Preface: Hebrews 6 begins with the basic doctrines of the Hebrew believer, and then accuses the Jewish believers of crucifying the Lord afresh (that is, they were offering up animal sacrifices still). Two verses are given over to human good versus divine good. Some hopeful words are written about some of the Hebrews. Finally, this chapter begins to talk about the promises of God and how we know that they are guaranteed. However, this chapter seems to end without going further into the discussion of Jesus as a priest after the order of Melchizedek (as opposed to be a priest after the order of Aaron).

Bible Summary: Let us press on to maturity. It is impossible to restore those who fall away. The promise of God is a steadfast anchor for the soul.

This should be the most extensive examination of Hebrews 6 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview:

Outline of Chapter 6:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–6           Going on to Maturity and Not Re-Crucifying the Lord

         vv.     7–8           The Resulting Production of Maturity

         vv.     9–12         “We are sure of better things”

         vv.    13–20         The Absolute Certainty of God’s Promise

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Hebrews 6 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Hebrews 6 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Hebrews 6

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Hebrews 6

         Introduction         The Principals of Hebrews 6

         Introduction         The Places of Hebrews 6

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Hebrews 6

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Hebrews 6 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Hebrews 6 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Hebrews –)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         v.       6              Eternal Security Approaches (R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

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         v.      17              Does every writer of Scripture understand every Church Age doctrine?

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Hebrews 6 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Hebrews 6

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Hebrews 6

         Summary            A Brief Review of Hebrews 6

         Summary            The Background of Benjamin Brodie

         Summary 

         Addendum          The Doctrine of Baptisms (R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          The Doctrine of Human Good

         Addendum          The Doctrine of Divine Good (by James Allen; edited)

         Addendum 

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Hebrews 6

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Hebrews 6

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Hebrews 6

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Hebrews 6

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An Introduction to Hebrews 6

I ntroduction: The first 6 (or 8) verses of Hebrews 6 should have been placed back with Hebrews 5. At the end of v. 5, many of the Jewish believers required easy, basic Bible doctrine (called milk); and seemed to be unable to move forward to taking in advanced Bible doctrine. In the first six verses of this chapter, the writer (s) wants to move ahead with more difficult doctrines, but says that they cannot move forward in the Christian life as long as they keep on crucifying the Lord again (meaning that the recipients of this letter were still offering up animal sacrifices).

In vv. 7–8, the author of Hebrews suggests that a field can bring forth a bounteous yield or thorns and thistles.

In vv. 9–12, there is the hint that some Jewish believers are advancing, which would allow the writer of Hebrews to speak more deeply about Melchizedek.

In vv. 13–20, we start with God’s promise to Abraham and move forward to God’s promises, which can be rested upon, as they are based upon two immutable things: the promise made and the essence of God (as God swears by Himself). Finally, we are told that Jesus steps into the Holy of Holies, but as a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Your feeling at the very end of this chapter ought to be, okay, now, what exactly did you mean by this? The writer will answer this question in the next chapter (again, the chapters are very poorly divided, which is not the case for every book of the Bible).

A note: the author of Hebrews continually refers back to we or us; so much so that I would suggest that this book is a group effort of two or more people. I would assume that they are known to the believers in Jerusalem and Judæa; but there is no clue as to who the writer (s) is (are) to us many centuries later. In order to write this epistle, someone had to be very well-versed in the ancient Scriptures (we call those the Old Testament today). There are so many Old Testament references (some of them simply presuppose a knowledge of the Old Testament) that the writer (s) may have had many scrolls available to them when writing this.

A second note: the author of Hebrews does not appear to fully understand dispensations. Therefore, he does not stop at any time and say, listen, if you look at the Christian life from a dispensational point of view, you might understand it better. No one advanced in every doctrine among the Apostles or their students. Therefore, there will occasionally be doctrines missing from this or that epistle. That does not mean that there is anything wrong with that epistle. We can depend upon all of the doctrines taught in the epistles, even if the original author lacked information here or there.

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Going on to Maturity and Not Re-Crucifying the Lord

The question on my mind at the end of chapter 5 is, how does the writer of Hebrews know that there is a problem with perception and understanding among the Hebrews to whom he is writing? This passage and what follows will explain that.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Therefore, having left behind the word of the beginning of the Christ, to the completion we might keep on being carried, not again a foundation [we] keep on laying, a change of mind of dead works, and faith toward God, of baptisms [or, cleansings] a teaching, a laying also of hands, a resurrection of deaths [or, dead ones], and of a judgment eternal. And this we will do if might permit the God.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Therefore, leaving the subject of the beginning of Christ, let us be moved to perfection, not again laying down a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

And let us do this if indeed God permits.

