Hebrews 6:8
But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκφέρουσα
that which beareth
G1627
ἐκφέρουσα
that which beareth
Strong's:
G1627
Word #:
1 of 14
to bear out (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τριβόλους
briers
G5146
τριβόλους
briers
Strong's:
G5146
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, a crow-foot (three-pronged obstruction in war), i.e., (by analogy) a thorny plant (caltrop)
ἀδόκιμος
is rejected
G96
ἀδόκιμος
is rejected
Strong's:
G96
Word #:
6 of 14
unapproved, i.e., rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἧς
whose
G3739
ἧς
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τέλος
end
G5056
τέλος
end
Strong's:
G5056
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
Cross References
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.Deuteronomy 29:28And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.Jeremiah 44:22So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.Hebrews 12:17For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.Hebrews 10:27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Historical Context
Burning fields was common agricultural practice to clear them for new planting, but the imagery also evokes eschatological judgment by fire (2 Peter 3:10). The readers would understand the serious warning.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'thorns and briers' in your life choke out fruitfulness?
- How does the warning of being 'near to cursing' motivate examination of your spiritual fruitfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
Conversely, land producing 'thorns and briers is rejected and near to being cursed,' ending in burning. This echoes Genesis 3:18 (curse) and Jesus's teaching (Matthew 13:22). The phrase 'near to being cursed' may suggest not final damnation but serious danger. However, Reformed theology sees persistent barrenness as evidence of non-regeneration. True believers will produce fruit, though imperfectly; perpetual fruitlessness indicates absence of saving faith.