Hebrews 6:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.

NIV: Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.

NASB: For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and produces vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God;

CSB: For the ground that drinks the rain that often falls on it and that produces vegetation useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God.

NLT: When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.

KJV: For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

NKJV: For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;

Verses 7 and 8 are crucial to understanding the correct interpretation of verses 4 through 6. Just as verses 1 through 3 introduced the need for Christians to move beyond shallow faith, verses 7 and 8 explain God's method for restoring those whose immaturity leads to a "falling away." The metaphor given here is a farmer's field, which either responds to rain by producing good crops, or by growing weeds and thorns. Productive fields are blessed. Weed-choked fields are not destroyed or discarded. Rather, they are burnt in order to clear all of those negative growths away.

Paired with the warnings of verses 4, 5, and 6, the meaning of this metaphor is more clearly understood. Christians whose faith is shallow, and who "fall away" into doubt and disobedience, are beyond the help of other men in coming back to a full faith (Hebrews 6:4–6). Such people are, in practice, siding with the world which crucified Christ. God's method, then, is the same as that of the farmer: fire. In Scripture, fire is a frequent symbol of divine judgment (Hebrews 10:26–29; Isaiah 10:17).

The ultimate example of this, as used in the book of Hebrews, is the nation of Israel. The Jewish people doubted God and disobeyed Him at the borders of the Promised Land. This resulted in severe judgment, after which the nation was finally able to move on (Numbers 13—14). This living example is a major theme explored in chapters 3 and 4 of this book (Hebrews 3:12–19; 4:11). This is the overall context of this passage. The purpose is not to imply a loss of salvation, but the danger of being "disqualified" and judged accordingly, before one can be restored (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Hebrews 6:4–8 is frequently cited by those who doubt the doctrine of eternal security, easily more so than any other passage in the New Testament. For that reason, it can be said these words are among the New Testament's most often misunderstood. Taken in context, this passage is a warning to Christians about the potential consequences of shallow, immature faith. Those who fall into doubt and disobedience cannot be ''restored,'' except by the fire of God's judgment. There is a natural flow in this part of Hebrews: from spiritual immaturity, to its consequences, to the confidence which ought to inspire our growth.

Chapter 6 expands on the dangers of a shallow, immature faith. Rather than attempting to re-explain the basics, the author intends to press on. According to this passage, shallow faith opens up the risks of doubt, discouragement, and disobedience. These lead to a situation where one's only hope for restoration is through judgment, much as Israel experienced for forty years in the wilderness. Since our hope is anchored in the proven, unchanging, perfect, absolute nature of God, we should be confident and patient, rather than fearful.

Chapter 6 completes a warning begun in the last verses of chapter 5. The author has deep points to make, but doubts that the readers are ready for them. Yet the only course of action is to press on: there is no time to re-establish the ABCs of the faith. Spiritual immaturity prevents growth, leading to doubt, discouragement, and eventually to judgment. Those who only scratch the surface of Christianity, then fall into disobedience, can't be restored to good standing until they've experienced some level of judgment. Rather than make that mistake, we should trust in the absolute promises of God, and the work of Christ, as we patiently pursue godly wisdom. Chapter 7 will resume the extensive discussion of Melchizedek's priesthood.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.