Devine Scripture

Hebrews 6:3

What does Hebrews 6:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 6:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 6:3 means

“And this will we do, if God permit” acknowledges that spiritual growth is a gift as well as a duty. The writer intends to press on with his readers, but humbly confesses that progress depends on God’s enabling and timing. Even the move from basic instruction to maturity lies under divine sovereignty. This brief sentence keeps ambition from presumption: we plan, teach, and persevere, yet we know we are upheld by God, who opens hearts and grants increase. The line also subtly prepares the reader for the serious warning that follows; the possibility of hardening hearts shows why permission from God—his gracious aid—is necessary for true advancement.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And this will we do, if God permit.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And this will we do, if God permit.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And this will we do, if God permit.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now we will do this, if God lets us.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and this we will do, if God may permit,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And this will we do, if God permit.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and this will we do ifGod permit.

Context

This verse concludes the initial exhortation by placing advancement under God’s permission. The transition matters: the writer has called for maturity (verses 1–2), but now reminds readers that growth is God’s work. What follows (verses 4–6) describes a case where renewal is impossible—heightening the sense that spiritual progress cannot be presumed or engineered. Verses 7–8 will picture this with fruitful and barren land. After sounding the alarm, the author will pivot in verses 9–12 to encouragement and example, and in verses 13–20 to God’s oath-grounded faithfulness.

v.2of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

v.3This passage

v.4For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 16:7

    For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

  • Acts 18:21

    but taking his leave of them, and saying, I will return again unto you if God will, he set sail from Ephesus.

  • Romans 15:32

    that I may come unto you in joy through the will of God, and together with you find rest.

  • James 4:15

    For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:19

    But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power.

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