Revised Douay-Rheims         .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Wherefore, leaving the word of the beginning of Christ, let us go on to things more perfect: not laying again the foundation of penance from dead works and of faith towards God,

Of the doctrine of baptisms and imposition of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

And this will we do, if God permit.

V. Alexander’s Aramaic T.     .

Eastern Aramaic Mnscrpts     .

James Murdock’s Syriac NT Therefore let us leave the commencement of the word of the Messiah, and let us proceed to the completion. Or will ye again lay another foundation for the repentance which is from dead works, and for the faith in God,

and for the doctrine of baptism, and for the laying on of a hand, and for the resurrection from the dead, and for the eternal judgment?

We will do this, if the Lord permit.

Original Aramaic NT              Because of this, let us leave the beginning of the message of The Messiah, and let us go on to perfection; or are you laying again another foundation for conversion from dead works and for faith in God,

For the teaching of baptism, the laying on of hands, for the resurrection from among the dead, and for eternal judgment?

We shall do* this if THE LORD JEHOVAH permits.

Plain English Aramaic Bible   .

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             For this reason let us go on from the first things about Christ to full growth; not building again that on which it is based, that is, the turning of the heart from dead works, and faith in God, 

The teaching of baptisms, and of the putting on of hands, and of the future life of the dead, and of the judging on the last day. 

Now we will do this, if God lets us.

Bible in Worldwide English     So, let us leave behind the first teachings about Christ. And let us go on to things that are grown up. We must not go back to the beginning again and talk about turning away from doing things that bring death to us. We must not go back again and talk about believing in God. Let us go forward.

We must not go back to teaching about baptizing people in water, about putting hands on peoples heads, about people being raised from death, and about people being judged for ever.

If God will let us, we will go on to build on these things.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  So we should be finished with the beginning lessons about Christ. We should not have to keep going back to where we started. We began our new life by turning away from the evil we did in the past and by believing in God. That's when we were taught about baptisms, laying hands on people, the resurrection of those who have died, and the final judgment. Now we need to go forward to more mature teaching. And that's what we will do if God allows.

God’s Word™                         With this in mind, we should stop going over the elementary truths about Christ and move on to topics for more mature people. We shouldn't repeat the basics about turning away from the useless things we did and the basics about faith in God. We shouldn't repeat the basic teachings about such things as baptisms, setting people apart for holy tasks, dead people coming back to life, and eternal judgment. If God permits, we will do this.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Let us go forward, then, to mature teaching and leave behind us the first lessons of the Christian message. We should not lay again the foundation of turning away from useless works and believing in God; of the teaching about baptisms and the laying on of hands; of the resurrection of the dead and the eternal judgment. Let us go forward! And this is what we will do, if God allows.

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Contemporary English V.       We must try to become mature and start thinking about more than just the basic things we were taught about Christ. We shouldn't need to keep talking about why we ought to turn from deeds that bring death and why we ought to have faith in God. And we shouldn't need to keep teaching about baptisms or about the laying on of hands or about people being raised from death and the future judgment. Let's grow up, if God is willing.

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        Now is the time for us to progress beyond the basic message of Christ and advance into perfection. The foundation has already been laid for us to build upon: turning away from our dead works to embrace faith in God,  teaching about different baptisms, impartation by the laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.  So with God’s enablement we will move on to deeper truths.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  So then, let us leave the beginning of the message of Christ and move forward to maturity. Let us not lay again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith in God, nor the foundation of teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. We will also do this if God permits.

Williams’ New Testament      So then let us once for all quit the elementary teaching about Christ and continue progressing toward maturity; let us stop relaying a foundation of repentance from works that mean only death, and of faith in God, of teaching about ceremonial washings and the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and final judgment. And we will progress, if God permits.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            For this reason, after leaving the message of the beginning of the Anointed King, we should be carried up to the completeness, not throwing down a foundation again of a change of ways out of dead actions and of trust based on God, of the teaching of submersions, of laying on of hands, of the return back to life of dead people, and of judgment that spans all time. And this we will do if it is true that God gives permission.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           So then leaving the discussion about the basic principles about Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying the foundation again of repentance from dead works and of faith in God, of the doctrine about baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment. We will do that if God permits it.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Wherefore, leaving the first principles of Christian doctrine, let us progress toward maturity, not laying again the foundation concerning reformation from dead works, and faith toward God-concerning the doctrine of immersions, and of imposition of hands, of a resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment; for this we will do, if God permit.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament Therefore, let us leave behind the elementary teaching about the Christ and press on to perfection, not always laying over again a foundation of repentance for a lifeless formality, of faith in God--teaching concerning baptisms and the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and a final judgment. Yes and, with God's help, we will.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Evangelical Heritage V.          .

