What does Hebrews 6:3 mean?
What is the meaning of Hebrews 6:3?

And this

- The phrase reaches back to Hebrews 6:1–2, where the writer calls believers to “leave behind the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.”

- “This” points to two intertwined actions:

• The readers’ growth—moving beyond basic doctrines such as repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment (Hebrews 5:12–6:2).

• The writer’s plan to teach richer truths that will nourish mature faith.

- Other Scriptures echo the same call: 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 urges believers to move from “milk” to “solid food,” and Ephesians 4:13-15 highlights the goal of growing up “into Christ.”

- The verse signals that spiritual advancement is not optional; it is the normal trajectory for every follower of Jesus who has been “made holy once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).


we will do

- The expression is a confident commitment. The author is resolved to proceed with deeper instruction, and the readers are expected to receive and act on it.

- Growth is never passive:

James 1:22 calls us to be “doers of the word” rather than mere listeners.

Colossians 1:28-29 shows Paul “striving” to present everyone mature in Christ.

- The plural “we” binds teacher and learners together. Spiritual progress happens in community (Hebrews 10:24-25).

- It reminds us that while God provides the resources, we cooperate by exercising diligence, perseverance, and obedience (2 Peter 1:5-8).


if God permits

- These words inject humility. Even the most determined plans rest in God’s sovereign allowance.

- Scripture consistently anchors human intention in divine permission:

• “You ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:15).

• Paul often added “if God wills” to his travel and ministry plans (Acts 18:21; Romans 1:10).

Proverbs 16:9 notes, “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”

- Dependence on God does not weaken resolve; it keeps ambition aligned with His purpose. Philippians 2:13 affirms that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”

- Only the Spirit can produce genuine maturity (John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7), so the writer rightly submits all aspirations to the Father’s gracious enabling.


summary

Hebrews 6:3 balances determination with dependence. The writer pledges to lead believers into deeper understanding and practice—“And this we will do”—yet immediately bows to God’s sovereignty—“if God permits.” The verse encourages us to pursue spiritual maturity with wholehearted commitment while resting in the Lord’s power and permission. Growth is both our responsibility and His gift.

What is the significance of 'resurrection of the dead' in Hebrews 6:2 for Christian eschatology?
Top of Page
Top of Page