What does Hebrews 6:11 mean?

And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: Hebrews 6:11

Explanation

Hebrews 6:11 is a verse in which the author urges the recipients of the letter to demonstrate eagerness and diligence in their Christian walk. The deeper meaning—the “full assurance of hope”—refers to a complete and unwavering confidence in the promises of God that are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This should not only be a temporary feeling but should persist “unto the end”—meaning throughout the believer’s life, until either their death or the return of Christ.

Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and hardship because of their faith. These circumstances were causing some to consider abandoning their faith and returning to Judaism. The author of Hebrews is unknown, but the epistle was likely written between 60-70 AD. The author encourages the readers to persevere in their faith, emphasizing the superiority of Christ over the old Jewish covenant and rituals.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be understood within the concept of perseverance of the saints, where believers are called to persist in faith until the end. The diligence mentioned can be tied to the idea that faith is not passive; it requires active commitment and works as evidence of genuine belief. Some theologians, like John Calvin, would link this to the doctrine of the assurance of salvation and say it encompasses the idea that believers can be confident in God’s promises. Others, from an Arminian point of view, might emphasize the need for ongoing faithfulness and the possibility of falling away, thus underscoring the importance of the believer’s responsiveness to God’s grace.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, this verse encourages believers to consistently live out their faith with perseverance and to actively foster hope. It means engaging in regular spiritual disciplines, serving others, and seeking to grow in godliness. It can also be applied as a call for mutual encouragement within the Christian community to maintain a strong hope in God’s promises.

Cross-References

• Romans 5:4-5: “And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
• Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:8: “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text include “diligence” (spoude), which implies earnestness and effort; “full assurance” (plerophoria), which denotes complete confidence or conviction; and “hope” (elpis), which means the expectation of good, particularly the hope of salvation provided through Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse echoes themes found in Jewish wisdom literature, such as the importance of steadfastness and hope in God’s promises. However, it reorients the focus specifically towards Jesus as the fulfillment of those promises. In comparative religious terms, many religions emphasize perseverance, but the Christian perspective distinctive in this verse is the assurance in divine salvation through Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not correspond directly with scientific perspectives as it discusses faith, hope, and dedication—concepts that are generally beyond empirical measurement. However, psychological studies on hope and resilience could be tangentially related in discussing human responses to suffering and the need for positive expectation for the future.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied interpretations depending on their theological tradition. Matthew Henry notes the importance of diligence and full assurance as means of securing hope in God. The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes that the encouragement offered here points believers to a longer-term, sustained effort in the Christian life. Adam Clarke, in his commentary, stresses the need for continuity in faith and works as both necessary for the assurance of hope. These interpretations, while differing slightly, all recognize the verse as a call for persistent and active faith.