TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on Hebrews 6 verses 9–20
The apostle, having applied himself to the fears of the Hebrews, in order to excite their diligence and prevent their apostasy, now proceeds to apply himself to their hopes, and candidly declares the good hope he had concerning them, that they would persevere; and proposes to them the great encouragements they had in the way of their duty.
I. He freely and openly declares the good hope he had concerning them, that they would endure to the end: But beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, Heb 6:9. Observe, 1. There are things that accompany salvation, things that are never separated from salvation, things that show the person to be in a state of salvation, and will issue in eternal salvation. 2. The things that accompany salvation are better things than ever any hypocrite or apostate enjoyed. They are better in their nature and in their issue. 3. It is our duty to hope well of those in whom nothing appears to the contrary. 4. Ministers must sometimes speak by way of caution to those of whose salvation they have good hopes. And those who have in themselves good hopes, as to their eternal salvation, should yet consider seriously how fatal a disappointment it would be if they should fall short. Thus they are to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
II. He proposes arguments and encouragements to them to go on in the way of their duty. 1. That God had wrought a principle of holy love and charity in them, which had discovered itself in suitable works that would not be forgotten of God: God is not unrighteous to forget your labour of love, Heb 6:10. Good works and labour proceeding from love to God are commendable; and what is done to any in the name of God shall not go unrewarded. What is done to the saints, as such, God takes as done to himself. 2. Those who expect a gracious reward for the labour of love must continue in it as long as they have ability and opportunity: You have ministered to the saints, and you do minister; and we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence. 3. Those who persevere in a diligent discharge of their duty shall attain to the full assurance of hope in the end. Observe, (1.) Full assurance is a higher degree of hope, is full assurance of hope; they differ not in nature, but only in degree. (2.) Full assurance is attainable by great diligence and perseverance to the end.
III. He proceeds to set before them caution and counsel how to attain this full assurance of hope to the end. 1. That they should not be slothful. Slothfulness will clothe a man with rags: they must not love their ease, nor lose their opportunities. 2. That they would follow the good examples of those who had gone before, Heb 6:12. Here learn, (1.) There are some who from assurance have gone to inherit the promises. They believed them before, now they inherit them; they have got safely to heaven. (2.) The way by which they came to the inheritance was that of faith and patience. These graces were implanted in their souls, and drawn forth into act and exercise in their lives. If we ever expect to inherit as they do, we must follow them in the way of faith and patience; and those who do thus follow them in the way shall overtake them at the end, and be partakers of the same blessedness.
IV. The apostle closes the chapter with a clear and full account of the assured truth of the promises of God, Heb 6:13, to the end. They are all confirmed by the oath of God, and they are all founded in the eternal counsel of God, and therefore may be depended upon.
1.They are all confirmed by the oath of God. He has not only given his people his word, and his hand and seal, but his oath. And here, you will observe, he specifies the oath of God to Abraham, which, being sworn to him as the father of the faithful, remains in full force and virtue to all true believers: When God made a promise unto Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself. Observe, (1.) What was the promise: Surely, blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. The blessing of God is the blessedness of his people; and those whom he has blessed indeed he will go on to bless, and will multiply blessings, till he has brought them to perfect blessedness. (2.) What was the oath by which this promise was ratified: He swore by himself. He staked down his own being and his own blessedness upon it; no greater security can be given or desired. (3.) How was that oath accomplished. Abraham, in due time, obtained the promise. It was made good to him after he had patiently endured. [1.] There is always an interval, and sometimes a long one, between the promise and the performance. [2.] That interval is a trying time to believers, whether they have patience to endure to the end. [3.] Those who patiently endure shall assuredly obtain the blessedness promised, as sure as Abraham did. [4.] The end and design of an oath is to make the promise sure, and to encourage those to whom it is made to wait with patience till the time for performance comes, Heb 6:16. An oath with men is for confirmation, and is an end of all strife. This is the nature and design of an oath, in which men swear by the greater, not by creatures, but by the Lord himself; and it is to put an end to all dispute about the matter, both to disputes within our own breasts (doubts and distrusts), and disputes with others, especially with the promiser. Now, if God would condescend to take an oath to his people, he will surely remember the nature and design of it.
2.The promises of God are all founded in his eternal counsel; and this counsel of his is an immutable counsel. (1.) The promise of blessedness which God has made to believers is not a rash and hasty thing, but the result of God's eternal purpose. (2.) This purpose of God was agreed upon in counsel, and settled there between the eternal Father, Son, and Spirit. (3.) These counsels of God can never be altered; they are immutable. God never needs to change his counsels; for nothing new can arise to him who sees the end from the beginning.
