Hebrews 11:6

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) Commentary

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.

Context

This verse is a cornerstone of the "Hall of Faith" chapter (Hebrews 11), which celebrates the lives of Old Testament figures who demonstrated faith. The author has just listed several examples of faith (Abel, Enoch, Noah) and is about to list more. This verse serves as a foundational principle explaining *why* faith is so central to their stories and to our relationship with God.

Meaning and Key Themes

This verse presents two fundamental requirements for approaching God and pleasing Him:

  1. Faith is essential to please God: It states unequivocally that it is "impossible" to please God without faith. Faith is not merely one virtue among many; it is the necessary attitude and posture of the heart required to relate to God acceptingly.
  2. Faith involves two core beliefs:
    • Belief in God's existence: "he that cometh to God must believe that he is". The starting point is the conviction that God exists and is real. You cannot approach someone you do not believe is there.
    • Belief in God's character as a rewarder: "...and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Faith is not just intellectual assent to God's existence, but also trusting that He is actively involved and responsive to those who earnestly seek Him. He is not indifferent; He blesses and rewards the pursuit of Him.

The phrase "cometh to God" implies drawing near to Him, whether in worship, prayer, or seeking relationship. This drawing near must be rooted in faith.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "diligently seek him" translates the Greek word ekzētousin (ἐκζητοῦσιν), which means to seek out, search for, or crave earnestly. It suggests a wholehearted, persistent, and active pursuit of God, not a casual or half-hearted effort.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:1 - Provides a definition of faith (substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen).
  • Jeremiah 29:13 - "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
  • Matthew 6:33 - "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to examine the nature of our faith. Is it merely acknowledging God's existence, or does it involve actively seeking Him, trusting that He will respond and bless our efforts? Pleasing God isn't about perfect performance, but about a heart that trusts in His reality and goodness enough to draw near and seek Him earnestly. Our actions of seeking Him are a demonstration of this foundational faith, and God promises to reward that sincere pursuit.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 8:17 (161 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 29:13 (136 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 29:14 (136 votes)

    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 (128 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 28:9 (80 votes)

    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 (73 votes)

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

  • Psalms 105:4 (73 votes)

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