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                .

Free Bible Version                 So let’s not get stuck on the basic teachings about Christ, but let’s progress to a more mature understanding. We don’t need to go over again the ideas of repenting from what we used to do, about trusting in God—or teachings about baptism, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. So let’s get on with it, as God gives us the opportunity!

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

International Standard V        The Peril of Immaturity

Therefore, leaving behind the elementary teachings about the Messiah, [Or Christ] let us continue to be carried along to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead actions, faith toward God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do, [Other mss. read Let us do this] if God permits.

Lexham Bible                         .

Montgomery NT                     So let us get beyond the teaching of the elementary doctrines of Christ, and let us be borne along toward what is mature. Let us not be continually laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith in God, of the teaching regarding ablutions and the laying on of hands, of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permit.

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      THEREFORE let us leave elementary teaching about Christ and hasten on to what is advanced, not laying again a foundation — change of heart from dead works, faith in God, the teaching about baptisms, the laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. This we will do if God permits.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      Wherefore leaving the account of the beginning of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of a change of mind from dead works, and of faith in God, of baptisms taught, and the imposition of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of the eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    So then, let us leave the beginning of the message of Christ and move forward to maturity. Let us not lay again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith in God, teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. We will also do this if God permits.

Urim-Thummim Version         Therefore leaving the beginning of the Doctrine of Christ, let us go on to spiritual perfection; not laying again the foundation of a change of mind from dead works and of Faith toward Elohim, of the Doctrine of Baptisms, Laying on of Hands, Resurrection from the Dead, and of Age-lasting Judgment. And this will we do if Elohim permit.

Weymouth New Testament    Therefore leaving elementary instruction about the Christ, let us advance to mature manhood and not be continually re-laying a foundation of repentance from lifeless works and of faith in God, or of teaching about ceremonial washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and the last judgement. And advance we will, if God permits us to do so.

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Worsley’s New Testament    .

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     .

The Heritage Bible                 .

New American Bible (2002)   .

New American Bible (2011)   .

New English Bible–1970        .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

New RSV                               .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

exeGeses companion Bible   .

Hebraic Roots Bible               Therefore let us leave the elementary word of the Messiah, and let us proceed on to the completion. Why do you lay again another foundation⁷ for the repentance from dead works, and for the faith in Elohim,

and for the doctrine of baptism, and for the laying on of hands¹, and for the resurrection from the dead², and for the eternal judgment ³?

If indeed YAHWEH permits, this we will do.

⁷ Paul is not saying to forget these basic doctrines but to build from them and move on to perfection. It is a mystery why many believers do not even believe these basic tenets of the one true faith.

¹ Act 2:37-38, Act 8:12-19, 10:47-48, 16:22- 33, 19:1-6, 1Pet 3:21, Lk 13:1-5, Num 27:15-23, 1Sam 16:10-13.

² 1Cor 15:51-58, 1The 4:14-18, Mat 22:23- 32.

³ Rev 20:10-15, 2Cor 5:10.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    So we should leave the basic things we learned about Christ and go on to more mature things. We should not lay again the foundation of turning away from depending on dead human efforts, of believing in God, teaching about immersions, putting hands on people, rising from death, and eternal judgment. And, if God allows, we will go on.

The Scriptures 2009              Therefore, having left the word of the beginning of the Messiah, let us go on to perfection,^a not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of belief toward Elohim, of the teaching of immersions, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of everlasting judgment.  And this we shall do, if Elohim indeed permits.

^a Matthew 5:48.

Tree of Life Version                Therefore leaving the basic teaching of the Messiah, let us move on toward maturity—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of trust in God, of teaching about immersions, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. Now this we will do, if God permits.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...so Leaving the [of] the beginning [of] the christ word to the completion [We] may be borne not again foundation Laying [of] rethinking from dead works and [of] faith to god [of] washings [of] teaching [of] laying also [of] hands [of] standing (up) also [of] [men] dead and [of] judgment continual and this [We] will make if (ever) may allow {it} The God...

