King James Version
Hebrews 6
20 verses with commentary
Press On to Maturity
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, principles: or, word of the beginning of
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The call to 'go on to maturity' (Greek 'phero epi tēn teleiotēta') doesn't mean abandoning basics but building on them. The foundation includes 'repentance from dead works' (works that don't produce life) and 'faith toward God' - the two fundamental responses to the gospel. Reformed theology sees these as inseparable: true repentance flows from faith, and true faith produces repentance. These aren...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**VI.**
(1) **Therefore.**—Since “for the time ye ought to be teachers,” but have so perilously sunk down into the lower state of Christian knowledge and experience.
**The principles of the doctrine.**—Rather, *the doctrine of the first principles.* The margin gives the literal meaning of the Greek, *the word of the beginning.* Comp. Hebrews 5:12, “the rudiments of the first principles of the orac...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. among--**Greek, "through," that is, with the attestation (literally, "intervention") of many witnesses, namely, the presbyters and others present at his ordination or consecration (1Ti 4:14; 6:12).
**commit--**in trust, as a deposit (2Ti 1:14).
**faithful--**the quality most needed by those having a trust committed to them.
**who--**Greek, "(persons) such as shall be competent to teach ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The duty of Christians towards believing, as well as other masters.(1-5)
The advantage of godliness with contentment.(6-10)
A solemn charge to Timothy to be faithful.(11-16)
The apostle repeats his warning to the rich, and closes with a blessing.(17-21)
**Verses 1-5**
Christians were not to suppose that religious knowledge, or Christian privilege...
Read full commentary →Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Additional foundational elements include 'doctrine of baptisms' (likely contrasting Christian baptism with Jewish washings), 'laying on of hands' (imparting blessing/Spirit, ordination), 'resurrection of the dead,' and 'eternal judgment.' These form basic Christian theology. Reformed theology affirms physical resurrection and conscious eternal judgment (both blessing and curse). These doctrines sh...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Of the doctrine of baptisms.**—The meaning of these words has been much controverted. The order of the Greek has been thought to require the rendering *baptisms of doctrine* (or, *teaching*)*;* and it has been believed that the writer in this manner seeks to characterise Christian baptism as contrasted with the Jewish lustrations. Matthew 28:19, “baptising them . . . teaching them,” is often...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. Thou therefore endure hardness--**The oldest manuscripts have no "Thou therefore," and read, "Endure hardship with (me)." "Take thy share in suffering" [Conybeare and Howson].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The duty of Christians towards believing, as well as other masters.(1-5)
The advantage of godliness with contentment.(6-10)
A solemn charge to Timothy to be faithful.(11-16)
The apostle repeats his warning to the rich, and closes with a blessing.(17-21)
**Verses 1-5**
Christians were not to suppose that religious knowledge, or Christian privilege...
Read full commentary →And this will we do, if God permit.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The resolution: 'this we will do, if God permits' shows proper recognition of divine sovereignty even in spiritual progress. Human effort and divine enablement both feature - we must press on, yet only God makes growth possible. Reformed theology avoids both passivity (waiting for God to act apart from means) and self-sufficiency (progressing by mere human effort). Growth requires Spirit-empowered...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **And this will we do, if God permit.**—There may be some with whom it will be impossible for him thus to press on to maturity of teaching and of Christian experience. There is a case excepted by God Himself from all efforts of the Christian teacher; in this case, though nothing can avail except the laying of a new foundation of repentance, God has appointed no agencies by which such foundatio...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4. "No one while serving as a soldier."
**the affairs of (this) life--**"the businesses of life" [Alford]; mercantile, or other than military.
**him who hath chosen him--**the general who at the first enlisted him as a soldier. Paul himself worked at tent-making (Ac 18:3). Therefore what is prohibited here is, not all other save religious occupation, but the becoming entangled, or over-engross...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The duty of Christians towards believing, as well as other masters.(1-5)
The advantage of godliness with contentment.(6-10)
A solemn charge to Timothy to be faithful.(11-16)
The apostle repeats his warning to the rich, and closes with a blessing.(17-21)
**Verses 1-5**
Christians were not to suppose that religious knowledge, or Christian privilege...