3.The promises of God, which are founded upon these immutable counsels of God, and confirmed by the oath of God, may safely be depended upon; for here we have two immutable things, the counsel and the oath of God, in which it is impossible for God to lie, contrary to his nature as well as to his will. Here observe,
(1.)Who they are to whom God has given such full security of happiness. [1.] They are the heirs of the promise: such as have a title to the promises by inheritance, by virtue of their new birth, and union with Christ. We are all by nature children of wrath. The curse is the inheritance we are born to: it is by a new and heavenly birth that any are born heirs to the promise. [2.] They are such as have fled for refuge to the hope set before them. Under the law there were cities of refuge provided for those who were pursued by the avenger of blood. Here is a much better refuge prepared by the gospel, a refuge for all sinners who shall have the heart to flee to it; yea, though they have been the chief of sinners.
(2.)What God's design towards them is, in giving them such securities - that they might have strong consolation. Observe, [1.] God is concerned for the consolation of believers, as well as for their sanctification; he would have his children walk in the fear of the Lord, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost. [2.] The consolations of God are strong enough to support his people under their strongest trials. The comforts of this world are too weak to bear up the soul under temptation, persecution, and death; but the consolations of the Lord are neither few nor small.
(3.)What use the people of God should make of their hope and comfort, that most refreshing and comfortable hope of eternal blessedness that God has given them. This is, and must be, unto them, for an anchor to the soul, sure and stedfast, etc., Heb 6:19. Here, [1.] We are in this world as a ship at sea, liable to be tossed up and down, and in danger of being cast away. Our souls are the vessels. The comforts, expectations, graces, and happiness of our souls are the precious cargo with which these vessels are loaded. Heaven is the harbour to which we sail. The temptations, persecutions, and afflictions that we encounter, are the winds and waves that threaten our shipwreck. [2.] We have need of an anchor to keep us sure and steady, or we are in continual danger. [3.] Gospel hope is our anchor; as in our day of battle it is our helmet, so in our stormy passage through this world it is our anchor. [4.] It is sure and stedfast, or else it could not keep us so. First, It is sure in its own nature; for it is the special work of God in the soul. It is a good hope through grace; it is not a flattering hope made out of the spider's web, but it is a true work of God, it is a strong and substantial thing. Secondly, It is stedfast as to its object; it is an anchor that has taken good hold, it enters that which is within the veil; it is an anchor that is cast upon the rock, the Rock of ages. It does not seek to fasten in the sands, but enters within the veil, and fixes there upon Christ; he is the object, he is the anchor - hold of the believer's hope. As an unseen glory within the veil is what the believer is hoping for, so an unseen Jesus within the veil is the foundation of his hope; the free grace of God, the merits and mediation of Christ, and the powerful influences of his Spirit, are the grounds of his hope, and so it is a stedfast hope. Jesus Christ is the object and ground of the believer's hope, and so it is a stedfast hope. Jesus Christ is the object and ground of the believer's hope in several respects. 1. As he has entered within the veil, to intercede with God, in virtue of that sacrifice which he offered up without the veil: hope fastens upon his sacrifice and intercession. 2. As he is the forerunner of his people, gone within the veil, to prepare a place for them, and to assure them that they shall follow him; he is the earnest and first fruits of believers, both in his resurrection and in his ascension. 3. And he abides there, a high priest after the order of Melchisedec, a priest for ever, whose priesthood shall never cease, never fail, till he has accomplished its whole work and design, which is the full and final happiness of all who have believed on Christ. Now this should engage us to clear up our interest in Christ, that we may fix our hopes in him as our forerunner, that has entered thither for us, for our sakes, for our safety, to watch over our highest interest and concerns. Let us then love heaven the more on his account, and long to be there with him, where we shall be for ever safe, and for ever satisfied.
And we desire that every one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope "down to "made an high priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."
“We,” according to the good apostle, “wait for the hope of righteousness, for in Christ neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love.” “We desire each one of you to show the same earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope,” and so on to, “having become a high priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” Wisdom, full of every virtue, uses similar words to Paul’s: “Anyone who listens to me will live safely, trusting in hope.” The establishment of hope and hope itself are spoken of interchangeably. That is why he has done admirably to add the word trusting to “will live safely.” He is showing that the sort of person who has hold of the hope he hoped for is at peace. This is why he adds, “And he will be tranquil, without fear, free from all evil.” The apostle speaks openly in the first letter to the Corinthians when he says expressly, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” to bring this about. If you imitate me and I imitate Christ, then you are imitating Christ as he is representing God. So he establishes a target for faith in “the likeness to God so far as possible in justice and holiness combined with practical wisdom,” and the goal in the actualization of the promise on the basis of faith.
