Hebrews 6:4
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Original Language Analysis
Ἀδύνατον
it is impossible
G102
Ἀδύνατον
it is impossible
Strong's:
G102
Word #:
1 of 16
unable, i.e., weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅπαξ
for those who were once
G530
ἅπαξ
for those who were once
Strong's:
G530
Word #:
4 of 16
one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively)
φωτισθέντας
enlightened
G5461
φωτισθέντας
enlightened
Strong's:
G5461
Word #:
5 of 16
to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)
γευσαμένους
have tasted
G1089
γευσαμένους
have tasted
Strong's:
G1089
Word #:
6 of 16
to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετόχους
partakers
G3353
μετόχους
partakers
Strong's:
G3353
Word #:
13 of 16
participant, i.e., (as noun) a sharer; by implication, an associate
γενηθέντας
were made
G1096
γενηθέντας
were made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
14 of 16
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
Matthew 5:13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.John 15:6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Matthew 12:45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.John 3:27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.Hebrews 10:32But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;Galatians 3:2This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?2 Timothy 2:25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;Hebrews 2:4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?1 John 5:16If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
Historical Context
First-century churches included both genuine believers and false professors. The visible church has always contained wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30). This warning addresses those who taste kingdom blessings without true faith.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you distinguish between experiencing gospel blessings and genuinely trusting Christ for salvation?
- What evidence beyond external experiences confirms your genuine faith?
Analysis & Commentary
This begins the most sobering warning passage in Hebrews. 'Once enlightened' (Greek 'hapax photisthentas') refers to initial gospel illumination. 'Tasted of the heavenly gift' and 'partakers of the Holy Ghost' describe genuine experiences of gospel blessing and the Spirit's work. 'Tasted the good word of God' and 'powers of the world to come' indicate exposure to supernatural realities. The description suggests professing believers who experienced much without genuine conversion.