Read full commentary →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,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This begins the most sobering warning passage in Hebrews. 'Once enlightened' (Greek 'hapax photisthentas') refers to initial gospel illumination. 'Tasted of the heavenly gift' and 'partakers of the Holy Ghost' describe genuine experiences of gospel blessing and the Spirit's work. 'Tasted the good word of God' and 'powers of the world to come' indicate exposure to supernatural realities. The descri...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **For it is impossible for those . . .**—The connection of thought has been already explained (Hebrews 6:3); the general meaning will be examined below (Hebrews 6:6). It will be seen that the greater part of this long sentence is dependent on the word “renew” in Hebrews 6:6, “It is impossible to renew again unto repentance those who were once,” &c.
**Those who were once enlightened.**—This met...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. And--**"Moreover."
**strive for masteries--**"strive in the games" [Alford]; namely, the great national games of Greece.
**yet is he not crowned, except--**even though he gain the victory.
**strive lawfully--**observing all the conditions of both the contest (keeping within the bounds of the course and stript of his clothes) and the preparation for it, namely, as to self-denying diet, a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The duty of Christians towards believing, as well as other masters.(1-5)
The advantage of godliness with contentment.(6-10)
A solemn charge to Timothy to be faithful.(11-16)
The apostle repeats his warning to the rich, and closes with a blessing.(17-21)
**Verses 1-5**
Christians were not to suppose that religious knowledge, or Christian privilege...
Read full commentary →And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The continuation of verse 4's description adds 'tasted the good word of God' (Greek 'rhema theou'—the spoken word) and 'powers of the world to come' (miracles and gifts characteristic of the messianic age). These individuals had extensive exposure to Christianity's realities without exercising saving faith. Tasting without swallowing pictures proximity without possession.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Tasted the good word of God.**—There is a change of construction in the Greek which suggests that the words rather mean, *tasted that God’s word is goody*—tasted the excellence of God’s word, and of the powers, &c. God’s word was “spoken through the Lord” (Hebrews 2:3); the Hebrew Christians had heard and received this word, and had proved for themselves its excellence. (Comp. 1Peter 2:3.)
*...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. must be first partaker--**The right of first partaking of the fruits belongs to him who is laboring; do not thou, therefore, relax thy labors, as thou wouldest be foremost in partaking of the reward. Conybeare explains "first," before the idler.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The duty of Christians towards believing, as well as other masters.(1-5)
The advantage of godliness with contentment.(6-10)
A solemn charge to Timothy to be faithful.(11-16)
The apostle repeats his warning to the rich, and closes with a blessing.(17-21)
**Verses 1-5**
Christians were not to suppose that religious knowledge, or Christian privilege...
Read full commentary →If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The conditional 'if they shall fall away' describes apostasy—complete, final rejection of Christ after such privileges. 'Impossible to renew them again unto repentance' is not because God lacks power but because they 'crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh' and 'put him to an open shame.' By deliberately rejecting Christ after such light, they declare Him worthy of crucifixion, leaving no oth...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **If they shall fall away.**—Rather, *and* (*then*) *fell away.* There is no doubt that the ordinary translation is altogether incorrect, the Greek admitting of one rendering only. At the same time, the suspicion sometimes expressed that this is one of the (very few) instances in which our translators have been misled by dogmatic bias seems altogether unfounded. On tracing back the translation...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7. Consider the force of the illustrations I have given from the soldier, the contender in the games, and the husbandmen, as applying to thyself in thy ministry.
**and the Lord give, &c.--**The oldest manuscripts read, "for the Lord will give thee understanding." Thou canst understand my meaning so as personally to apply it to thyself; for the Lord will give thee understanding when thou seek...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, of courage and resolution, to meet difficulties and dangers; the spirit of love to him, which will carry us through opposition. And the spirit of a sound mind, quietness of mind. The Holy Spirit is not the author of a timid or cowardly disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear afflictions well, when...
Read full commentary →For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: by: or, for
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
An agricultural metaphor: land receiving rain and producing useful crops 'receives blessing from God.' The rain represents God's gracious provision (gospel preaching, Spirit's work), and the expected response is fruitfulness. Reformed theology sees good works as evidence of true conversion, not its cause. The passive 'receives blessing' indicates God's sovereign distribution of favor, yet the land...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **For the earth.**—Rather, *For land which has drunk in.* Land which not only receives but also drinks in abundance of rain (Deuteronomy 11:11), in such a climate as is here thought of, must either “bring forth herbage” or be condemned as irretrievably barren.
