Hebrews 6:1

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 6:1 issues a profound call to spiritual progression, urging believers to transcend the elementary tenets of Christian doctrine and press forward into a deeper, more mature understanding of their faith. The author challenges the recipients, who had become sluggish in their spiritual development, to move beyond merely revisiting the foundational truths of repentance from lifeless religious efforts and initial faith in God, so that they might apprehend the richer, more profound realities of Christ's work and their new covenant privileges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a direct and urgent exhortation following a stern rebuke in [Hebrews 5:11-14](/hebrews/5-11-14 "Hebrews 5:11-14 - Spiritual Immaturity"). The author expresses frustration that, despite the passage of time, the readers remain spiritual infants, still requiring "milk" rather than the "strong meat" of advanced doctrine. Their inability to grasp deeper truths, particularly concerning the Melchizedekian priesthood of Christ, prompts the author's plea to "leave the principles" and advance. Thus, [Hebrews 6:1](/hebrews/6-1 "Hebrews 6:1 - Moving On to Maturity") acts as a pivot, shifting from lament over their immaturity to a powerful summons for forward movement in their spiritual journey. The subsequent verses in [Hebrews 6:2-3](/hebrews/6-2-3 "Hebrews 6:2-3 - Foundational Doctrines") elaborate on the specific foundational teachings being referenced, further emphasizing the need to build upon them rather than constantly re-lay them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle to the Hebrews was likely written to Jewish Christians facing persecution or social pressure, possibly contemplating a return to Judaism or its practices. This community was struggling to fully embrace the superiority and finality of Christ's new covenant work over the old covenant system. The "dead works" mentioned in [Hebrews 6:1](/hebrews/6-1 "Hebrews 6:1 - Moving On to Maturity") could refer to legalistic adherence to the Mosaic Law, temple rituals, or other religious observances that, apart from faith in Christ, were spiritually inert. The author's concern is that these believers were regressing or stagnating, failing to fully appreciate that Christ's once-for-all sacrifice rendered the old system obsolete and offered a superior way of salvation and access to God.
* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 6:1](/hebrews/6-1 "Hebrews 6:1 - Moving On to Maturity") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Hebrews. The most prominent is **Spiritual Maturity and Progression**, contrasting the "principles" (elementary teachings) with "perfection" (completeness or maturity). This theme is echoed throughout the epistle, notably in the call to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering" in [Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Hold Fast to Hope"). Another crucial theme is the **Superiority of Christ**, as the "doctrine of Christ" is the foundation upon which all deeper truths are built. The author consistently argues for Christ's supremacy over angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood, culminating in His perfect high priestly ministry (e.g., [Hebrews 7:26-28](/hebrews/7-26-28 "Hebrews 7:26-28 - Christ Our Perfect High Priest")). Finally, the concept of **Faith and Perseverance** is vital, as the call to move on requires a steadfast faith that endures and grows, as exemplified by the heroes of faith in [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Faith Chapter").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **principles (Greek, _archḗ_):** This term refers to a commencement, a beginning, or a foundational element. In this context, it signifies the elementary or rudimentary teachings of Christian faith, the starting points from which one builds. The author is not devaluing these truths but emphasizing that they are not the ultimate destination of spiritual understanding.
* **perfection (Greek, _teleiótēs_):** This word denotes completeness, maturity, or full development, whether mentally or morally. It does not imply sinless perfection but rather a state of spiritual maturity where one has a comprehensive grasp of Christian truth and is fully equipped to live it out. It is the goal of spiritual growth, moving beyond spiritual infancy.
* **dead works (Greek, _nekrós érgon_):** "Dead" (nekrós) means lifeless, inert, or without spiritual efficacy. "Works" (érgon) refers to toil, effort, or actions. Combined, "dead works" describes religious activities, rituals, or efforts that, because they are performed without genuine faith in Christ or are rooted in self-righteousness, are futile and cannot bring spiritual life or justification. They are contrasted with the living faith that leads to true repentance and salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,"**: The "therefore" connects this exhortation to the preceding rebuke regarding spiritual immaturity. "Leaving" (aphíēmi) implies moving on from, not abandoning or forgetting. The "principles of the doctrine of Christ" refers to the foundational, elementary truths about Christ and His saving work, which are essential for initial conversion but are not the sum total of Christian understanding.
* **"let us go on unto perfection;"**: This is the core imperative of the verse. "Go on" (phérō) means to bear or carry forward, implying a continuous movement or progression. "Perfection" (teleiótēs) signifies spiritual maturity, completeness, and a deeper apprehension of God's truth, moving beyond basic understanding to a comprehensive and applied faith.
* **"not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,"**: This clause specifies what "leaving the principles" entails: not repeatedly re-establishing the basic groundwork. "Repentance" (metánoia) is a fundamental turning away from sin and self-reliance. "Dead works" (nekrós érgon) are actions or religious efforts that are futile and cannot save, often associated with legalism or self-justification. The author urges against continually returning to the initial act of repentance from such fruitless endeavors.
* **"and of faith toward God,"**: This is the second foundational element. "Faith" (pístis) is trust and reliance upon God. Just as repentance is a turning away, faith is a turning toward God. While essential for salvation, the author implies that believers should not remain perpetually at the point of initial conversion faith but should allow that faith to deepen and mature into a robust, enduring trust that navigates complex theological truths and life challenges.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several powerful literary devices in [Hebrews 6:1](/hebrews/6-1 "Hebrews 6:1 - Moving On to Maturity"). **Metaphor** is central, particularly the imagery of "laying again the foundation." This evokes the construction of a building, where a foundation is essential but not the entire structure. To continually re-lay the foundation instead of building upon it signifies stagnation and a lack of progress. This metaphor is implicitly linked to the earlier imagery of "milk" versus "solid food" in [Hebrews 5:12-14](/hebrews/5-12-14 "Hebrews 5:12-14 - Milk vs. Solid Food"), where basic doctrines are "milk" and deeper truths are "solid food," reinforcing the idea of spiritual diet and growth. The use of **Exhortation** ("let us go on") is a direct and urgent call to action, reflecting the author's pastoral concern and desire for the readers' spiritual well-being. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between "principles" and "perfection," and between the initial "foundation" and the subsequent "building" of mature faith, highlighting the essential difference between spiritual infancy and spiritual adulthood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 6:1 encapsulates a profound theological truth: the Christian life is not static but a dynamic journey of progressive revelation and sanctification. While the initial steps of repentance and faith are indispensable for salvation, they are merely the entry point into a vast and rich relationship with God that demands continuous growth. This call to "go on unto perfection" underscores the New Testament emphasis on spiritual maturity, where believers are expected to move beyond basic concepts to a deeper understanding of Christ's person and work, the implications of the New Covenant, and the practical outworking of their faith in daily life. It implies that a superficial or stagnant faith ultimately hinders one's ability to fully participate in God's purposes and experience the richness of His grace.

