ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Hebrews 6

Heb. 6:1–2 elementary doctrine of Christ. Compare “basic principles” (5:12). Washings may refer to teaching about the differences between Jewish purification rituals and Christian baptism. Laying on of hands could refer to a practice at the time of baptism (see Acts 8:14–17; 19:5–6) or to other times during prayers for healing and appointing individuals for ministry (see notes on Acts 6:6; 13:3).

Heb. 6:4–8 This passage has been much debated. The central issue is whether vv. 4–5 describes people who were once true Christians. (1) Some argue that the passage does describe true Christians, meaning that Christians can “fall away” and lose their salvation. Most who hold this view think that those who fall away can still return to Christian faith, so this limits vv. 4–6 to people who refuse to return. (2) Most argue, however, that although these people have participated fully in the Christian community, the fact that they “fall away” shows that they are not true Christians. (3) Another view is that the warnings are addressed to true believers, and that although they will never completely fall away, the warnings are still the means God uses to challenge them to persevere in their faith. (4) Finally, some believe that the falling away has to do with a loss of heavenly rewards. In any case, though the author recognizes that there may be a few in the congregation who fit the description of vv. 4–8, in general he does not think it to be true as a whole of the congregation, for he says, “yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation” (v. 9).

Heb. 6:4 If a person worries that he may have committed such a deep sin that repentance is impossible, his very desire to repent is evidence that he has not done so (see note on Matt. 12:31–32). Enlightened likely describes the initial entrance into Christian community through hearing an explanation of the Christian faith (compare Heb. 10:32). Tasted the heavenly gift probably refers to either the Lord’s Supper or the general blessing of Christian fellowship (or both). have shared in (literally, “have become a partaker of”) the Holy Spirit. Some understand this to mean having experienced the laying on of hands in the church; others link it to the communal experience of the Spirit active in the church.

Heb. 6:5 tasted the goodness of the word of God. These people (see note on v. 4) have heard the truth explained. They have learned of God’s word (1:3; 11:3). This word will be fully shown in powers that renew the world in the age to come (2:5; 13:14). Through the ministry of the Spirit, these powers are partially experienced now in the Christian community (see 2:4).

Heb. 6:6 Fallen away involves a sustained, committed rejection of Christ and a departure from the Christian community. to restore them again to repentance. This wording does not clarify whether the earlier repentance was merely outward, or whether it was the genuine repentance that accompanied true saving faith (see note on vv. 4–8). Crucifying once again graphically portrays rejection of Jesus. holding . . . up to contempt. A public, shameful display. The warning of vv. 4–8 is serious: such “falling away” treats God’s own Son with such disrespect that it is as though the person wanted to put Christ on a cross again.

Heb. 6:7–8 land that has drunk the rain. The author uses a common OT and NT agricultural metaphor (see esv cross-references on v. 7; also Matt. 13:24–30, 36–43; Luke 3:17). He warns that those who fall away are like land that does not bear a crop that is useful, but only bears thorns and thistles. Reminding them of the final judgment, the author says that such land is near to being cursed and its end is to be burned.

Heb. 6:9–10 Having warned about falling away from the faith, the author shows confidence in his readers’ salvation (v. 9; see 10:32–34).

Heb. 6:11–12 imitators of those who . . . inherit the promises. Abraham is the immediate example (vv. 13–15). Other examples appear in ch. 11 (OT saints) and in 13:7 (church leaders).

Heb. 6:13–14 promise to Abraham. God’s promises to Abraham include those in Gen. 12:1–3; 17:1–22; 22:16–18. Here the author focuses on Gen. 22:16–17.

Heb. 6:15 having patiently waited. Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac’s birth (see Gen. 12:4 with Gen. 21:5), and he did not witness the fulfilled promise of countless descendants (see note on Heb. 11:13). In his lifetime, Abraham obtained the promise through seeing Isaac born, and through the ram offered on Isaac’s behalf (Genesis 22).

Heb. 6:16 Oaths were common legal devices in ancient times (disputes implies a legal context). Oaths usually appealed to some higher authority (something greater than themselves).

Heb. 6:17–18 The two unchangeable things are God’s promise/purpose and his oath.

Heb. 6:19–20 The Christian’s hope is in the person and saving work of Christ. This hope is an anchor, providing security and stability for the soul. Clearly, even though the author has warned the readers about apostasy (vv. 4–8), he believes they can have assurance of their salvation. curtain. The veil in the tabernacle or temple that separated the inner place (“Most Holy Place,” 9:3) from the rest of the structure. See Ex. 26:31; Num. 18:7; Matt. 27:51; Heb. 9:3; 10:20. forerunner. Jesus went beforehand and opened the veil, and he now permits others to draw near (9:3; 6–14; 10:19–20). high priest. The author returns to the subject of 5:5–10.