**By whom it is dressed.**—Rather, *for whom it is also tilled.* This clause is added to show that nothing is wanting on the part of th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. Rather as Greek, "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead." Remember Christ risen, so as to follow Him. As He was raised after death, so if thou wouldest share His risen "life," thou must now share His "death" (2Ti 2:11). The Greek perfect passive participle, implies a permanent character acquired by Jesus as the risen Saviour, and our permanent interest in Him as such. Christ's resurrectio...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, of courage and resolution, to meet difficulties and dangers; the spirit of love to him, which will carry us through opposition. And the spirit of a sound mind, quietness of mind. The Holy Spirit is not the author of a timid or cowardly disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear afflictions well, when...
Read full commentary →But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Conversely, land producing 'thorns and briers is rejected and near to being cursed,' ending in burning. This echoes Genesis 3:18 (curse) and Jesus's teaching (Matthew 13:22). The phrase 'near to being cursed' may suggest not final damnation but serious danger. However, Reformed theology sees persistent barrenness as evidence of non-regeneration. True believers will produce fruit, though imperfectl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **But that which beareth.**—Rather, *But if it bear thorns and briars it is rejected.* We are told that the presence of briars (*i.e., *caltrops) is a sure evidence of a poor soil, on which labour will be wasted. The words are partially a quotation from Genesis 3:18. The change of translation here is important; if that very land, which has drunk in the abundant rain and has received careful cu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Wherein--**in proclaiming which Gospel.
**suffer trouble--**literally, "evil." I am a sufferer of evil as though I were a doer of evil.
**bonds--**(2Ti 1:16).
**word ... not bound--**Though my person is bound, my tongue and my pen are not (2Ti 4:17; Ac 28:31). Or he alludes not merely to his own proclamation of the Gospel, though in chains, but to the freedom of its circulation by other...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, of courage and resolution, to meet difficulties and dangers; the spirit of love to him, which will carry us through opposition. And the spirit of a sound mind, quietness of mind. The Holy Spirit is not the author of a timid or cowardly disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear afflictions well, when...
Read full commentary →The Certainty of God's Promise
But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Despite stern warning, the author expresses confidence: 'we are persuaded better things of you, beloved, things that accompany salvation.' The 'better things' are the fruits mentioned in verses 10ff. This reveals pastoral wisdom - warn seriously, yet encourage believers. Reformed theology affirms that true conversion will evidence itself in love and service, though imperfectly. The author believes...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Better things.**—Literally, *the better things;* that is, the alternative spoken of in Hebrews 6:7. He has not written in despair, but for warning only; believing that to them belongs, not the state which is “nigh unto a curse,” but that which borders on salvation (Hebrews 5:9).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Therefore--**Because of the anxiety I feel that the Gospel should be extended; that anxiety being implied in 2Ti 2:9.
**endure--**not merely "I passively suffer," but "I actively and perseveringly endure," and "am ready to endure patiently all things."
**the elect's sakes--**for the sake of the Church: all the members of Christ's spiritual body (Col 1:24).
**they ... also--**as well as...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, of courage and resolution, to meet difficulties and dangers; the spirit of love to him, which will carry us through opposition. And the spirit of a sound mind, quietness of mind. The Holy Spirit is not the author of a timid or cowardly disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear afflictions well, when...
Read full commentary →For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
After the severe warning, comfort follows. 'God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love' assures believers that genuine faith produces observable fruit that God notices. Works done 'toward his name' in serving the saints demonstrate authentic love for God. God's righteousness guarantees He will reward faithful service. This verse distinguishes true believers (who serve) from fals...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) In expressing the ground of his hope he does not directly say, “For I have heard of your fruitfulness;” he implies this, and then, in accordance with the parable of Hebrews 6:7, he declares that God will surely bestow the promised reward. Herein lies his hope. Man’s work cannot in itself merit reward from God, but (1John 1:9) the righteous God cannot neglect His own promise and law that such ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11. Greek, "Faithful is the saying."
**For--**"For" the fact is so that, "if we be dead with Him (the Greek aorist tense implies a state once for all entered into in past times at the moment of regeneration, Ro 6:3, 4, 8; Col 2:12), we shall also live with Him." The symmetrical form of "the saying," 2Ti 2:11-13, and the rhythmical balance of the parallel clauses, makes it likely, they formed par...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, of courage and resolution, to meet difficulties and dangers; the spirit of love to him, which will carry us through opposition. And the spirit of a sound mind, quietness of mind. The Holy Spirit is not the author of a timid or cowardly disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear afflictions well, when...
