Devine Scripture

Hebrews 6:5

What does Hebrews 6:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 6:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 6:5 means

Further privileges are named: they “tasted the good word of God,” finding Scripture and gospel proclamation to be sweet and powerful, and they experienced “the powers of the age to come,” signs and workings that anticipate the final kingdom. The word “tasted” suggests a real encounter—enough to know its quality—without stating how deep or lasting the appropriation was. The emphasis remains on the dignity of what was experienced. To then spurn such goodness is to turn from light to darkness knowingly. The author is stacking terms to heighten the sense of responsibility; revelation and power were present, and therefore any subsequent rejection is grave indeed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

With knowledge of the good word of God, and of the powers of the coming time,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and did taste the good saying of God, the powers also of the coming age,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Have moreover tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and have tasted the good word ofGod, and [the] works of power of [the] age to come,

Context

This verse completes the picture begun in verse 4, emphasizing exposure to God’s word and mighty works. The stage is now set for verse 6, where the writer states the dreadful conclusion about those who still fall away after such experiences. Verses 7–8 will illustrate that point with agricultural imagery, showing outcomes under the same gracious rain. After this, verses 9–12 will shift to encouragement, assuring the readers that the author expects better things of them and urging diligent perseverance toward the fulfillment of hope.

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

v.5This passage

v.6and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Peter 2:3

    if ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious:

  • Matthew 13:20

    And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;

  • Mark 4:16

    And these in like manner are they that are sown upon the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, straightway receive it with joy;

  • Hebrews 2:5

    For not unto angels did he subject the world to come, whereof we speak.

  • Mark 6:20

    for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed; and he heard him gladly.

  • Luke 8:13

    And those on the rock are they who, when they have heard, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

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