Hebrews 11:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

χωρὶς

G5565

without

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

πίστεως

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἀδύνατον

G102

it is impossible

unable, i.e., weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible

εὐαρεστῆσαι·

G2100

to please

to gratify entirely

πιστεῦσαι

G4100

believe

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

γὰρ

G1063

him for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

δεῖ

G1163

must

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

προσερχόμενον

G4334

he that cometh

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

#11

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

θεῷ

G2316

to God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#13

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#14

ἔστιν

G2076

he is

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ἐκζητοῦσιν

G1567

of them that diligently seek

to search out, i.e., (figuratively)investigate, crave, demand, (by hebraism) worship

#18

αὐτὸν

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#19

μισθαποδότης

G3406

a rewarder

a renumerator

#20

γίνεται

G1096

that he is

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Romans 10:17 Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
— Faith cometh by hearing
² John 20:29 John 20:29
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
— Blessed are they that have not seen

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hebrews, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Hebrews.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Faith
Hope