6:1 foundation This image refers to the basic teachings of Christian faith. The metaphor suggests that Christians should not replace this foundation, but instead build upon it.

repentance from dead works Denotes leaving behind sin—turning back toward God and His will (9:14).

faith in God Trust that He exists, will continue to act, will fulfill His promises, and will save from sin (2:3; 6:13; 9:28; 11:1, 6). The author illustrates these faithful actions by drawing on Israel’s story (see 3:7–4:2).

Faith

6:2 baptisms Probably refers to ceremonial Jewish washings (see 9:10), not Christian baptism.

Baptism

laying on of hands Elsewhere in the nt, this gesture accompanies prayers of healing and blessing (Mark 5:23; Matt 19:13; Luke 13:13; Acts 28:8), designation to an office or task (Acts 6:6; 13:3; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6), and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17–19).

resurrection of the dead The Greek terminology here is plural, suggesting that this refers to the future resurrection of the many (see Dan 12:2 and note). Christ’s resurrection points ahead to the general resurrection (1 Cor 15:20).

eternal judgment God is the judge of all things (Isa 33:22). Refers to God’s final judgment of all of humanity, once Jesus returns.

6:3 if God permits Signifying reliance upon God (see 1 Cor 16:7; Jas 4:15); referring here to the assistance the audience will need to attain spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1).

6:4 been enlightened Evokes the exodus narrative, when the pillar of fire enlightened the way for the Israelites (Neh 9:12, 19; Psa 105:39). This entails experiencing God’s power, but not necessarily believing. Not all the wilderness generation believed; some later rebelled (e.g., Exod 16).

tasted Implies knowledge from experience. Jesus tasted death—He experienced it fully (Heb 2:9). Even after experiencing all that God has to offer, some people still choose to not follow Christ. They may participate in the faith community, but still walk away from faith.

heavenly gift Recalls the bread from heaven received by the exodus generation (Exod 16:4, 15; Neh 9:15; Psa 78:24). Even someone who experiences Christ directly can make the choice to not follow Him.

sharers of the Holy Spirit God’s Spirit guided the Israelites in the wilderness (Num 11:17, 25; Neh 9:20; Isa 63:11). Experiencing the Holy Spirit does not always lead to saving faith. In Acts 2:13, some of the people who witnessed the Spirit’s power among the apostles still chose to mock them. Someone can share with believers in the Spirit by witnessing its work, without knowing Christ.

6:5 good word of God Refers to the gospel message—which someone can hear without accepting it (e.g., Mark 4:1–20; Acts 15:7).

powers of the coming age Includes signs and wonders that accompany the outpouring of God’s Spirit (Heb 2:4). The coming age has burst into the present one, beginning with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (2 Cor 5:14–19). Many people who witnessed Jesus’ power didn’t follow Him; the same type of situation is likely in view here.

6:6 having fallen away The Greek verb used here, parapiptō, refers in this context to a strong stance against God epitomized by sinful behavior. This opposition to God’s will is a sign of disbelief in Christ.

renew them again to repentance It is impossible for humans to restore someone to a state of repentance, but God can still do so. Within the larger context, it seems that the author of Hebrews is arguing that those who have experienced the powerful things described in Heb 6:5, and then walked away, be left entirely to the work of God (vv. 8–9).

crucified again Those who reject Christ become like those in the Gospel accounts who publicly dishonored Him and put Him to death. Such people have rejected God’s truth—and thus are acting in league with forces that oppose Him. (A similar sentiment is expressed in 10:29). These people have been offered salvation once and for all and have instead chosen to act as if salvation comes at no cost—to act as if they could kill Jesus repeatedly, to achieve their own desires (compare 10:10–14).

held him up to contempt Jesus was shamed and scorned through public punishments; such contempt was associated with Jesus’ death (12:2–3; compare Num 25:4; Ezek 28:17).

6:7 blessing from God People who have experienced God’s goodness and shared in the Holy Spirit are transformed in ways that lead to good, godly works. Subsequently, they receive a blessing from God—both at present and in the future.

6:8 end is for burning In Hebrews, fire is associated with judgment—referring to the peril of God’s enemies (Heb 6:2; 10:27; 12:29).

6:9 better things Just like the good soil in v. 7, the author believes that his audience will be eternally blessed because they are following God. Compare 1:14 and note.

6:10 God is not unjust Throughout the ot, God is portrayed as just and faithful (Deut 32:4; Isa 45:21; Pss 11:7; 116:5; 145:17; Ezra 9:15; Neh 9:8).

Justice

6:11 demonstrate the same diligence The author fears that some in his audience might turn away (Heb 3:12), be hardened by sin (3:13), and fail to enter God’s rest (4:1, 11).

full assurance of your hope The Greek text here refers to complete confidence—in this case, confidence regarding God’s promises (Rom 4:21). Believers must trust in God and His Son (Heb 2:8–9) just as the wilderness generation was called to trust in God despite their circumstances.

until the end The end is either death or Jesus’ return. See note on 3:14.

6:12 imitators Chapter 11 provides a list of biblical exemplars that culminates in the call to focus on Jesus, the pioneer of faith (12:2).

those who inherit the promises Refers primarily to Abraham (Heb 6:13) and the company of the faithful in ch. 11.

6:13 God made a promise Refers specifically to Gen 22:16–17, as the citation in Heb 6:14 clarifies.

swore by himself At several points in the ot (in addition to Gen 22:16), God swears by Himself (Exod 32:13; Isa 45:23; Jer 22:5; 49:13). According to Heb 6:17–18, God’s intention is to affirm the reliability of His promises.

6:14 greatly multiply you This citation is from Gen 22:17.

6:15 by persevering Abraham fathered Isaac—the fulfillment of this promise—at an old age (Gen 21:5). Isaac’s birth represents trust in God to overcome all obstacles (Gen 15:2–6; 17:16–19).

6:16 oath Oaths served a legal function and involved calling upon someone to confirm the truthfulness of an assertion. In the ot, people take oaths in God’s name (Gen 31:53; Deut 6:13; 10:20). In the Graeco-Roman world, people swore oaths with reference to deities, kings, and emperors (as depicted in Cicero, Topica 20.77).

6:17 unchangeableness of his resolve In contrast to the fickle gods of pagan religions, God’s character is depicted as unchangeable (Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Isa 40:8).

guaranteed it See note on Heb 6:13.

6:18 two unchangeable things Refers to God’s promise and the oath that guarantees it.

impossible for God to lie God’s truthfulness is certain, unlike human claims to be honest (compare Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Psa 89:35). The author of Hebrews later reiterates this theme (Heb 10:23).

we who have taken refuge Refers to both author and audience—and by extension to all believers. The Greek verb used here, katapheugō, entails the idea of fleeing, especially from enemies (Acts 14:6; Psa 143:9; Isa 10:3). In this case, followers of Christ have fled from the powers of sin and the devil.

hope set before us The hope in Christ’s work as the forerunner on behalf of believers, allowing them access to God.

6:19 inside of the curtain Refers to the inner veil before the holy of holies (most holy place). See note on Heb 9:3.

6:20 Jesus, the forerunner for us, entered Jesus does first what others will do after Him (2:10; 12:2). His priestly actions allow believers to confidently draw near to God.

according to the order of Melchizedek See 7:1–10 and note.