King James Version

What Does Hebrews 6:1 Mean?

Hebrews 6:1 in the King James Version says “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundatio...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Hebrews 6:1 · King James Version

Faith

Context

1

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

2

Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

3

And this will we do, if God permit.

Read Hebrews 6 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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't earning merit but responding to grace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These basics likely formed the core of early Christian catechesis. The author assumes readers have been taught these fundamentals and should now advance to deeper understanding of Christ's priesthood and the New Covenant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do repentance and faith continue throughout the Christian life, not just at conversion?
  2. What 'dead works' might you still rely on instead of resting in Christ's finished work?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Διὸ1 of 24

“Therefore”

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

ἀφέντες2 of 24

“leaving”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τὸν3 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῆς4 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχῆς5 of 24

“the principles”

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

τοῦ6 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστοῦ7 of 24

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

λόγον8 of 24

“of the doctrine”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἐπὶ9 of 24

“toward”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν10 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τελειότητα11 of 24

“perfection”

G5047

(the state) completeness (mentally or morally)

φερώμεθα12 of 24

“let us go on”

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

μὴ13 of 24

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πάλιν14 of 24

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

θεμέλιον15 of 24

“the foundation”

G2310

something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)

καταβαλλόμενοι16 of 24

“laying”

G2598

to throw down

μετανοίας17 of 24

“of repentance”

G3341

(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)

ἀπὸ18 of 24

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

νεκρῶν19 of 24

“dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἔργων20 of 24

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

καὶ21 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πίστεως22 of 24

“of faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἐπὶ23 of 24

“toward”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

θεόν24 of 24

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 6:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 5:12-142 Corinthians 7:1Hebrews 9:14Philippians 3:12-15Hebrews 12:13Acts 26:20

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