Devine Scripture

Hebrews 6:9

What does Hebrews 6:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 6:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 6:9 means

After the stern warning, the writer addresses his readers tenderly as “beloved” and expresses confidence in “better things” that accompany salvation. He distinguishes them from the apostate case just described. The phrase “though we thus speak” admits the sharpness of his warning while clarifying its purpose—to guard, not condemn. He sees evidence of true grace among them and expects fruit consistent with salvation, not merely with religious exposure. This encouragement prevents despair and fosters perseverance. Strong medicine is safest when accompanied by pastoral assurance: the writer believes God is at work in them, and he wants them to press on with hope rather than retreat in fear.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But, my loved ones, though we say this, we are certain that you have better things in you, things which go with salvation;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and we are persuaded, concerning you, beloved, the things that are better, and accompanying salvation, though even thus we speak,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But, my dearly beloved, we trust better things of you, and nearer to salvation; though we speak thus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But we are persuaded concerning you, beloved, better things, and connected with salvation, even if we speak thus.

Context

Here the tone brightens. Having warned of the danger (verses 4–8), the author reassures his readers that he expects a different outcome for them. Verse 10 will provide a concrete basis for this confidence: God’s remembrance of their loving ministry to fellow believers. Verses 11–12 will then call them to continue in diligence and imitate those who inherit the promises. This sets up the final section (verses 13–20), which grounds their hope in God’s oath to Abraham and in Jesus’ high-priestly work, showing that assurance rests on God’s character.

v.8but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned.

v.9This passage

v.10for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 5:3

    Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

  • Hebrews 5:9

    and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;

  • 2 Corinthians 7:10

    For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

  • Titus 2:11

    For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

  • Hebrews 2:3

    how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard;

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