Read full commentary →And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'We desire' expresses pastoral concern that each believer show 'the same diligence' not just initially but 'to the full assurance of hope unto the end.' 'Full assurance' (Greek 'plerophoria') means complete confidence and certainty. Enduring hope evidences genuine faith. The contrast is between initial enthusiasm and long-term perseverance—the latter demonstrates reality.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Full assurance.**—Rather, *fulness* (full productiveness) *of hope* (Hebrews 10:22). His desire is that the zeal which they have manifested in works of love may be directed toward the attainment of the full harvest of Christian hope—may be shown until the very end (Hebrews 3:6; Hebrews 3:14).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. suffer--**rather, as the Greek is the same as in 2Ti 2:10, "If we endure (with Him)" (Ro 8:17).
**reign with him--**The peculiar privilege of the elect Church now suffering with Christ, then to reign with Him (see on 1Co 6:2). Reigning is something more than mere salvation (Ro 5:17; Re 3:21; 5:10; 20:4, 5).
**deny--**with the mouth. As "believe" with the heart follows, 2Ti 2:12. Compare ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, of courage and resolution, to meet difficulties and dangers; the spirit of love to him, which will carry us through opposition. And the spirit of a sound mind, quietness of mind. The Holy Spirit is not the author of a timid or cowardly disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear afflictions well, when...
Read full commentary →That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'Be not slothful' repeats the warning against spiritual laziness. Instead, 'be followers of them' (Greek 'mimetai'—imitators) of faithful examples. The dual virtues 'faith and patience' characterize those who inherit promises—believing God's word and waiting for His timing. The examples of faithful believers (detailed in chapter 11) demonstrate that promises often come through long perseverance.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **That ye be not slothful.**—Rather, *that ye become not sluggish.* The same word is used as in Hebrews 5:11, there applied to apprehension of truth, here to the Christian hope and life; if the truth be not welcomed, there will be no vigour in the life.
**Followers.**—Better, *imitators.* (Comp. Hebrews 13:7; 1Corinthians 11:1, *et al.*)*.* They are not the first to whom “hope” has been given...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. believe not--**"If we are unbelievers (literally, 'unfaithful'), He remains faithful" (De 7:9, 10). The oldest manuscripts read, "For He cannot (it is an impossibility that He should) deny Himself." He cannot be unfaithful to His word that He will deny those who deny Him, though we be not faithful to our profession of faith in Him (Ro 3:3). Three things are impossible to God, to die, to lie,...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, of courage and resolution, to meet difficulties and dangers; the spirit of love to him, which will carry us through opposition. And the spirit of a sound mind, quietness of mind. The Holy Spirit is not the author of a timid or cowardly disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear afflictions well, when...
Read full commentary →For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God's promise to Abraham was confirmed by oath. Since 'He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself.' This emphasizes divine self-sufficiency and the absolute reliability of God's promises. Reformed theology grounds assurance in God's oath-bound covenant promises. God's character guarantees His word - He cannot lie or change. This divine oath-taking condescends to human weakness, providin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) The connection seems to be this: “You, like them, have promises—promises to which God has given all possible certainty; you, like them, can attain the fulfilment only through faith and patient waiting.”
**For when God made promise.**—It is better to follow the words literally, *For when to Abraham God had made promise.* Abraham is chosen for special mention as the most illustrious example of ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. them--**those over whom thou dost preside (Tit 3:1).
**charging--**Greek, "testifying continually": "adjuring them."
**before the Lord--**(1Ti 5:21).
**that they strive not about words--**rather, "strive with words": "not to have a (mere) war of words" (2Ti 2:23, 24; 1Ti 6:4) where the most vital matters are at stake (2Ti 2:17, 18; Ac 18:15). The oldest manuscripts put a stop at "charg...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, of courage and resolution, to meet difficulties and dangers; the spirit of love to him, which will carry us through opposition. And the spirit of a sound mind, quietness of mind. The Holy Spirit is not the author of a timid or cowardly disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear afflictions well, when...
Read full commentary →Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Quoting Genesis 22:17, the double emphasis 'blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you' uses Hebrew infinitive absolute for emphasis (doubling the verb). This promise includes both spiritual blessing (justification, adoption) and numerical multiplication (countless spiritual descendants through Christ). Reformed covenant theology sees all believers as Abraham's true children (G...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Saying.**—The words of the oath itself, “By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord” (Genesis 22:16), are not repeated, because they are almost identical with the writer’s own words introducing the citation (Hebrews 6:13). It will be observed that one change is made—in the last word; for in Genesis we read, “I will multiply *thy seed.*” The alteration may be made for brevity, as the quotation i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. Study--**Greek, "Be earnest," or "diligent."