Alpha & Omega Bible            THEREFORE LEAVING THE ELEMENTARY TEACHING ABOUT THE CHRIST, LET US PRESS ON TO MATURITY, NOT LAYING AGAIN A FOUNDATION OF REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS AND OF FAITH TOWARD THEOS,

OF INSTRUCTION ABOUT WASHINGS AND LAYING ON OF HANDS, AND THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD AND ETERNAL JUDGMENT.

AND THIS WE WILL DO, IF THEOS (The Alpha & Omega) PERMITS.

Awful Scroll Bible                   Through-which sending-away, the primer considerations of the Anointed One, let us be bearing onto maturity, ourselves not putting-down anew a foundation of after-thinking, from dead works and confidence to God,

of the doctrine of baptisms and of the laying-on of hands, and of the raising-up of the dead and of everlasting condemnation.

Even these-same things we will effect, if- wholly God -shall give-turn-upon.

Concordant Literal Version    Wherefore, leaving the word dealing with the rudiments of Christ, we should be brought on to maturity, (not again disrupting the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith on God, of the teaching of baptizings, besides the imposition of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and of judgment eonian)."

And this will we be doing, that is, if God may be permitting."

exeGeses companion Bible   BEARING ON TO COMPLETION/SHALOM

So abandoning the beginnings

of the word of the Messiah,

we bear on to completion/shalom;

not casting again

the foundation of repentance from dead works,

and of trust toward Elohim,

of the doctrine of baptisms,

and of laying on of hands,

and of resurrection of the dead,

and of eternal judgment:

and this we do, whenever Elohim allows.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Therefore, let us leave behind the stam (elementary) ikarim (essentials) of the dvarim hahora'ah (words of teaching) about Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, and let us move ahead to hitbagrut (maturity), not laying again a foundation of teshuva from ma'asim metim (dead works) and Emunah toward Hashem,

Of divrei torah on tevilot and tohorah and s'michat yadayim and of the Techiyas HaMesim and of the Mishpat Olam.

And this we shall do, im yirtzeh Hashem (if the L-rd wills).

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   So, we should leave the basic principles of Christ’s teaching and go on to maturity. [We should] not lay again a foundation of repentance [i.e., turning away] from deeds of death [i.e., acts that lead to spiritual death or that spring from a spiritually dead person], and of faith in God; and of teaching about immersions [Note: The use of the plural word here suggests teaching on the distinctions between Jewish washings and John’s and Christian immersion, whether in water or the Holy Spirit. See Acts 19:1-7], and about placing hands on people [Note: This act was practiced in the appointment of church leaders, in healing sick people and to impart supernatural gifts], and about people being raised from the dead and about never ending judgment. And we will do so [i.e., go on to more advanced teaching] if God allows us to.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Therefore, having abandoned the elementary doctrine about Christ [Christology in the OT and synoptic gospels], let us advance towards maturity [learning advanced doctrines in the epistles], not laying down again the [kingdom] foundation: (a) of a change of mind away from dead works [clinging to the Mosaic Law and Judaistic rituals], and (b) of faith toward God [waiting for the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant],

(c) the teaching of washings [ceremonial ablutions of Judaism], and (d) the laying on of hands [used in Jewish sacrificial rituals when confessing sins], and (e) the resurrection of the dead [OT saints awaken and possess the earthly Davidic kingdom], and (f) eternal judgment [Messiah ruling and executing justice on David’s earthly throne].

Moreover, this [advance toward maturity] we will do [ultimate goal of reversion recovery], if God permits [if you live long enough to complete your recovery]..

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             But solid food belongs to perfected ones (complete and mature ones; ones who are fully developed and have reached the goal of their destiny) – those, because of habit, having organs of perception trained as in gymnastic exercise and thus being skilled, because of practice, and disciplined with a view to a discerning (or: when facing the act of separating, making a distinction and then a decision about) both good and evil (both that which is excellent, ideal, of good quality, profitable and beautiful, as well as that which is of bad quality, worthless, ugly or of bad form; or: = between right and wrong),

through which [practice and exercise] (or: On account of which), in at some point leaving behind (or: letting flow away) the word from the beginning, in regard to the Christ (or: the message pertaining to the origin and beginning of the Christ; or: the primary thought about the Anointed One) we can be continuously and progressively brought upon (or: carried on [to]) the realization of the end in view (or: the accomplished goal of maturity; completion of the destined, finished product), not again repeatedly conceiving (or: laying; casting down) a foundation which involves a change of mind with a turning away from dead works, and of faith and trust upon God;

of teachings of immersions (baptisms), besides a placing-on of hands; and then of resurrection of dead ones – as well as of the results of an eonian decision (or: the effects of a separation and a judgment which pertains to and has the quality of the Age)!

