Hebrews 6:1

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis

Διὸ

G1352

Therefore

through which thing, i.e., consequently

ἀφέντες

G863

leaving

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τὸν

G3588

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

τῆς

G3588

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

ἀρχῆς

G746

the principles

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

τοῦ

G3588

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

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

λόγον

G3056

of the doctrine

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἐπὶ

G1909

toward

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#10

τὴν

G3588

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

#11

τελειότητα

G5047

perfection

(the state) completeness (mentally or morally)

#12

φερώμεθα

G5342

let us go on

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

#13

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#14

πάλιν

G3825

again

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

#15

θεμέλιον

G2310

the foundation

something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)

#16

καταβαλλόμενοι

G2598

laying

to throw down

#17

μετανοίας

G3341

of repentance

(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)

#18

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#19

νεκρῶν

G3498

dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

#20

ἔργων

G2041

works

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#21

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#22

πίστεως

G4102

of faith

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

#23

ἐπὶ

G1909

toward

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#24

θεόν

G2316

God

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Hebrews Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Hebrews chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Faith
Hope