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:
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}:
For the land that soaks up frequent rains and then brings forth a crop useful to its owners receives a blessing from God;
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.
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:
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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.
Context
Hebrews 6:7 is part of a significant warning passage within the Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 6:4-8), which addresses the serious danger of spiritual stagnation and falling away from faith after having experienced profound spiritual enlightenment. The author has just urged believers to move beyond elementary doctrines and press on to maturity. This verse uses an agricultural analogy to illustrate God's consistent provision and the expected response from those who receive it, setting the stage for the stark contrast presented in Hebrews 6:8 regarding unfruitful ground.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "drinketh in" (Greek: pinousan) implies an active and receptive absorption, suggesting that believers are not merely passive recipients of God's grace but are meant to actively take it in. The "rain that cometh oft upon it" (Greek: pollakis ep auto elthousan) emphasizes the frequent and abundant nature of God's provision, highlighting His persistent care. The "herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed" (Greek: botanas euchrestous ekeinois di' hous kai georgitai) literally means "useful plants for those for whom it is cultivated," stressing that the fruit produced should be beneficial and appropriate for the divine Gardener.
Practical Application
This verse challenges believers to examine their own spiritual lives: Are we actively "drinking in" the spiritual rain of God's Word, His Spirit, and His teachings? Are we truly allowing these divine provisions to transform us? The commentary serves as a reminder that God’s continuous blessings and grace are given with the purpose of cultivating a fruitful life. Just as good soil produces a valuable harvest for the farmer, so too should a believer’s life yield the fruit of the Spirit and good works that bring glory to God. Our spiritual productivity is a testament to the effectiveness of His grace in us and ensures we continue to "receive blessing from God."