace, truth, teaching, or the work of the Holy Spirit.
• often falling on it (τὸν ἐρχόμενον ἐπ᾿ αὐτῆς – ton erchomenon ep' autēs): Highlights the continuous and abundant nature of the "rain" (God's provision). It signifies consistent opportunities for growth and spiritual nourishment, indicating God's persistent care and generosity.
• and that produces (τίκτουσαν – tiktousan): To give birth, to bring forth. Implies a natural and expected outcome when conditions are right; active production as a result of nourishment.
• a crop useful (βοτάνην εὔθετον – botanēn euthetan): Botanēn refers to herbs, plants, or pasture; euthetan means well-placed, convenient, serviceable, fit, or suitable. Not just any growth, but beneficial or appropriate produce—that which serves the purpose of the one who cultivates. This signifies spiritual fruit that is good, righteous, and beneficial to God and His kingdom.
• to those for whom it is cultivated (δι’ οὓς καὶ γεωργεῖται – di’ hous kai geōrgeitai): The cultivators (οὓς – hous) are implied to be God Himself, through His Spirit, Word, and appointed servants. The land's purpose is to yield for its master's benefit. This emphasizes the divine purpose and ownership.
• receives (μεταλαμβάνει – metalambanei): To take a share of, partake in, receive as one's portion. Suggests a consequence or result; it's a blessing that follows productive response.
• the blessing of God (εὐλογίας ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ – eulogias apo tou theou): Divine favor, commendation, approval, and possibly further empowerment. This blessing is granted by God as an affirmation of the land’s (believer's) responsiveness and fruitfulness.

Words-group analysis:

• "For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it": This phrase metaphorically describes a spiritually receptive individual or community. They are not merely exposed to God's grace and teaching, but actively and consistently absorb it, allowing it to penetrate and nourish their hearts. This implies a willingness to learn, obey, and yield to the Holy Spirit.
• "and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated": This signifies the expected outcome of spiritual receptivity: fruitfulness that serves God's purpose. The "useful crop" represents spiritual virtues (Gal 5:22-23), good works, obedience, transformed character, and ministry that benefits the body of Christ and God's kingdom. It highlights that God cultivates us for His glory and purposes.
• "receives the blessing of God": This refers to the divine response to spiritual fruitfulness. It's God's favor, approval, and ongoing enablement bestowed upon those who are faithful stewards of His grace, indicating that their life aligns with His divine will and yields what He intends. This blessing ensures continued growth and impact.

Hebrews 6 7 Bonus section

The metaphor in Hebrews 6:7, immediately preceding the severe warning in verse 8, functions as a statement of divine expectation. It suggests that once a person has genuinely encountered and experienced God's truth and grace (the "rain"), the natural and expected response from God's perspective is a life that yields spiritual fruit. This implies an inherent connection between true salvation (experiencing the 'enlightenment', 'tasting the heavenly gift' in vv. 4-5) and subsequent spiritual transformation leading to practical righteousness. The "blessing of God" can be understood not just as an external favor, but as the internal enablement and further grace that allows the 'land' to continue producing and become even more fertile, reflecting God's sustained approval and active participation in the believer's life. The emphasis is on continuous absorption and consistent productivity, which forms the foundation of spiritual maturity that the author encourages throughout the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 6 7 Commentary

Hebrews 6:7 uses a vivid agricultural illustration to underscore a core spiritual principle: God's blessing is inextricably linked to spiritual receptivity and fruitfulness. The "rain" symbolizes God's gracious provisions—His Word, the Holy Spirit's empowerment, His divine guidance, and all spiritual nourishment consistently supplied to believers. Just as fertile soil must actively "drink in" the rain, believers are called to willingly and continuously absorb these divine provisions into their hearts and lives.

The expected outcome is to "produce a crop useful" to God, who is the ultimate Cultivator. This "crop" refers to visible evidence of spiritual growth, such as the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace), acts of righteousness, maturity in understanding, and selfless service that contributes to the expansion of God's kingdom. The land's usefulness is measured by its output for its cultivator, not merely by receiving water.

Thus, the "blessing of God" mentioned is not arbitrary, but a divine commendation and enablement bestowed upon those who respond to His grace by actively bearing fruit. It's an affirmation of God's delight in His children when they thrive and fulfill the purpose for which they were "cultivated." This verse, in conjunction with the subsequent verse, acts as both an encouragement for faithfulness and a sobering warning against the danger of remaining barren despite divine cultivation. True saving faith is transformative, evidenced by spiritual growth and fruit, contrasting sharply with apostasy which yields nothing but barrenness.

Examples:

• A Christian consistently engaging with scripture, prayer, and fellowship (drinking in the rain) and subsequently demonstrating increasing patience and compassion towards others (producing useful crop).
• A believer serving the church faithfully and seeing God's empowering presence manifest in their ministry (receiving blessing) because of their receptivity to His calling and grace.