* [Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Growing to Maturity in Christ")
* [Philippians 3:12-14](/philippians/3-12-14 "Philippians 3:12-14 - Pressing Toward the Goal")
* [2 Peter 3:18](/2_peter/3-18 "2 Peter 3:18 - Grow in Grace and Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 6:1 serves as a timeless challenge for every believer to examine their spiritual trajectory. Are we content to perpetually revisit the rudimentary truths of our faith, or are we actively pursuing a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of God's Word and His character? This verse compels us to move beyond a passive reception of doctrine to an active engagement with the transformative power of the Gospel. It calls for diligent study, fervent prayer, and intentional application of truth, allowing our faith to mature from a simple acknowledgment of God to a robust, resilient trust that can navigate life's complexities and bear spiritual fruit. True spiritual growth is not about abandoning foundational truths but building upon them, allowing them to inform and elevate our entire walk with Christ, leading us into a richer, more profound experience of His love and purpose for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "principles of the doctrine of Christ" might I be revisiting repeatedly instead of building upon?**
* **In what specific areas of my spiritual life do I need to "go on unto perfection" or maturity?**
* **What "dead works" might I still be relying on, consciously or unconsciously, instead of fully trusting in Christ's finished work?**
* **How can I practically cultivate a deeper, more robust "faith toward God" in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "leaving the principles" mean? Does it mean we should forget the basics of Christianity?**

Answer: "Leaving the principles" (Greek: _aphíēmi_) does not mean abandoning or forgetting the foundational truths of the Christian faith. Instead, it means moving beyond them as the *sole* focus of one's spiritual journey. Imagine learning to read: you don't forget the alphabet, but you move on to reading complex books. Similarly, believers are called to build upon the initial "foundation" of repentance and faith, progressing to a deeper, more comprehensive understanding and application of Christian doctrine. The author's point is that continually re-laying the foundation prevents the construction of the full spiritual building. These foundational truths remain essential, but they are meant to be a launching pad, not a perpetual dwelling place, for spiritual growth. The goal is to mature in understanding, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 14:20](/1_corinthians/14-20 "1 Corinthians 14:20 - Be Mature in Understanding").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 6:1 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the "Author and Finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Finisher of Faith")). The "principles of the doctrine of Christ" are foundational because Christ Himself is the cornerstone upon whom all truth rests ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Moving "unto perfection" is not merely about accumulating knowledge but about growing into the full stature of Christ ([Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Growing to Maturity in Christ")), understanding the profound implications of His superior priesthood and perfect sacrifice. The "dead works" from which we repent are rendered obsolete by Christ's finished work on the cross, which provides the sole basis for reconciliation with God, not human effort ([Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith")). Our "faith toward God" is ultimately faith in God *through* Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's revelation and the means by which we draw near to Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, the call to spiritual maturity is a call to ever-deepening communion with Christ, recognizing His sufficiency for every aspect of our salvation and sanctification, and allowing His life to be fully formed within us ([Galatians 4:19](/galatians/4-19 "Galatians 4:19 - Christ Formed in You")).

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

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.