Hebrews 6:12
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
νωθροὶ
slothful
G3576
νωθροὶ
slothful
Strong's:
G3576
Word #:
3 of 14
sluggish, i.e., (literally) lazy, or (figuratively) stupid
γένησθε
ye be
G1096
γένησθε
ye be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
of them who through
G1223
διὰ
of them who through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
8 of 14
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
πίστεως
faith
G4102
πίστεως
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
9 of 14
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μακροθυμίας
patience
G3115
μακροθυμίας
patience
Strong's:
G3115
Word #:
11 of 14
longanimity, i.e., (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude
κληρονομούντων
inherit
G2816
κληρονομούντων
inherit
Strong's:
G2816
Word #:
12 of 14
to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Hebrews 13:7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.Hebrews 10:36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.1 John 2:25And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.Romans 12:11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;Hebrews 5:11Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,Proverbs 18:9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.2 Peter 1:10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:Jeremiah 6:16Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
Historical Context
The OT saints listed in chapter 11 modeled faith that endured despite not receiving promised fulfillment in their lifetimes. Their patient faith encourages believers facing delayed fulfillment of God's promises.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are faithful examples you can imitate in combining faith with patience?
- What promises of God are you waiting to see fulfilled, and how can you wait faithfully?
Analysis & Commentary
'Be not slothful' repeats the warning against spiritual laziness. Instead, 'be followers of them' (Greek 'mimetai'—imitators) of faithful examples. The dual virtues 'faith and patience' characterize those who inherit promises—believing God's word and waiting for His timing. The examples of faithful believers (detailed in chapter 11) demonstrate that promises often come through long perseverance.