**to show--**Greek, "present," as in Ro 12:1.
**thyself--**as distinguished from those whom Timothy was to charge (2Ti 2:14).
**approved--**tested by trial: opposed to "reprobate" (Tit 1:16).
**workman--**alluding to Mt 20:1, &c.
**not to be ashamed--**by his work not being "approved" (Php 1:20). Contrast "deceitful workers" (2Co 11:...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-14**
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, of courage and resolution, to meet difficulties and dangers; the spirit of love to him, which will carry us through opposition. And the spirit of a sound mind, quietness of mind. The Holy Spirit is not the author of a timid or cowardly disposition, or of slavish fears. We are likely to bear afflictions well, when...
Read full commentary →And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
After patient endurance ('makrothumēsas' - long-suffering), Abraham 'obtained the promise.' This illustrates the Reformed doctrine of perseverance - true faith endures to receive the promised inheritance. Abraham waited 25 years from promise to Isaac's birth, demonstrating that God's timetable differs from ours. Faith means trusting God's promise even through long delay.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **And so, after he had patiently endured.**—Better, *and thus* (thus being in possession of the promise and the oath of God), *having patiently waited* (Hebrews 6:12) *he obtained the promise*—the promised gift. Though some portions of the promise received a partial accomplishment during Abraham’s life, it is not this that the writer has in view. (See Hebrews 6:12, and Hebrews 11:13.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. shun--**literally, "stand above," separate from, and superior to.
**vain--**opposed to "the truth" (2Ti 2:15).
**babblings--**with loud voice: opposed to the temperate "word" (Tit 3:9).
**increase--**Greek, advance"; literally, "strike forward": an image from pioneers cutting away all obstacles before an advancing army. They pretend progress; the only kind of progress they make is to a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
The apostle mentions the constancy of Onesiphorus; he oft refreshed him with his letters, and counsels, and comforts, and was not ashamed of him. A good man will seek to do good. The day of death and judgment is an awful day. And if we would have mercy then, we must seek for it now of the Lord. The best we can ask, for ourselves or our friends, is, that the Lord will grant tha...
Read full commentary →For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Human oaths invoke 'someone greater' as witness and judge, ending disputes. The Greek 'antilōgia' (dispute/contradiction) shows an oath's settling function. This establishes the principle: oaths by a superior authority provide assurance. God, having no superior, swears by Himself (6:13), providing ultimate certainty. Reformed theology sees covenant oaths as God's gracious accommodation to human ne...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **And an oath for confirmation.**—Rather, *and of every dispute in their case the oath is an end* (is final) *to settle the matter.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. will eat--**literally, "will have pasture." The consuming progress of mortification is the image. They pretend to give rich spiritual pasture to their disciples: the only pasture is that of a spiritual cancer feeding on their vitals.
**canker--**a "cancer" or "gangrene."
**Hymenaeus--**(See on 1Ti 1:20). After his excommunication he seems to have been readmitted into the Church and again...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
The apostle mentions the constancy of Onesiphorus; he oft refreshed him with his letters, and counsels, and comforts, and was not ashamed of him. A good man will seek to do good. The day of death and judgment is an awful day. And if we would have mercy then, we must seek for it now of the Lord. The best we can ask, for ourselves or our friends, is, that the Lord will grant tha...
Read full commentary →Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: confirmed: Gr. interposed himself by
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God 'interposed with an oath' (Greek 'emesiteusen' - mediated with an oath) to show the 'unchangeableness of His counsel' to the 'heirs of promise.' God's purpose ('boulē') is immutable - He doesn't change His mind (Numbers 23:19). The oath adds nothing to God's truthfulness but accommodates human weakness. Reformed theology sees this as demonstrating God's condescension and the security of electi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Wherein.**—Since this is the case.
**Of promise.**—Rather, *of the promise.* The promise made to Abraham was substantially and really (see Hebrews 6:13) that which embraced all Messianic hope; of this promise not Abraham’s sons only, but all “they which are of faith” (Galatians 3:7; Galatians 3:29), Abraham’s spiritual seed, are the heirs. In an Epistle so distinctly Pauline there can be no...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. erred--**Greek, "missed the aim" (see 1Ti 6:21).
