Devine Scripture

Hebrews 6:2

What does Hebrews 6:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 6:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 6:2 means

He specifies examples of those elementary teachings: washings (“baptisms”), the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. These were well-known doctrines among Jewish and Christian communities—public identifications and blessings, and future realities that shape present life. They matter, but they are starting points. The call is to move from instruction about rites and last things to a deeper grasp of Christ’s person and work, and a life shaped by that grasp. Knowing what we’ve entered into, how God confers grace, and where history ends should propel believers to growth, not become topics that keep them circling the runway instead of taking flight.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on also of hands, of rising again also of the dead, and of judgment age-during,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

of [the] doctrine of washings, and of imposition of hands, and of resurrection of [the] dead, and of eternal judgment;

Context

Having said the foundation need not be re-laid, the writer names typical basics so readers recognize them. This is not a rejection of these truths, but a reordering of priorities toward maturity. Verse 3 will add a humble dependence—growth happens “if God permit.” Then the tone shifts dramatically in verses 4–6, where the peril of apostasy is described with stark language. Verses 7–8 illustrate the point with imagery of land and fruitfulness, showing why pressing on is urgent, not optional.

v.1Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

v.2This passage

v.3And this will we do, if God permit.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 6:6

    whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:2

    and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

  • Isaiah 26:19

    Thy dead shall live; my dead bodies shall arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast forth the dead.

  • Matthew 3:14

    But John would have hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:14

    For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

  • 2 Timothy 2:18

    men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.

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