Hebrews 6:7

KJV

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the earth {G1093} which {G3588} drinketh in {G4095} the rain {G5205} that cometh {G2064} oft {G4178} upon {G1909} it {G846}, and {G2532} bringeth forth {G5088} herbs {G1008} meet {G2111} for them {G1565}{G2532} by {G1223} whom {G3739} it is dressed {G1090}, receiveth {G3335} blessing {G2129} from {G575} God {G2316}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For the land that soaks up frequent rains and then brings forth a crop useful to its owners receives a blessing from God;

Berean Standard Bible

For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God.

American Standard Version

For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 6:7 employs a vivid agricultural analogy to illustrate the expected outcome for those who have received God's abundant grace and spiritual nourishment. Just as fertile ground, repeatedly watered by rain, is expected to yield beneficial crops for the farmer, so too are believers, who have been blessed with divine revelation and the Spirit's work, expected to produce spiritual fruit and good works. This productivity is the natural and necessary response to God's generous provision, resulting in the continued reception of His blessing and favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a solemn warning passage in [Hebrews 6:4-8](/hebrews/6-4-8 "Hebrews 6:4-8 - The Warning Against Apostasy"), which follows the author's earnest exhortation for believers to move beyond elementary doctrines and press on to spiritual maturity ([Hebrews 6:1-3](/hebrews/6-1-3 "Hebrews 6:1-3 - Pressing on to Maturity")). The author uses the metaphor of fertile land to represent those who have experienced profound spiritual enlightenment and received the benefits of God's grace. Verse 7 sets up a stark contrast with [Hebrews 6:8](/hebrews/6-8 "Hebrews 6:8 - The Land that Bears Thorns"), which describes unproductive land cursed and destined for burning, thereby emphasizing the grave danger of spiritual unfruitfulness and apostasy. The analogy serves to underscore the responsibility that accompanies spiritual privilege.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the Book of Hebrews lived in an agrarian society where the cycles of rain, cultivation, and harvest were deeply understood and central to daily life. They would have readily grasped the imagery of land receiving rain and the expectation of a corresponding yield. This agricultural backdrop was also deeply embedded in Old Testament covenant theology, where blessings like abundant rain and fertile land were seen as signs of God's favor and faithfulness to His covenant people, contingent upon their obedience and fruitfulness ([Deuteronomy 11:13-15](/deuteronomy/11-13-15 "Deuteronomy 11:13-15 - Blessings of Obedience")). Conversely, drought and barrenness were often interpreted as divine judgment for disobedience ([Leviticus 26:18-20](/leviticus/26-18-20 "Leviticus 26:18-20 - Consequences of Disobedience")). Thus, the analogy would have resonated powerfully, connecting spiritual realities to tangible, everyday experiences and established theological principles.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 6:7 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Grace**, symbolized by the "rain that cometh oft upon it." This signifies God's consistent, abundant, and undeserved spiritual blessings, including His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the teachings of Christ, which are freely poured out upon His people. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Expected Fruitfulness and Spiritual Productivity**. The "herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed" represent the good works, righteous living, and spiritual growth that should naturally result from receiving God's grace. This fruitfulness is not a means to earn salvation but an evidence of genuine faith and a life transformed by God's power, echoing themes found in [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - The True Vine"). Finally, the verse touches upon **The Nature of God's Blessing and Human Responsibility**, indicating that continued "blessing from God" is contingent upon a productive response to the grace already received. It implies a reciprocal relationship where God's generosity calls for a responsible and fruitful stewardship of His gifts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** This term refers to "soil," "ground," or by extension, "land." In this context, it metaphorically represents those who have received the spiritual nourishment and divine instruction. Just as physical earth is the medium for growth, believers are the spiritual ground upon which God's grace falls, intended to yield a harvest.
* **rain (Greek, _hyetós'_):** Specifically denoting "rain" or a "shower," this word symbolizes the divine blessings, teachings, and the work of the Holy Spirit that God consistently provides. The emphasis on "cometh oft" (pollákis) highlights the frequent and abundant nature of this spiritual provision, underscoring God's persistent care and generosity.
* **blessing (Greek, _eulogía'_):** This word encompasses "fine speaking," "commendation," "adoration," and religiously, "benediction" or "benefit." Here, it signifies God's favor, approval, and continued spiritual and material benefits bestowed upon those who respond appropriately to His grace by producing spiritual fruit. It is the divine affirmation of a life lived in accordance with His purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it":** This initial clause establishes the premise of God's abundant and consistent provision. The "earth" serves as a metaphor for individuals or the community of believers who actively "drink in" (a present participle, implying continuous action) the "rain," which symbolizes God's grace, truth, and spiritual nourishment. The phrase "cometh oft upon it" emphasizes the regularity and generosity of this divine outpouring, signifying that God does not withhold what is necessary for growth.
* **"and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed":** This clause describes the expected and appropriate response to the divine provision. The "herbs meet" (eúthetos, meaning "well-placed" or "appropriate") represent spiritual fruit, good works, and a life of righteousness that is fitting and beneficial for "them by whom it is dressed"—namely, God Himself, the divine cultivator. This highlights the purpose of God's grace: to cultivate a life that yields a valuable harvest for His glory and kingdom.
* **"receiveth blessing from God":** This final clause states the consequence of such a fruitful response. The "earth" (believers) that produces the expected fruit "receiveth blessing from God." This signifies God's continued favor, approval, and further spiritual enrichment. It implies a divine reciprocation, where God continues to bless those who demonstrate a productive stewardship of the grace they have already received, validating their genuine faith and ongoing spiritual vitality.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Hebrews 6:7 is **Analogy**, specifically an agricultural metaphor. The author draws a direct comparison between the cultivation of land and the spiritual development of believers. The "earth" represents the believer, the "rain" symbolizes God's grace and teaching, and the "herbs meet" signify spiritual fruit and good works. This analogy makes abstract theological concepts tangible and relatable to the audience's everyday experience. Furthermore, there is an element of **Personification** as the "earth" is depicted as actively "drinking in" the rain, implying a conscious and receptive engagement with God's provision. This verse also functions as a setup for **Contrast**, foreshadowing the negative example of unfruitful land in the subsequent verse ([Hebrews 6:8](/hebrews/6-8 "Hebrews 6:8 - The Land that Bears Thorns")), thereby intensifying the warning against spiritual barrenness and apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 6:7 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God's sovereign grace and human responsibility. It underscores that God's abundant provision is not an end in itself, but a means to an end: the transformation of lives that bear fruit for His glory. The "rain" of grace demands a response, and the "blessing from God" is a continuous flow contingent upon a life that actively yields spiritual "herbs." This dynamic relationship highlights that while salvation is by grace through faith, true faith is never barren but always expresses itself in obedience and good works, demonstrating a living and active relationship with the divine Gardener. It speaks to the ongoing sanctification process, where God continues to cultivate and bless those who are responsive to His nurturing hand.

