Hebrews 6:7
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:
Original Language Analysis
γῆ
the earth
G1093
γῆ
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
1 of 24
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπ'
upon
G1909
ἐπ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 24
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτῆς
it
G846
αὐτῆς
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 24
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
ἐρχόμενον
that cometh
G2064
ἐρχόμενον
that cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 24
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τίκτουσα
bringeth forth
G5088
τίκτουσα
bringeth forth
Strong's:
G5088
Word #:
12 of 24
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
ἐκείνοις
for them
G1565
ἐκείνοις
for them
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
15 of 24
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
16 of 24
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
οὓς
whom
G3739
οὓς
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μεταλαμβάνει
receiveth
G3335
μεταλαμβάνει
receiveth
Strong's:
G3335
Word #:
20 of 24
to participate; genitive case, to accept (and use)
εὐλογίας
blessing
G2129
εὐλογίας
blessing
Strong's:
G2129
Word #:
21 of 24
fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
22 of 24
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Hosea 10:12Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.Isaiah 44:3For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:Psalms 126:6He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.Psalms 24:5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.James 5:7Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.Ezekiel 34:26And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.Leviticus 25:21Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years.Malachi 3:10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.Genesis 27:27And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:
Historical Context
Agricultural metaphors were common in Jewish wisdom literature. Jesus used similar imagery (Matthew 13, John 15), which would be familiar to the readers. Rain blessing good soil was a sign of covenant faithfulness in Deuteronomy.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fruit' should result from receiving the 'rain' of gospel truth and the Spirit's work?
- How does this metaphor challenge the idea that professing faith without transformation is genuine?
Analysis & Commentary
An agricultural metaphor: land receiving rain and producing useful crops 'receives blessing from God.' The rain represents God's gracious provision (gospel preaching, Spirit's work), and the expected response is fruitfulness. Reformed theology sees good works as evidence of true conversion, not its cause. The passive 'receives blessing' indicates God's sovereign distribution of favor, yet the land's productivity is essential.