Hebrews 11:6
What does Hebrews 11:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 11:6 means
Faith is indispensable to pleasing God. Anyone who approaches him must first be convinced that God exists and then trust that he rewards those who seek him. This is not bargaining with God but recognizing his generous character and coming to him accordingly. Faith draws near because it believes God will be faithful to his word. Without such confidence, religious activity is empty. This verse states the fundamental posture of true piety: believing in the reality and goodness of God, and pursuing him with expectancy that he will respond with grace and reward.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And without faith it is not possible to be well-pleasing to him, for it is necessary for anyone who comes to God to have the belief that God is, and that he is a rewarder of all those who make a serious search for him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and apart from faith it is impossible to please well, for it behoveth him who is coming to God to believe that He is, and to those seeking Him He becometh a rewarder.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is: and is a rewarder to them that seek him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]. For he that draws near toGod must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them who seek him out.
Context
After specific examples (Abel and Enoch), the writer lays down a universal principle explaining why those lives found God’s favor. This general axiom applies to every person named in the chapter. It also prepares for Noah’s story, where unseen warning and promised deliverance required trust in God’s word. By framing faith as both belief in God’s being and in his benevolent reward, the author roots perseverance in God’s character.
v.5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God:
v.6This passage
v.7By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 11:18
The wicked earneth deceitful wages; But he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.
- Matthew 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.
- Psalms 105:3
Glory ye in his holy name: Let the heart of them rejoice that seek Jehovah.
- Proverbs 8:17
I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me.
- Hebrews 4:2
For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard.
- Numbers 14:11
And Jehovah said unto Moses, How long will this people despise me? and how long will they not believe in me, for all the signs which I have wrought among them?
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