Hebrews 6:3

KJV

And this will we do, if God permit.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} this {G5124} will we do {G4160}, if {G1437}{G4007} God {G2316} permit {G2010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And, God willing, this is what we will do.

Berean Standard Bible

And this we will do, if God permits.

American Standard Version

And this will we do, if God permit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 6:3 serves as a concise yet profound declaration by the author, expressing a firm resolve to advance in teaching and spiritual instruction, moving beyond foundational doctrines towards deeper truths. This commitment, however, is explicitly made contingent upon the sovereign will and divine permission of God, underscoring a deep theological understanding of dependence on God's providence for all endeavors, especially those pertaining to spiritual growth and ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a powerful exhortation in [Hebrews 6:1-2](/hebrews/6-1-2 "Hebrews 6:1-2 - The Call to Maturity") for the readers to "leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ, and go on unto perfection." The author has just listed several foundational Christian teachings—repentance from dead works, faith toward God, the doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment—which he considers elementary. The statement "And this will we do" in [Hebrews 6:3](/hebrews/6-3 "Hebrews 6:3 - If God Permits") is therefore a direct affirmation of the author's intention to lead his audience further into spiritual maturity, building upon these initial principles. It marks a crucial transition from the foundational review to the anticipated deeper theological exposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism. This pressure likely led to spiritual stagnation or even apostasy among some. The author's urgent call to "go on unto perfection" reflects the pastoral necessity to strengthen their faith and understanding, preventing them from falling away. The concept of divine permission was deeply ingrained in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought, where acknowledging the gods' or God's will before undertaking significant actions was common practice. This cultural norm is reflected and sanctified in the author's humble submission to God's sovereignty, demonstrating a reliance on divine enablement rather than human effort alone.
* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 6:3](/hebrews/6-3 "Hebrews 6:3 - If God Permits") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Progression and Maturity**, which is central to the author's argument for moving beyond elementary doctrines towards a deeper understanding of Christ's superiority and the new covenant. This is explicitly stated in [Hebrews 5:12-14](/hebrews/5-12-14 "Hebrews 5:12-14 - From Milk to Solid Food"), where the author laments their immaturity. Secondly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Dependence**, emphasizing that even the most righteous and necessary human endeavors are ultimately subject to God's will and permission. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that believers are to live and plan in full submission to God, as seen in [James 4:15](/james/4-15 "James 4:15 - If the Lord Wills"). Finally, the author's declaration, "And this will we do," also speaks to the theme of **Intentional Discipleship and Pastoral Responsibility**, showcasing his commitment to guide and nurture the spiritual growth of the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb signifies to "make or do" in a very broad sense, encompassing actions, execution, performance, and fulfillment. In [Hebrews 6:3](/hebrews/6-3 "Hebrews 6:3 - If God Permits"), it denotes the author's active intention and commitment to carry out the teaching and spiritual advancement he has just outlined. It's not a passive hope but a declared plan of action.
* **if (Greek, _eán'_):** This conditional particle introduces a condition or contingency, meaning "in case that," "provided," or "if so." It indicates that the author's intention to proceed is not absolute but is entirely dependent on the fulfillment of the stated condition – God's permission. It highlights the hypothetical yet crucial nature of divine enablement.
* **permit (Greek, _epitrépō'_):** Derived from words meaning "to turn over" or "to allow," this verb implies granting leave, giving liberty, or suffering something to happen. It conveys more than mere non-interference; it suggests an active allowance or authorization from God. This emphasizes God's active role in enabling or hindering human plans, even those aligned with His general will for spiritual growth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this will we do":** This clause serves as a direct and resolute affirmation of the author's intention. "This" refers specifically to the preceding exhortation in [Hebrews 6:1](/hebrews/6-1 "Hebrews 6:1 - Going on to Perfection") to "go on unto perfection" by moving beyond the elementary doctrines. The "we" indicates a collective resolve, likely encompassing the author and his fellow teachers or perhaps even the readers in their shared journey of spiritual growth. It signifies a proactive and purposeful commitment to spiritual advancement and deeper theological instruction.
* **"if God permit":** This crucial conditional clause immediately qualifies the preceding declaration. It introduces the absolute sovereignty of God over all human plans and endeavors, even those that are spiritually good and necessary. The author acknowledges that their ability to carry out this vital work of spiritual progression is entirely dependent on God's divine authorization and enablement. It is an expression of profound humility, trust, and submission to God's ultimate will and timing, recognizing that true effectiveness stems from divine blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Declarative Statement** ("And this will we do"), expressing a clear and firm intention. This declaration is immediately followed by a **Conditional Clause** ("if God permit"), which introduces a crucial contingency and highlights the author's theological understanding of divine sovereignty. The juxtaposition of human resolve with divine permission creates a powerful **Antithesis** or contrast, underscoring the absolute dependence of human action on God's will. Furthermore, the verse's **Conciseness** allows for a profound theological truth to be conveyed in very few words, making its message impactful and memorable. The phrase "if God permit" also functions as a form of **Euphemism** for divine providence, acknowledging God's ultimate control without explicitly detailing the mechanisms of His permission or prohibition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 6:3 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine sovereignty over human endeavors. It teaches that while believers should make diligent plans and strive for spiritual maturity, all such efforts must be submitted to and dependent upon God's ultimate will and permission. This is not a resignation to fate but an active trust in a benevolent and omniscient God who orchestrates all things for His glory and our good. The author's humility in acknowledging God's final say serves as a model for all believers, reminding us that true success in ministry and life comes from aligning our will with His.
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Acts 18:21](/acts/18-21 "Acts 18:21 - Paul's Intentions to Return, If God Wills")
* [1 Corinthians 4:19](/1_corinthians/4-19 "1 Corinthians 4:19 - Paul's Promise to Visit, If the Lord Wills")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The author's declaration in Hebrews 6:3 offers a powerful blueprint for Christian living and ministry. It calls us to cultivate a posture of diligent planning combined with humble submission to God's will. We are encouraged to be intentional in our pursuit of spiritual growth and in serving others, always remembering that our efforts are ultimately fruitful only when God permits and blesses them. This verse challenges us to examine our own ambitions and plans, ensuring they are not merely self-driven but are prayerfully laid before God, seeking His guidance and permission. It fosters a spirit of active faith, where we strive to do good works, yet simultaneously rest in the knowledge that God's sovereignty is paramount, and His timing and methods are perfect. This balance prevents both passive inaction and arrogant self-reliance, leading to a life lived in humble dependence and confident trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas of spiritual growth or ministry am I currently pursuing, and how am I submitting these plans to God's will?**
* **How does the phrase "if God permit" challenge my assumptions about control and success in my personal and spiritual life?**
* **In what ways can I more consistently acknowledge God's sovereignty in my daily decisions and long-term aspirations?**

### FAQ
**Does "if God permit" imply uncertainty or a lack of faith on the author's part?**

Answer: No, the phrase "if God permit" (Greek: *eánper epitrépē ho Theós*) does not imply uncertainty or a lack of faith in the author. Rather, it is a profound expression of theological humility and a deep acknowledgment of God's absolute sovereignty over all human plans and endeavors. It reflects a biblical worldview where even the most well-intentioned and divinely aligned actions are ultimately dependent on God's active permission and blessing. This sentiment is echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13-15 "James 4:13-15 - The Uncertainty of Life and God's Will"), where believers are exhorted to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." It's an affirmation of faith in God's control, not a doubt in His ability or a wavering in the author's resolve.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Hebrews 6:3 is a statement of the author's intention and dependence on God, it implicitly points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes in Christ. The "perfection" the author desires to lead his readers towards is ultimately found in a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ, who is the [perfect High Priest](/hebrews/7-26-28 "Hebrews 7:26-28 - Jesus, Our Perfect High Priest") and the [mediator of a better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant"). The very ability to "go on unto perfection" is only possible because God *did* permit and orchestrate the ultimate plan of salvation through His Son. God's permission for our spiritual growth is rooted in His eternal plan to bring many sons to glory through Christ, as described in [Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Bringing Many Sons to Glory"). Thus, the author's humble submission to God's will in this verse foreshadows the grand divine permission that allowed Christ to accomplish salvation, opening the way for believers to draw near to God and mature in their faith through Him. Our spiritual progress is not merely a human endeavor but a divinely permitted and empowered journey, made possible by the [finished work of Jesus Christ](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfecting Sacrifice").

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

Acts 18:21

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

1 Corinthians 16:7

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

1 Corinthians 4:19

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

James 4:15

For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Romans 15:32

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.