And this we shall progressively do! – if it be that God may be permitting [it]. Hebrews 5:14 is included for context.

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         A Serious Warning Against Falling Away

Therefore, leaving behind the elementary message about Christ, let us move on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and faith in God, teaching about baptisms and laying on of hands, and resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permits.

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

The Spoken English NT         The Danger of Falling Away
So-let’s leave behind the first lessons^a about Christ, and move on to maturity. Let’s not lay down the foundation over again, by talking about
*        a change of heart^b from deathly behaviors,
*        faith in God,

teaching on baptisms,
*laying on of hands, and
*resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.

And we will move on, with God’s permission.^c

^a.Lit. “the first teaching/word”.

^b.Traditionally: “repentance” (see “Bible Words”).

^c.Lit. “And this we will do, if God lets us”.

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     .

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  Therefore, advancing beyond the beginning principles of the doctrines of Christ, we should go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  And we will do this, if indeed God permits.

Analytical-Literal Translation  For this reason, having left the subject of the beginning [principles] of Christ, let us continue being moved to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead [fig., utterly useless] works and of faith toward God, of [the] teaching [or, doctrine] of baptisms [or, immersions] and of [the] laying on of hands and of [the] resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgment. And this we shall do, only if God shall be permitting.

Berean Literal Bible                .

Bond Slave Version               .

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             Therefore dropping the discourse of the government of the Christ, let us, without laying again a foundation of reformation from dead works, and of faith in God, of the doctrine concerning baptism, and the laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment, proceed to the consecration. V. 3 will be placed with the next passage for context.

Context Group Version          Therefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of the Anointed, let us press on to completion; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of trust toward God, of teaching of washings, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of age-enduring judgment. And this we will do, if God permits.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       That is why, leaving the instruction on the starting point of Christ, let us be brought along to perfection, not again laying a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith towards God, of the doctrine of baptisms and of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead and of age-abiding judgment. And let us do this, if indeed God allows it.

Green’s Literal Translation    .

Literal New Testament           WHEREFORE, HAVING LEFT THE OF THE BEGINNING OF THE CHRIST DISCOURSE, TO THE FULL GROWTH WE SHOULD GO ON; NOT AGAIN A FOUNDATION LAYING OF REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS, AND FAITH IN GOD,

OF WASHINGS OF [THE] DOCTRINE, LAYING ON AND OF OF HANDS, RESURRECTION AND OF OF [THE] DEAD, AND OF JUDGMENT ETERNAL;

AND THIS WILL WE DO, IF INDEED PERMIT GOD.

Literal Standard Version        .

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  Hence, having left the word of the beginning principles of Christ, we should carry upon {i.e. onto, over to} maturity; not putting down again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith upon God,

of the teaching of immersions* {i.e. O.T. ceremonial washings} and of the laying upon of hands and of the resurrection of the dead and of everlasting judgment.

And we might do* this, if indeed* God permits*.

Modern KJV                           .

New American Standard B.    .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   The Foundation (Principles) of Christ

Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permit.

Revised Young's Lit. Trans.   .

R. B. Thieme, Jr. translation  Therefore having graduated from the elementary doctrines of the Christ — the incarnation, the hypostatic union, the King-priest, the sacrifice of Himself on the cross, the perpetuation of His priesthood in resurrection, ascension and session, the strategic victory of the angelic conflict, our relation to the strategic victory through the baptism of the Spirit and subsequent positional truth, and many other classified areas of Christology and soteriology — let us advance ourselves towards maturity, not laying down again the foundations of (1) a change of mind away from dead works and (2) of faith towards God.

(3) and a doctrine of baptisms, (4) as well as of laying on of hands, (5) resurrection out from the source of deaths, (6) and of eternal judgment.

And this we will begin to do if only the God gives permission [that is, permits us to live long enough].

A Voice in the Wilderness      Therefore, leaving the discussion of the rudiments concerning Christ, let us move along to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of immersion, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

Young’s Updated LT             .

The gist of this passage: 

1-3

Translation: Therefore, having left behind the teaching of the elementary [doctrines] of the Christ,...

The writer of Hebrews is not saying, “Let’s leave these doctrines behind; we don’t need them anymore.” Instead, the idea is, “We need to move from these doctrines; we need to move forward from these doctrines.” They are stuck in the basic doctrines which they learned, and they need to move forward in the spiritual life.