Why then did we say these things? "But we desire that everyone of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end; that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
"We desire," he says, and we do not therefore merely labor for, or even so far as words go, wish this. But what? "We desire" that ye should hold fast to virtue, not as condemning your former conduct (he means), but fearing for the future. And he did not say, 'not as condemning your former conduct, but your present; for ye have fainted, ye are become too indolent'; but see how gently he indicated it, and did not wound them.
For what does he say? "But we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence unto the end." For this is the admirable part of Paul's wisdom, that he does not expressly show that they "had" given in, that they "had" become negligent. For when he says, "We desire that every one of you" - it is as if one should say, I wish thee to be always in earnest; and such as thou wert before, such to be now also, and for the time to come. For this made his reproof more gentle and easy to be received.
And he did not say, "I will," which would have been expressive of the authority of a teacher, but what is expressive of the affection of a father, and what is more than "willing," "we desire." All but saying, Pardon us, even if we say what is distasteful.
"We desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of your hope unto the end." Hope (he means) carries us through: it recovers us again. Be not wearied out, do not despair, lest your hope be in vain. For he that worketh good hopeth also good, and never despairs of himself.
"That ye may not become dull." Still "become"; and yet he said above, "seeing ye are become dull of hearing." (c. v. 11.) Observe however how he limited the dullness to the hearing. And here he hints the very same thing; instead of 'that ye may not continue in it,' he says [this]. But again he leads on to that future time for which they were not yet responsible; saying in effect "that ye may not become too slothful": since for that which is not yet come we could not be responsible. For he who in regard to the present time is exhorted to be in earnest, as being remiss, will perhaps become even more slothful, but he who is exhorted with reference to the future, not so.
"We desire" (he says) "that every one of you." Great is his affection for them: he cares equally for great and small; moreover he knows all, and overlooks no one, but shows the same tender care for each, and equal value for all: from which cause also he the rather persuaded them to receive what was distasteful in his words.
"That ye be not slothful," he says. For as inactivity hurts the body, so also inactivity as to what is good renders the soul more supine and feeble.
"But followers" (he says) "of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises." And who they are, he tells afterwards. He said before, "Imitate your own former well-doings." Then, lest they should say, What? He leads them back to the Patriarch: bringing before them examples of well-doing indeed from their own history, but of the thought of being forsaken, from the Patriarch; that they might not suppose that they were disregarded and forsaken as worthy of no account, but might know that it is [the portion] of the very noblest men to make the journey of life through trials; and that God has thus dealt with great and admirable men.
Now we ought (he says) to bear all things with patience: for this also is believing: whereas if He say that He gives and thou immediately receivest, how hast thou also believed? Since in that case this is no longer of thy faith, but of Me, the Giver. But if I say that I give, and give after an hundred years, and thou hast not despaired; then hast thou accounted Me worthy to be believed, then thou hast the right opinion concerning Me. Thou seest that oftentimes unbelief arises not from want of hope only, but also from faintheartedness, and want of patience, not from condemning him who made the promise.
Having sufficiently struck them by calling them sluggish, and saying other things, he now comforts them; therefore he did not say, "I think," but "I am convinced."
"and things pertaining to salvation." Being near.
"even though we speak in this way." He says, I know that you will not produce thorns and thistles, but I strike only with words, so that I may make you stronger.
"For God is not unjust." Therefore, we are convinced of the good things concerning you, knowing that God is not unjust. If He is not unjust, He will not forget your good work and the love which you have shown in His name, having endured all for Him. So do not lose heart, but always hope for better things; for God is always righteous. Therefore, I have not spoken about you in a discouraging way; for I know that you are not worthy of curses.
“in serving the saints.”Greatly testifies to them, not only by works, but also by works done with eagerness; for serving is a sign of eagerness. To the saints, that is, to the faithful. For every believer is holy, even if he is of the world [κοσμικὸς]. But see how he ministers to them. For he did not say, having served, and stood; but added, and serving; that is, continuing to do the same.
This love that you continue to show, he says, "we desire [Επιθυμοῦμεν]." He did not say, "We want [βουλόμεθα]," but rather, it was more affectionate, "We desire," he says.
"to show the same diligence." Then someone might say, "If you are convinced about the better things concerning us, and you know our works and our ministry to the saints, why then were you afraid to call us sluggish, and remembering the thorns? Why? Because “we desire each one of you," he says, "to show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end”, that is, to be steadfast in your faith in Christ and the hope that comes from it. And he did not say, We wish; which would have been a teaching authority; but, we desire; which is of paternal affection. For this is not something we wish in words only, but our soul burns for you. For such a thing is meant by the phrase, we desire.
