Hebrews 11:6

KJV

But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} without {G5565} faith {G4102} it is impossible {G102} to please {G2100} him: for {G1063} he that cometh {G4334} to God {G2316} must {G1163} believe {G4100} that {G3754} he is {G2076}, and {G2532} that he is {G1096} a rewarder {G3406} of them that diligently seek {G1567} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And without trusting, it is impossible to be well pleasing to God, because whoever approaches him must trust that he does exist and that he becomes a Rewarder to those who seek him out.

Berean Standard Bible

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

American Standard Version

and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:6 stands as a foundational declaration within the "Hall of Faith" chapter, asserting that genuine faith is an absolute prerequisite for pleasing God. It articulates two indispensable components of this faith: first, an unwavering conviction in God's existence and reality, and second, a steadfast trust in His character as a just and benevolent rewarder of all who earnestly and diligently seek Him. This verse underscores that approaching God is not a casual endeavor but requires a heart posture of belief and active pursuit, confident in His responsiveness and goodness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 11:6 is strategically placed as a pivotal theological statement within the author's grand exposition on faith, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith." Preceding this verse, the author has provided a foundational definition of faith in [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith") as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." He then immediately illustrates this definition through the examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah in [Hebrews 11:4-5](/hebrews/11-4-5 "Hebrews 11:4-5 - Faith of Abel and Enoch"). Verse 6 serves as a crucial explanatory principle, articulating *why* the faith demonstrated by these patriarchs was pleasing to God and why it remains essential for all who would draw near to Him. It acts as a theological anchor for the subsequent parade of faith heroes, explaining the underlying requirement for their commendation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were likely facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism. The author's primary aim was to demonstrate the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, urging perseverance in faith. In a culture where religious practice often revolved around ritual and outward observance, the emphasis on an internal, active faith in God's existence and His character as a rewarder would have been a radical call. The concept of "seeking God" (G1567, *ekzētéō*) resonates with Old Testament themes of covenant faithfulness and earnest pursuit of the Lord, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 4:29](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Deuteronomy 4:29 - Seeking God with All Your Heart") or [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Finding God When You Seek Him"). The audience would have been familiar with the idea of a God who responds to human earnestness, but the author elevates faith as the *sole* means of pleasing Him, shifting the focus from mere ritual to a relational trust.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **absolute necessity of faith** for a right relationship with God, underscoring that human effort or ritual alone is insufficient. Secondly, it emphasizes God's **transcendence and immanence**: He "is" (His existence) and He "is a rewarder" (His active involvement and responsiveness). This dual truth counters both philosophical atheism and practical deism. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **divine reward for diligent seeking**, a concept deeply rooted in the Old Testament but here framed through the lens of faith. This reward is not earned by merit but is a gracious response to a trusting heart that actively pursues God. Finally, it implicitly connects to the theme of **perseverance**, as the diligent seeking of God implies an ongoing, steadfast commitment, which is a major exhortation throughout the book of Hebrews, especially in light of the trials faced by the recipients, as seen in [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - Perseverance for the Promise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **impossible (Greek, _adýnatos'_):** From *a* (negative particle) and *dynatos* (able). This word signifies "unable" or "not possible." Its use here is emphatic, declaring that pleasing God is absolutely beyond human capability or effort *without* faith. It's not merely difficult or improbable, but an inherent impossibility.
* **please (Greek, _euarestéō'_):** To gratify entirely or be well-pleasing. This term denotes a complete and profound satisfaction or approval from God. It suggests that faith aligns human will and heart with God's desires, making our approach and our very being acceptable in His sight. It's more than mere tolerance; it's divine delight.
* **diligently seek (Greek, _ekzētéō'_):** From *ek* (out of) and *zētéō* (to seek). This compound verb implies an intense, earnest, and thorough searching or investigation. It's not a casual inquiry but a wholehearted, persistent, and active pursuit of God, demonstrating a deep craving and commitment. The prefix *ek* intensifies the action, suggesting seeking *out* completely.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]:"** This opening clause establishes the foundational premise: faith is not optional but absolutely indispensable for gaining God's approval. The Greek word *adýnatos* (impossible) leaves no room for alternative means. God is not pleased by human works, rituals, or mere intellectual assent, but by a trusting heart that relies fully on Him. This sets the stage for the definition of what this faith entails.
* **"for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,"** This clause provides the first essential component of the faith required to approach God. "Cometh to God" implies drawing near in worship, prayer, or relationship. The prerequisite for such an approach is a firm conviction in God's sheer existence. This is not a vague notion but a concrete belief that God is real, active, and present, a living being with whom one can interact. This belief forms the bedrock upon which any true relationship with the Divine can be built.
* **"and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."** The second indispensable component of faith is trust in God's character. It's not enough to believe that God exists; one must also believe that He is just, benevolent, and responsive. He is a "rewarder" (*misthapodótēs*), implying that He honors and blesses those who earnestly pursue Him. The phrase "diligently seek him" (*ekzētéō*) denotes a wholehearted, persistent, and active pursuit, a deep yearning and commitment. This belief in God's responsive and rewarding nature motivates and sustains the seeking heart, assuring them that their efforts are not in vain.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several effective literary devices in [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - The Necessity of Faith"). **Apostrophe** is used by addressing the reader directly with a universal truth, making the statement applicable to all. The use of **emphatic negation** ("impossible") highlights the absolute necessity of faith, leaving no room for alternative interpretations or methods of pleasing God. The structure of the verse itself demonstrates **parallelism**, presenting two complementary aspects of faith required for approaching God: belief in His existence and belief in His character as a rewarder. This creates a balanced and comprehensive definition. Furthermore, the phrase "diligently seek him" is a form of **hyperbole** or **intensive language**, emphasizing the depth and earnestness required in one's pursuit of God, going beyond a casual or superficial inquiry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:6 profoundly articulates the nature of a pleasing relationship with God, rooted in a faith that is both intellectual assent to His being and active trust in His character. This verse resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and His responsiveness to those who genuinely turn to Him. It underscores that God is not a distant, indifferent deity but an active, personal God who invites relationship and rewards sincere pursuit. This truth corrects any notion that human effort or ritual can earn divine favor, instead pointing to the heart's posture of reliance and expectation. The "reward" spoken of is not necessarily material gain, but the blessing of God's presence, His approval, and the fulfillment of His promises, culminating in eternal life.

* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")
* [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 11:6 challenges us to deeply examine the nature of our own faith. Is it a mere intellectual acknowledgment of God's existence, or is it a dynamic, active trust that shapes our daily lives and motivates our pursuit of Him? This verse calls us beyond passive belief to a diligent, earnest seeking of God, confident that He is not only real but also responsive and generous. It reminds us that our primary aim in life should be to please God, and the pathway to that pleasure is through a heartfelt faith that believes in His being and His rewarding character. When we truly believe that God is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him, it transforms our prayers into conversations of expectation, our obedience into acts of love, and our trials into opportunities to witness His faithfulness. This faith empowers us to persevere, knowing that our pursuit of God is never in vain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my daily life demonstrate a belief that God "is" and that He is actively involved in my circumstances?**
* **What does "diligently seek him" look like in my practical walk with God? Am I pursuing Him with wholehearted effort, or is my seeking casual?**
* **How does my understanding of God as a "rewarder" impact my motivation to draw near to Him, especially during challenging times?**
* **Are there areas in my life where I am trying to please God through my own efforts rather than through faith?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that "without faith it is impossible to please him"?**

Answer: This statement means that faith is the fundamental and non-negotiable prerequisite for a relationship with God that brings Him pleasure. It's not about earning His favor through good deeds or religious rituals, but about approaching Him with a heart that trusts in His existence, His character, and His promises. Without this foundational trust, any attempt to relate to God or gain His approval is ultimately futile, as it lacks the very posture of humility and dependence that He desires. It highlights that God values a trusting heart above all else, as seen in the examples of faith throughout [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Hall of Faith").

**What are the two essential beliefs required for coming to God, according to this verse?**

Answer: According to [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - The Necessity of Faith"), there are two core beliefs necessary for approaching God. First, one "must believe that he is," meaning a conviction in God's actual existence and reality. This is not merely intellectual acknowledgment but a deep-seated assurance that God is a living, active being. Second, one must believe "that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." This means trusting in God's benevolent character—that He is just, responsive, and will honor and bless those who earnestly and persistently pursue Him. This belief in His rewarding nature motivates and sustains the seeker.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Hebrews 11:6 articulates a timeless principle of faith applicable to all who seek God, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression are found in Jesus Christ. He is the supreme object and perfecter of our faith, as declared in [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith"). It is through faith *in Christ* that we truly "come to God" and are made pleasing in His sight. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "rewarder," not merely of those who diligently seek Him, but of those who believe in Him as the Son of God and the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, as stated in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The "reward" for those who diligently seek God through Christ is not just blessings in this life, but eternal life and reconciliation with God, a gift freely given through His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). Therefore, our faith in God's existence and His rewarding character is now channeled and perfected through our faith in Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, through whom no one comes to the Father except by Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the ultimate demonstration of God's rewarding nature, offering salvation and abundant life to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 8:17

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

Jeremiah 29:13

And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:14

And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Psalms 105:3

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Psalms 105:4

Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.