What was happened was, the churches in Jerusalem and Judæa had become so infused with legalism, that they could not seem to move forward. The believers in these churches were not maturing. They were not growing properly as believers.

There is one thing in particular that is a problem, and the writer of Hebrews is aware of it. But, for now, he is working toward that point.

These Jewish believers need to hold their ground and move forward from the basic doctrines.

Translation: ...[that] we might keep on being driven to the completion [of spiritual growth],...

The writer of Hebrews wants them to allow themselves to be guided or carried to spiritual maturity. Their eventual goal is (or ought to be) teleiotês (τελειότης) [pronounced tehl-ee-OHT-ace], which means, completion, perfection; the state of the more intelligent; moral and spiritual perfection (maturity). Strong’s #5047.

Now spiritual growth simply involves having positive volition. As long as you are willing to get the teaching, God will provide it for you. As long as you are willing to move forward in the Christian life, God has put everything into place to make that happen.

Now, 95% of the time, this should be taking place in the local church. There are extraordinary circumstances which make this impossible; but, for most people, God provides a place for you to go and grow. And if you do not have such a place, in the United States, moving is quite the easy thing to do. If you are in a city where there are no churches teaching the word carefully, verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book, then you want to consider, where else might this be taking place in the United States.

I realize to many people, the idea of moving to another city seems quite absurd if it is just about finding the right church; but bear in mind, when divine discipline comes down on the United States—and this could take place virtually any day—do you want to be in a geographical location where there are few if any mature believers, or do you want to be in a location where there might be 20 or 30 or 500 mature believers?

Remember when God was about to bring the ax down on Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham said, “Now hold on there....what if there are so many believers in these cities? Are you going to destroy them and these believers as well?” And then Abraham kept taking this point to where he had God agreeing to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if there were 10 believers which could be found there. Turns out, there were that many, and so God brought down great discipline upon them.

In other words, you want as many believers as possible in your geographical area. And if they are mature, so much the better.

Translation: ...not laying again the foundation [of the faith, namely:]...

Ideally speaking, you lay the foundation for a house once. This would also be true of the spiritual life. You should not need to lay a foundation for the Christian life on many occasions. Not laying the foundation again indicates that this foundation, based upon the fundamentals of the faith, should have already been laid.

What follows is a list of six basics in the spiritual life, things which the writer of Hebrews finds himself repeating or about to repeat, when it is unnecessary.

Jews and gentiles often learned the basics of the Christian life differently; so the basics which the writer of Hebrews will speak of here will be those learned by Jewish believers.

Translation: ...a change of mind concerning dead works,...

The first is a repentence or a change of mind about dead works. These dead works would be anything associated with the Jewish religious works which legalistic Jews held to. They believed that these things somehow gave them an in with God. Two of these, mentioned a lot in Galatians, are circumcision and keeping the Mosaic Law.

Theer needs to be a change of mind concerning such works! Now, this is a basic doctrine; this is a fundamental doctrine upon which everything else is build. It is a part of the foundation and if this has be be learned and re-learned and re-learned, then the foundation for the Christian life is being laid again and again.

Translation: ...and faith toward God,...

The believer has to have faith toward God regarding God’s plan and the commission of Jesus as our Savior. Their faith is not to be directed toward the Mosaic Law, but toward God.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, having left behind the teaching of the elementary [doctrines] of the Christ, [that] we might keep on being driven to the completion [of spiritual growth], not laying again the foundation [of the faith, namely:] a change of mind concerning dead works, and faith toward God,... (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Because this list is continued, there is really no need for a new verse. This is why nearly every translation simply continues from v. 1 into v. 2.

Translation: ...and [the] teaching of baptisms,...

The word used here is not the normal word for baptism. It is baptismoi (βαπτισμοί) [pronounced bap-tis-MOY] (that is the plural form), and it means, baptisms, washings, purifications (using water). This is a reference to the washings and purification of the Mosaic Law being transformed to a New Testament counterpart, which includes baptism. This cleansing as a New Testament counterpart would also include the cleansing technique of rebound.

This would be a good time for you to check The Doctrine of Baptisms (R. B. Thieme, Jr.) in the Addendum.

Translation: ...[the] laying on of hands,...

In the early church, there was a lot made of the laying on of hands. In many ways, this was a number of people in a church—often those in authority—who had all agreed upon something. This might refer to recognizing the spiritual gift that someone has (like pastor-teacher); or this may be done as several praying for the health of another believer. This also moved the church forward from generation to generation (for instance, when gifts were recognized or when a deputation might be given to send out missionaries like Paul and Barnabas).

