What does Hebrews 6:14 mean?

Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. Hebrews 6:14

Explanation

Hebrews 6:14, quoting a promise God made to Abraham, is emphasizing the certainty and the extent of God’s blessing. The verse “Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee” iterates the surety (with the duplication of “bless” emphasizing God’s unwavering intent) and the abundance of the blessings (indicated by “multiplying”) that God has in store. This is not merely a material promise but also encompasses the spiritual and eternal implications that are inherited through faith, akin to Abraham’s.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Letter to the Hebrews, found in the New Testament. While the exact author of Hebrews is unknown, it was written to Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament. The historical context of Hebrews 6:14 traces back to Genesis 22:16-17, where God swears by Himself to bless Abraham because of his obedience in nearly sacrificing his son, Isaac. This reflects a key moment, reinforcing the covenant God made with Abraham, and this historical event would have been well-known to Jewish audiences of the time.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives see this verse through varying lenses. For some, it signifies God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His grace in doing so abundantly. Covenant theologians, who see a continuity between the Old and New Testament covenants, view Hebrews 6:14 as evidence of God’s ongoing and irrevocable commitment to His people. Dispensationalists may interpret this as a specific promise to Israel and consider its ultimate fulfillment in future events related to the Jewish nation. Both perspectives agree that the blessings afforded to Abraham also point to the spiritual blessings in Christ made available to all believers.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Hebrews 6:14 lies in the encouragement to trust in God’s promises. Believers can find hope and patience in the assurance that God will fulfill His promises to bless and multiply. The verse serves as motivation to remain faithful and obedient to God, just as Abraham did, and to expect that God’s blessings are both spiritual and tangible.

Cross-References

• Genesis 22:17 – “That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;”
• Hebrews 11:12 – “Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek are “blessing” (εὐλογήσω, eulogēsō) and “multiplying” (πληθυνῶ, plēthynō):

• “εὐλογήσω” arises from the root “εὖ” (well) + “λόγος” (word, saying), thus meaning to speak well of or confer benefits upon.
• “πληθυνῶ” is derived from “πλῆθος” (multitude), connoting the increase or multiplication of something.

This language underscores the idea of abundant benefaction and increase.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, like those of Mesopotamia, blessings and promises from deities were often conditional based on the recipient’s actions. However, in the Abrahamic tradition, God’s promise to Abraham is seen as an unconditional covenant based on faith and God’s character, rather than human merit. This is significantly different from the more transactional relationships between gods and humans in other ancient religious systems.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the “multiplying” aspect might be viewed in light of the exponential growth observed in biological populations under ideal conditions. However, the blessings described in Hebrews 6:14 are not strictly biological or material; they also encompass spiritual dimensions that are not normally within the purview of scientific analysis.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians offer insights on Hebrews 6:14:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary suggests that this passage illustrates the immutability of God’s counsel.
• The MacArthur Study Bible notes the legal language used in God’s promise to Abraham, indicating a binding agreement that God will not break.
• The ESV Study Bible mentions that the double promise of blessing and multiplying emphasizes the sureness and greatness of God’s promise.

These commentaries generally agree that Hebrews 6:14 points to the reliability and abundance of God’s promises, encouraging believers to persevere in faith as Abraham did.