Hebrews 6:1

¶ Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Therefore {G1352} leaving {G863} the principles {G746} of the doctrine {G3056} of Christ {G5547}, let us go on {G5342} unto {G1909} perfection {G5047}; not {G3361} laying {G2598} again {G3825} the foundation {G2310} of repentance {G3341} from {G575} dead {G3498} works {G2041}, and {G2532} of faith {G4102} toward {G1909} God {G2316},

Therefore, leaving behind the initial lessons about the Messiah, let us go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of turning from works that lead to death, trusting God,

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God,

Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Commentary

Hebrews 6:1 serves as a pivotal call to spiritual progression, urging believers to move beyond the elementary truths of the Christian faith and press on toward maturity. The author, addressing a community of Jewish Christians, implies that while foundational doctrines are essential, remaining stuck on them hinders growth and understanding of deeper spiritual realities.

Context

This verse directly follows a strong rebuke in Hebrews 5:11-14, where the readers are admonished for their spiritual immaturity, being "such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat." The author expresses a desire to teach them more profound truths about Christ's priesthood, but their lack of development prevents it. Therefore, Hebrews 6:1 acts as an exhortation to leave behind the "principles of the doctrine of Christ" and advance.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Maturity and Growth: The primary message is an imperative to "go on unto perfection" (Greek: teleiotes), which signifies completeness, maturity, or full development in understanding and application of Christian truth. It is not about sinless perfection, but a progression from spiritual infancy to adulthood.
  • Foundational Doctrines: The verse lists two key foundational elements: "repentance from dead works" and "faith toward God." These are the absolute basics of conversion and the Christian life.
  • "Dead Works": This phrase (Greek: nekron ergon) refers to actions or rituals that are futile, fruitless, or performed without genuine faith, often associated with legalistic adherence to the Law or empty religious practices that cannot bring salvation or spiritual life. True repentance involves turning away from such self-effort and turning to God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "principles of the doctrine of Christ" translates from the Greek arche tou Christou logou, meaning the "beginning of the word of Christ" or "elementary teachings about Christ." The author isn't dismissing these basics but emphasizing that they are just the starting point. The call to "go on unto perfection" (teleiotes) implies a journey towards a comprehensive and mature grasp of Christian truth and its implications, much like a student moving from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.

Related Scriptures

  • For the importance of repentance as a foundational step, see Acts 2:38.
  • The concept of spiritual growth and maturity is also echoed in Ephesians 4:13, which speaks of growing "unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."
  • The contrast between works and faith as a means of salvation is a central theme in Paul's letters, such as Romans 3:28.

Practical Application

Hebrews 6:1 challenges believers to continually deepen their understanding and experience of God. It reminds us that Christianity is not merely about initial conversion but a lifelong process of learning, growth, and transformation. We are encouraged to move beyond rote knowledge to a vibrant, living faith that actively pursues a greater comprehension of God's Word and applies it to daily life. This involves persistent study, prayer, and living out the implications of our faith, rather than repeatedly revisiting the very first steps of our spiritual journey.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
7 Major Themes in the Book of Hebrews An Introduction to Hebrews: Christ is Better The Meaning of "Melchizedek" in Hebrews The Warning Passages in Hebrews What the Bible Says About Patience

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 5:12

    For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

  • Hebrews 5:14

    But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

  • Hebrews 9:14

    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

  • 2 Corinthians 7:1

    ¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

  • Philippians 3:12

    Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

  • Philippians 3:15

    ¶ Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

  • Acts 26:20

    But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and [then] to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
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