This was not something which was practiced in Judaism. Today, this has become essentially the votes coming from the board of deacons for this or that matter to be decided.

Translation: ...[the] resurrection from the dead,...

This is a recognition of the future life of the believer, that we will be resurrected from the dead—as our Lord was—and continue an existence elsewhere.

Translation: ...and of [the] eternal judgment.

There is also a judgment coming, which is slated for every person. Even today, there are crazy people on the left side of the political spectrum who are trying to find, promote or establish what they call justice. Even though they do not mean the exact same thing as we do, this is an inherent need in man for everything to come to a final judgment. We do not like it when someone gets away with anything. We want a final reckoning of justice, and that is what happens here. Believers will be evaluated and rewarded, with their dead works burned. Unbelievers will be given the opportunity to stand on their good works, which will form the basis of their indictment in eternity.

Hebrews 6:2 ...and [the] teaching of baptisms, [the] laying on of hands, [the] resurrection from the dead, and of [the] eternal judgment. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Vv. 1–2 makes a complete sentence:

Hebrews 6:1–2 Therefore, having left behind the teaching of the elementary [doctrines] of the Christ, [that] we might keep on being driven to the completion [of spiritual growth], not laying again the foundation [of the faith, namely:] a change of mind concerning dead works, and faith toward God, and [the] teaching of baptisms, [the] laying on of hands, [the] resurrection from the dead, and of [the] eternal judgment. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

There are six things named here which, for the post-canon church, made up the foundations of the faith. Specifically, this focused upon believers who had come out of the Jewish faith (a legalistic faith).

Translation: And we will do this if the God permits [us to].

What the author of Hebrews wants is for the people to whom he is writing to not get stopped by their legalism, but to move forward in the Christian life.

This is what we will do, he declares in writing. This presupposes the positive volition on the part of those who receive this letter. But even more important than their volition is what God permits. That requires time. Is God going to give them more time? Unfortunately, the answer for many of them is no, their time will run out. A million Jews in Jerusalem will be killed by the Romans, and, undoubtedly, some of these are believers dying the sin unto death.

Hebrews 6:3 And we will do this if the God permits [us to]. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Hebrews 6:1–3 Therefore, having left behind the teaching of the elementary [doctrines] of the Christ, [that] we might keep on being driven to the completion [of spiritual growth], not laying again the foundation [of the faith, namely:] a change of mind concerning dead works, and faith toward God, and [the] teaching of baptisms, [the] laying on of hands, [the] resurrection from the dead, and of [the] eternal judgment. And we will do this if the God permits [us to]. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Hebrews 6:1–3 Therefore, let us leave behind the elementary doctrines of the Messiah, that we might be guided toward spiritual maturity, not laying again the foundations of the faith, namely: changing our minds about dead works, exercising faith toward God, the teaching about baptisms and cleansings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment. We will do this if God permits us to by giving us the time to regroup and move ahead. (Kukis paraphrase)

——————————

It is in this passage where we will find out how the writer of Hebrews knows that these Jewish believers are not growing spiritually.

This is one of the passages often quoted by those who do not believe in eternal security.

Now, if you just read these next three verses, out of their context, it sounds pretty bad. It sounds as if there is a way to lose your salvation. However, this all comes in the context of the first three verses of this chapter, as well as the last few verses of the previous chapter (which provide us the set up for what the author of Hebrews is writing).

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    For impossible the one time being enlightened, tasting even of the gift of the heaven and those partakers coming to be of the Spirit of Holiness. And good they tasted of God a word; powers and being about to of a lifetime. And falling away again to renew to a change of mind, crucifying again to yourselves the Son of the God and publically disgracing [Him].

Complete Apostles Bible        For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and became partakers of the Holy Spirit,

and have tasted the good word of God and the powerful deeds of the age to come,

and having fallen away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and hold Him up to contempt.

Revised Douay-Rheims         .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) For it is impossible for those who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Have moreover tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come,

And are fallen away: to be renewed again to penance, crucifying again to themselves the Son of God and making him a mockery.

V. Alexander’s Aramaic         .

Eastern Aramaic Manuscript  .

James Murdock’s Syriac NT But they who have once descended to baptism, and have tasted the gift from heaven, and have received the Holy Spirit,

and have tasted the good word of God, and the power of the world to come,

cannot again sin, and a second time be renewed to repentance; or a second time crucify and insult the Son of God.