* [Matthew 13:23](/matthew/13-23 "Matthew 13:23 - The Good Soil")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 6:7 serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination, challenging believers to assess the fruitfulness of their spiritual lives. It compels us to consider whether we are merely passive recipients of God's grace or actively "drinking in" the spiritual rain of His Word, His Spirit, and His teachings. The verse reminds us that God's continuous blessings and provisions are given with a divine purpose: to cultivate a life that yields spiritual "herbs"—good works, righteous character, and the fruit of the Spirit—that are "meet" or appropriate for Him. Just as a diligent farmer expects a valuable harvest from well-tended, watered soil, so too does God anticipate spiritual productivity from those upon whom He has poured out His grace. Our spiritual fruitfulness is not just a sign of our health but a testament to the effectiveness of His grace within us, ensuring that we continue to "receive blessing from God" as we live out our faith in tangible ways that honor Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Am I actively "drinking in" the spiritual rain of God's Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit, or am I passively receiving His grace?**
* **What specific "herbs" or spiritual fruits are evident in my life that are "meet" (appropriate and beneficial) for God, the divine cultivator?**
* **How does my life demonstrate that I am responding productively to God's abundant blessings, and what changes might I need to make to yield more fruit?**

### FAQ

**What does "drinketh in the rain" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "drinketh in the rain" is a powerful metaphor for actively and receptively absorbing God's spiritual provisions. The "rain" symbolizes the continuous and abundant outpouring of God's grace, His divine teachings, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the revelation of His truth. Just as parched earth eagerly absorbs life-giving water, believers are called to eagerly and consistently receive and internalize these spiritual blessings. This active reception is crucial for spiritual growth and for enabling the production of spiritual fruit, contrasting with a passive or resistant posture that would lead to barrenness.

**Is God's blessing conditional according to this verse?**

Answer: Hebrews 6:7 suggests a dynamic relationship between God's provision and human response, implying a conditional aspect to the *continuation* of His blessing. God's initial grace (the "rain") is freely given. However, the verse states that the earth "receiveth blessing from God" *because* it "bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed." This indicates that while God's grace is unmerited, His continued favor and blessing are contingent upon a fruitful response to that grace. It's not about earning salvation, but about demonstrating the reality of a transformed life through spiritual productivity. This aligns with biblical principles where obedience and fruitfulness lead to further blessing ([Matthew 25:29](/matthew/25-29 "Matthew 25:29 - Parable of the Talents")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 6:7, while using an agricultural analogy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "rain that cometh oft upon" us, the inexhaustible source of all divine grace, truth, and spiritual nourishment. Through His atoning sacrifice and the outpouring of His Spirit, Christ provides everything necessary for the "earth"—believers—to be made fertile and productive. He is not only the source of the "rain" but also the divine "Dresser" or cultivator ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")), who tends to His people, pruning and nurturing them so they might bear much "herbs meet" for God. The "blessing from God" that the fruitful earth receives is ultimately realized in our union with Christ, through whom we are made righteous and empowered to live lives that glorify the Father. Our spiritual fruitfulness is not merely a human endeavor but the supernatural outcome of Christ's life within us ([Colossians 1:10](/colossians/1-10 "Colossians 1:10 - Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work")), enabling us to walk in the good works prepared for us in Him ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship")). Thus, the verse points to the profound truth that all genuine spiritual vitality and productivity flow from our relationship with Jesus, the one who makes us fruitful for God's eternal purposes.

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

Hosea 10:12

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for [it is] time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

Psalms 126:6

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him].

Joel 2:21

Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.

Joel 2:26

And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Isaiah 55:10

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

Isaiah 55:13

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off.