Devine Scripture

Hebrews 6:4

What does Hebrews 6:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 6:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 6:4 means

Here begins the solemn description of those who have received remarkable spiritual privileges: they were “once enlightened,” having their minds illuminated by gospel truth; they “tasted of the heavenly gift,” sampling the goodness of God’s grace; and they were made “partakers of the Holy Spirit,” sharing in the Spirit’s operations among God’s people. These are not slight exposures, but weighty encounters with the realities of the new covenant community. The gravity lies in the contrast that will follow: to turn away after such light and participation is not a minor lapse. The more one has received, the more accountable one is before God for the response to such mercy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

As for those who at one time saw the light, tasting the good things from heaven, and having their part in the Holy Spirit,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for <FI>it is<Fi> impossible for those once enlightened, having tasted also of the heavenly gift, and partakers having became of the Holy Spirit,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For it is impossible for those who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For it is impossible to renew again to repentance those once enlightened, and who have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of [the] Holy Spirit,

Context

The author now details the profile of those in danger, continuing into verse 5. This list builds the case for the seriousness of apostasy: it is sinning against known goodness and experienced grace. Verse 6 will state the frightful consequence—impossibility of renewal—explaining why falling away after such privileges is so tragic. The subsequent illustration (verses 7–8) will make the logic vivid: under the same rain, land can either bear fruit or produce thorns, and its end differs accordingly. The warning aims to stir readers to sober self-examination and perseverance.

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

v.4This passage

v.5and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come,

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 12:45

    Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this evil generation.

  • Hebrews 12:15

    looking carefully lestthere beany man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled;

  • 2 Peter 2:20

    For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first.

  • Hebrews 2:4

    God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will.

  • James 1:17

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1

    If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.

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