Hebrews 6:9

¶ But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

But {G1161}, beloved {G27}, we are persuaded {G3982} better things {G2909} of {G4012} you {G5216}, and {G2532} things that accompany {G2192} salvation {G4991}, though {G1499} we {G2980} thus {G3779} speak {G2980}.

Now even though we speak this way, dear friends, we are confident that you have the better things that come with being delivered.

Even though we speak like this, beloved, we are convinced of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation.

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak:

Commentary

Context

Hebrews 6:9 marks a significant shift in tone from the preceding verses (Hebrews 6:4-8). The author has just delivered a severe warning against apostasy, describing the impossibility of renewal for those who have genuinely fallen away from Christ after having experienced the illuminating truths of the Gospel. These verses are among the most challenging in the New Testament, addressing the grave danger of spiritual regression or outright rejection of faith. However, in verse 9, the writer pivots, expressing a deep pastoral confidence in his readers. He reassures them that despite the stern admonitions, he believes they possess genuine faith and are producing the fruit that accompanies salvation.

Key Themes

  • Assurance of Salvation: The primary message of this verse is one of encouragement and assurance. The author, having delivered strong warnings, now affirms his positive persuasion regarding the spiritual state of his audience. This demonstrates a balance between warning against sin and providing hope for the faithful.
  • Evidences of True Faith: The phrase "things that accompany salvation" refers to the tangible evidences of a transformed life. These are not the *cause* of salvation but its *fruit*. They include acts of love, perseverance, good works, and a genuine commitment to Christ. These outward manifestations serve as indicators of an inward reality of grace.
  • Pastoral Care and Hope: Despite the harshness of the preceding verses, the author's heart is clearly pastoral. He doesn't condemn his readers but expresses hope and belief in their spiritual integrity, emphasizing that the warnings were given out of concern, not condemnation. It highlights that God's warnings are often meant to call us to a deeper walk, not to despair.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase "we are persuaded better things of you" uses the word pepeismetha, which is a perfect passive form of peitho, meaning "to be convinced" or "to be persuaded." The perfect tense implies a settled, established conviction. It's not a fleeting hope but a deep, lasting belief in their spiritual condition. The phrase "things that accompany salvation" (Greek: echomena soterias) literally means "things that hold fast to salvation" or "things that are inherently linked with salvation." This reinforces the idea that true faith is not barren but is always accompanied by practical demonstrations of love and spiritual vitality.

Practical Application

Hebrews 6:9 offers great comfort to believers who might feel discouraged by the severe warnings elsewhere in Scripture. It reminds us that while the Bible does contain serious admonitions against drifting away from faith, God's desire is for our perseverance and growth. For Christians today, this verse emphasizes that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through a life that bears fruit. It encourages us to examine our lives for "things that accompany salvation," such as love for God and others, spiritual maturity, and steadfastness in trials. It also teaches us the importance of balancing truth with grace, delivering warnings with a spirit of hope and pastoral care, just as the author of Hebrews does.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 10:39 (4 votes)

    But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:10 (4 votes)

    For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

  • Hebrews 6:4 (4 votes)

    For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

  • Hebrews 6:6 (4 votes)

    If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame.

  • Hebrews 2:3 (4 votes)

    How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];

  • Galatians 5:22 (3 votes)

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

  • Galatians 5:23 (3 votes)

    Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.