Devine Scripture

Hebrews 6:8

What does Hebrews 6:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 6:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 6:8 means

By contrast, land that bears “thorns and thistles” after soaking the same rain is “rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned.” Persistent barrenness—or worse, harmful growth—under patient cultivation invites judgment. The burning likely evokes the farmer’s practice of clearing useless growth, signaling that failure to respond rightly to grace leads to loss and condemnation. The phrase “nigh unto a curse” underscores the imminence and seriousness of the outcome. The moral is clear: exposure to God’s gifts without corresponding fruit is not neutral; it trends toward ruin. The warning aims to awaken, not to crush, calling readers to yield a crop fitting the rain received.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if it sends up thorns and evil plants, it is of no use and is ready to be cursed; its only end is to be burned.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and that which is bearing thorns and briers <FI>is<Fi> disapproved of, and nigh to cursing, whose end <FI>is<Fi> for burning;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But that which bringeth forth thorns and briers is reprobate and very near unto a curse: whose end is to be burnt.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but bringing forth thorns and briars, it is found worthless and nigh to a curse, whose end [is] to be burned.

Context

This completes the analogy begun in verse 7, showing the negative end of unfruitfulness. With the warning vividly pictured, the author will now temper his tone in verse 9 by affirming confidence in his audience’s better state—things that “accompany salvation.” Verses 10–12 will encourage ongoing service, diligence, and imitation of the faithful. Then, to strengthen assurance, verses 13–20 will point to God’s unchangeable promise and oath, demonstrating that the hope set before believers is anchored in God’s own character and in Jesus’ priestly entry into God’s presence.

v.7For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God:

v.8This passage

v.9But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak:

Cross references

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

  • Job 31:40

    Let thistles grow instead of wheat, And cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.

  • Genesis 5:29

    and he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, which cometh because of the ground which Jehovah hath cursed.

  • Matthew 25:41

    Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:

  • Hebrews 12:17

    For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought it diligently with tears.

  • Deuteronomy 29:28

    and Jehovah rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as at this day.

  • Jeremiah 17:6

    For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land and not inhabited.

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