"that you may not be sluggish." And this is also for their healing; for it leads them to the future time.And although he said above, "You have become sluggish," (Heb. 5:11) he then said to their listening ears, "but now, all of you have become sluggish."
"imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Then he lists those who inherited the promises through faith, such as Abraham. What is meant by "through patience"? That is, through endurance. For he endured the promise being set forth for so many years, and still remained believing. For if the gift were to follow immediately upon the promise of God, there would no longer be any need for faith or endurance on the part of the one receiving the promise, since God would be completely truthful. But if, having promised, he is delayed, and the one receiving the promise patiently waits for the delay, then he believes purely, then he endures with self-control.
Continue studying Hebrews 6:11 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Hebrews 6:11 is a fervent pastoral appeal from the author to his readers, urging them to maintain and intensify their spiritual earnestness. Following a severe warning against spiritual stagnation and apostasy, this verse pivots to an encouraging call for sustained diligence, aimed at achieving an unwavering, complete confidence in the hope of God's promises, a perseverance that must endure steadfastly until the very end.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The author employs several literary devices in Hebrews 6:11. Primarily, it functions as a strong Exhortation, a direct and earnest appeal to the readers to act in a specific way. This exhortation is framed within a broader Contrast; it follows immediately after a severe warning against spiritual apathy and apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-8), yet precedes an expression of confidence in the readers (Hebrews 6:9). This juxtaposition highlights the author's pastoral strategy: to warn effectively but also to encourage and provide a path forward. The phrase "unto the end" employs Hyperbole or Metonymy to signify the entire duration of their earthly lives or until the fulfillment of God's promises, implying a complete and unwavering commitment. The concept of "full assurance of hope" is a form of Abstract Personification, giving a concrete quality (full assurance) to an abstract concept (hope), making it something attainable and to be actively pursued.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 6:11 profoundly connects the human responsibility of diligence with the divine gift of hope and assurance. It underscores that while salvation is by grace through faith, the maintenance and experience of its benefits, particularly the certainty of future hope, require active human participation. This diligence is not a means to earn salvation, but a necessary expression of a living faith that actively presses into God's promises. The "full assurance of hope" is a theological state of mind and heart, rooted in the unchangeable character of God and His oath-bound promises, which serves as an anchor for the soul amidst life's storms. It is a hope that looks beyond present trials to the future inheritance, sustained by persistent effort and a deep conviction in God's faithfulness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 6:11 serves as a timeless call to active, engaged Christianity. It confronts any tendency towards spiritual complacency or passive waiting, reminding us that our faith journey is a dynamic pursuit requiring sustained effort. In a world fraught with uncertainties and distractions, the "full assurance of hope" is not a luxury but a vital necessity for spiritual stability and endurance. This verse encourages us to intentionally cultivate our relationship with God, to immerse ourselves in His Word, and to actively serve others, knowing that such diligence strengthens our conviction in His promises. It is a reminder that the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint, and that our ultimate destination requires unwavering focus and consistent effort. Our diligence is the visible manifestation of our internal conviction, a testament to the living hope within us that propels us forward "unto the end."
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the relationship between human diligence and God's sovereignty in achieving "full assurance of hope"?
Answer: Hebrews 6:11 beautifully illustrates the complementary relationship between human responsibility and divine grace. While "full assurance of hope" is ultimately a gift from God, rooted in His unchangeable promises and the finished work of Christ, our diligence is the means through which we appropriate and experience that assurance. God sovereignly provides the ground for hope (His promises, His Son, His Spirit), but He calls us to actively "shew the same diligence" in pursuing and holding fast to that hope. Our diligence is not about earning assurance, but about actively engaging with the truth of God's Word, obeying His commands, and serving His people, which in turn strengthens our faith and deepens our conviction. It's a cooperative effort: God provides the certainty, and we diligently walk in it, allowing His truth to fully persuade our hearts and minds. This active pursuit safeguards us against spiritual apathy and helps us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 6:11, while an exhortation to human diligence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and enabling power in Jesus Christ. Our "full assurance of hope" is not based on our own strength or the perfection of our diligence, but entirely on the finished work of Christ. He is the "anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast" (Hebrews 6:19), the one who has entered "within the veil" as our High Priest, securing our access to God. The hope we are to be fully assured of is the hope of salvation, eternal life, and an inheritance that is "incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3-4), all made possible through Christ's resurrection. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the "author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), meaning He not only initiates our faith but also empowers our perseverance "unto the end." Our diligence is a response to His grace and a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work within us, enabling us to fix our eyes on Him, the ultimate object and guarantee of our hope (Colossians 1:27). Thus, the call to diligence in Hebrews 6:11 is a call to steadfastly cling to Christ, who is our hope, our assurance, and the very means by which we endure to the end.