**is past already--**has already taken place. The beginnings of the subsequent Gnostic heresy already existed. They "wrested" (2Pe 3:16) Paul's own words (Ro 6:4; Ep 2:6; Col 2:12) "to their own destruction," as though the resurrection was merely the spiritual raising of souls from the death of sin. Compare 1Co 15:12, where he shows all our ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
The apostle mentions the constancy of Onesiphorus; he oft refreshed him with his letters, and counsels, and comforts, and was not ashamed of him. A good man will seek to do good. The day of death and judgment is an awful day. And if we would have mercy then, we must seek for it now of the Lord. The best we can ask, for ourselves or our friends, is, that the Lord will grant tha...
Read full commentary →That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Two 'immutable things' (God's promise and oath) in which 'it is impossible for God to lie' provide 'strong consolation' (Greek 'ischura paraklēsis' - powerful encouragement). God's inability to lie stems from His nature, not external constraint. Those who 'have fled for refuge' (Greek 'kataphugontes' - seeking asylum) to Christ find unshakeable hope. Reformed theology anchors assurance in God's ch...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Two immutable things.**—The promise and the oath.
**Consolation.**—Rather, *encouragement.* For us, rather than for Abraham alone, was the encouragement designed; for us, who (as men in danger of their lives flee to the sanctuary) “fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” in the promise. Up to this point we read of what God has done; here of what must be done by man. The *la...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. Nevertheless--**Notwithstanding the subversion of their faith, "the firm foundation of God standeth" fast (so the Greek ought to be translated). The "foundation" here is "the Church" [Alford], "the ground" or basement support "of the truth" (1Ti 3:15), Christ Himself being the ultimate "foundation" (1Co 3:11). In the steadfast standing of the Church there is involved the steadfast certainty ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-18**
The apostle mentions the constancy of Onesiphorus; he oft refreshed him with his letters, and counsels, and comforts, and was not ashamed of him. A good man will seek to do good. The day of death and judgment is an awful day. And if we would have mercy then, we must seek for it now of the Lord. The best we can ask, for ourselves or our friends, is, that the Lord will grant tha...
Read full commentary →Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'Hope as an anchor of the soul' provides a striking metaphor—hope in God's promises stabilizes the believer like an anchor stabilizes a ship in storms. This hope is 'both sure and stedfast' (Greek 'asphales te kai bebaian'—secure and firm). The hope enters 'within the veil' into the Holy of Holies where Christ our forerunner has entered. What was once forbidden territory is now accessible through ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul.**—A beautiful image, introduced for a moment only to set forth the security of the soul, though tossed by the waves of trouble. This symbol of hope, so familiar to us in Christian art, is not mentioned in the Old Testament, but is found in Greek proverbial sayings, and (it is said) appears on ancient coins.
**Both sure and stedfast.**—These words...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. in a great house--**that is, the visible professing Christian Church (1Ti 3:15). Paul is speaking, not of those without, but of the [visible] family of God [Calvin]. So the parable of the sweep-net (Mt 13:47-49) gathering together of every kind, good and bad: as the good and bad cannot be distinguished while under the waves, but only when brought to shore, so believers and unbelievers contin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-21**
Being rich in this world is wholly different from being rich towards God. Nothing is more uncertain than worldly wealth. Those who are rich, must see that God gives them their riches; and he only can give to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them. What is the best estate worth, more than as it gives opportunity of doing t...
Read full commentary →Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
'Whither the forerunner is for us entered' identifies Christ as the 'prodromos' (forerunner, scout)—one who goes ahead to prepare the way. He entered 'even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.' The repetition of this phrase (from 5:6, 10) prepares for chapter 7's full explanation. Christ's entry guarantees our eventual entry; His presence there secures our hope.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Whither the forerunner.**—Rather, *Whither, as forerunner, Jesus entered for us, having become High Priest after the order of Melchizedek for ever.* The Jewish high priest entered the Holiest Place by himself—a representative but not a leader. Jesus has entered the true sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24) that He may give His people entrance there (Hebrews 10:19; John 14:2-3). With this renewed mentio...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. If a man ... purge himself from these--**The Greek expresses "If one (for example, thou, Timothy) purify himself (so as to separate) from among these" (vessels unto dishonor).
**sanctified--**set apart as wholly consecrated to the Lord.
**and meet--**Some oldest manuscripts omit "and."
**the master's--**the Lord's. Paul himself was such a vessel: once one among those of earth, but afte...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 17-21**
Being rich in this world is wholly different from being rich towards God. Nothing is more uncertain than worldly wealth. Those who are rich, must see that God gives them their riches; and he only can give to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them. What is the best estate worth, more than as it gives opportunity of doing t...
Read full commentary →