King James Version

What Does Hebrews 6:7 Mean?

Hebrews 6:7 in the King James Version says “For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is d... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 6:7 · KJV


Context

5

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

6

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.

7

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

8

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

9

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


Commentary

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's productivity is essential.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Agricultural metaphors were common in Jewish wisdom literature. Jesus used similar imagery (Matthew 13, John 15), which would be familiar to the readers. Rain blessing good soil was a sign of covenant faithfulness in Deuteronomy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'fruit' should result from receiving the 'rain' of gospel truth and the Spirit's work?
  2. How does this metaphor challenge the idea that professing faith without transformation is genuine?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
γῆ1 of 24

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

γὰρ2 of 24

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τοῦ3 of 24

which

G3588

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

πιοῦσα4 of 24

drinketh

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ5 of 24

which

G3588

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

ἐπ'6 of 24

upon

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

αὐτῆς7 of 24

it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πολλάκις8 of 24

oft

G4178

many times, i.e., frequently

ἐρχόμενον9 of 24

that cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ὑετόν10 of 24

in the rain

G5205

rain, especially a shower

καὶ11 of 24

and

G2532

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

τίκτουσα12 of 24

bringeth forth

G5088

to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively

βοτάνην13 of 24

herbs

G1008

herbage (as if for grazing)

εὔθετον14 of 24

meet

G2111

well placed, i.e., (figuratively) appropriate

ἐκείνοις15 of 24

for them

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

δι'16 of 24

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

οὓς17 of 24

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ18 of 24

and

G2532

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

γεωργεῖται19 of 24

it is dressed

G1090

to till (the soil)

μεταλαμβάνει20 of 24

receiveth

G3335

to participate; genitive case, to accept (and use)

εὐλογίας21 of 24

blessing

G2129

fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr

ἀπὸ22 of 24

from

G575

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

τοῦ23 of 24

which

G3588

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

θεοῦ·24 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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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