Original Aramaic NT              But those who have descended once to baptism* and tasted the gift from Heaven and received The Spirit of Holiness,

And tasted the good word of God and the power of the future world,

Who would sin* again and again crucify The Son of God, and become contemptible, cannot be renewed to conversion.

Plain English Aramaic Bible   .

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             As for those who at one time saw the light, tasting the good things from heaven, and having their part in the Holy Spirit, 

With knowledge of the good word of God, and of the powers of the coming time, 

And then let themselves be turned away, it is not possible for their hearts to be made new a second time; because they themselves put the Son of God on the cross again, openly shaming him.

Bible in Worldwide English     Some people had light in their hearts once. They knew the gift from heaven.

They had the Holy Spirit. They knew the word of God is good and felt the powers of the next world.

If people who were like that leave their faith in Christ, they cannot come to God again. They themselves nail Gods Son up on the cross again. They are holding him up to shame before everyone.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  After people have left the way of Christ, can you make them change their lives again? I am talking about people who once learned the truth, received God's gift, and shared in the Holy Spirit. They were blessed to hear God's good message and see the great power of his new world. But then they left it all behind, and it is not possible to make them change again. That's because those who leave Christ are nailing him to the cross again, shaming him before everyone. This is presented simply as v. 4 in the ERV.

God’s Word™                         Some people once had God's light. They experienced the heavenly gift and shared in the Holy Spirit. They experienced the goodness of God's word and the powers of the world to come. Yet, they have deserted Christ. They are crucifying the Son of God again and publicly disgracing him. Therefore, they cannot be led a second time to God.

Good News Bible (TEV)         For how can those who abandon their faith be brought back to repent again? They were once in God's light; they tasted heaven's gift and received their share of the Holy Spirit; they knew from experience that God's word is good, and they had felt the powers of the coming age. And then they abandoned their faith! It is impossible to bring them back to repent again, because they are again crucifying the Son of God and exposing him to public shame.

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Contemporary English V.       But what about people who turn away after they have already seen the light and have received the gift from heaven and have shared in the Holy Spirit? What about those who turn away after they have received the good message of God and the powers of the future world? There is no way to bring them back. What they are doing is the same as nailing the Son of God to a cross and insulting him in public! Like the ERV, this is presented as a single verse in the CEV.

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Century Version             .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        It is impossible to restore an apostate. For once a person has come into God’s light, and tasted the gifts of the heavenly realm, and has received the Holy Spirit, and feasted on the good Word of God, and has entered into the power of the age that is breaking in, if he abandons his faith, there is no use even trying to lead him to repentance. By their sin of apostasy they re-crucify the Son of God, and have publicly repudiated him.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, who were sharers of the Holy Spirit, and who tasted God's good word and the powers of the age to come, but who then fell away— it is impossible to restore them again to repentance. This is because they crucify the Son of God for themselves again, and publicly shame him.

Williams’ New Testament      For it is impossible for those who have once for all been enlightened and have experienced the gift from heaven, who have been made sharers of the Holy Spirit and have experienced how good God's message is and the mighty powers of the age to come, and then have fallen by the wayside -- it is impossible, I say, to keep on restoring them to their first repentance, since they continue to crucify the Son of God to their detriment and hold Him up to contempt.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            You see, it is impossible for the people who were once illuminated and who tasted of the free handout of heaven, who became joint possessors of the Sacred Spirit, who tasted God's nice statement and the abilities of the future span of time, and who fell away, again to be made new again for a change of ways, nailing God's Son to a cross again for themselves and making a public example of Him.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           For those who were once enlightened, experienced the heavenly gift, were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, experienced the good word of God and the powers of the coming age, and have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them to repentance again, since they put the Son of God up on the cross again for themselves and expose him to public disgrace.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles For it is impossible to renew again to reformation those who have been once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age which was to come, and yet have fallen away, crucifying again to themselves the Son of God and exposing him to contempt.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament For if those who were once for all brought into the Light, and learned to appreciate the gift from Heaven, and came to share in the Holy Spirit, and learned to appreciate the beauty of the Divine Message, and the new powers of the Coming Age--if those, I say, fell away, it would be impossible to bring them again to repentance; they would be crucifying the Son of God over again for themselves, and exposing him to open contempt.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Evangelical Heritage V.          .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  .

Free Bible Version                 It’s impossible for those who once understood and experienced God’s heavenly gift—who shared in receiving the Holy Spirit, who had known God’s good word and the power of the coming age—and then completely abandon God, for them to be brought back to repentance once more. They themselves have crucified the Son of God all over again and publicly humiliated him.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .