What does Hebrews 6:15 mean?

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Hebrews 6:15

Explanation

Hebrews 6:15 speaks to the virtue of patience and the fulfillment of God’s promises. In this verse, the author is likely referring to the patriarch Abraham and the fulfillment of God’s promise to make him the father of many nations. The phrase “patiently endured” denotes Abraham’s unwavering faith and perseverance despite numerous challenges and delays. The “obtained the promise” part of the verse indicates that Abraham’s faith was eventually rewarded when God fulfilled His promise, suggesting that God is faithful to His word.

The verse underscores a deeper meaning that applies to believers: Those who trust in God’s promises and endure in faith, despite difficulties or delays, will ultimately receive what God has promised. It implies that enduring faith is a pathway to receiving the blessings or outcomes God has assured.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were experiencing persecution and hardships due to their faith. It is not certain who wrote Hebrews, but it was likely written before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in AD 70 since the temple practices are mentioned as ongoing. The primary aim of the book is to demonstrate the supremacy of Christ and to encourage the Jewish Christians to remain steadfast in their faith.

In the context of Hebrews 6:15, the author just discussed the certainty of God’s promise, using Abraham as an exemplar of faith. Abraham’s story is found in the Book of Genesis, and he is venerated in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as the father of faith.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints highlight various aspects of this verse:

• Providence and Sovereignty: The verse is seen as an affirmation of God’s sovereignty and providential care, illustrating that God orchestrates events according to His divine plan and timeline.

• Faith and Patience: Theologically, the verse can be seen as teaching the importance of the virtues of faith and patience in the Christian life. According to this perspective, God’s promises might not be fulfilled on human schedules, but they will be fulfilled nonetheless.

• Covenant Theology: This perspective views the verse through the lens of God’s covenants, with God’s promise to Abraham being a key part of the unfolding covenantal history that culminates in Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire believers to cultivate patience and maintain their faith even when circumstances are challenging. It encourages believers to trust in God’s timing rather than their own and to persevere in faithfulness with the assurance that God’s promises are sure. In daily life, it could apply to personal goals, enduring difficult seasons, or waiting for answers to prayer.

Cross-References

• Genesis 21:1-2: “And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.”
• Romans 4:20-21: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;”
• James 1:12: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

Language Study

The Greek term translated “patiently endured” is “μακροθυμέω” (makrothumeo), which may be understood as “to be long-suffering” or “to bear patiently”. The Greek for “obtained” is “ἐπιτυχών” (epitychon), indicating to come upon by chance, hit upon, or obtain. These words convey a sense of active and steadfast waiting, with the outcome being the eventual attainment or realization of what was awaited.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparison to other ancient myths and religious traditions can be insightful. In various mythologies, figures often endure trials or long periods of waiting to achieve a divine promise or destiny. For instance, in Greek mythology, figures like Odysseus endure prolonged trials before fulfilling their destinies.

In other religious traditions, patience and endurance are also often seen as virtues that lead to spiritual reward or enlightenment. For example, in Buddhism, patience is one of the “paramitas” or perfections that a bodhisattva practices.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concepts of patience and delayed gratification have been explored in psychological studies, such as the famous Stanford marshmallow experiment. This experiment demonstrated the long-term benefits of the ability to delay gratification, which can be related metaphorically to the biblical concept of faithfully waiting for God’s promises.

Commentaries

Commentaries offer various expert interpretations of Hebrews 6:15:

• John Calvin saw in this verse a testament to God’s faithfulness and the need for patience, highlighting that it’s not enough to receive God’s promise; one should wait for its fulfillment with patient endurance.

• Matthew Henry reflected on how the promise came to Abraham after a long waiting period, teaching that believers should wait with patience and not be discouraged.

• F.F. Bruce suggests that the emphasis is on God’s faithfulness as much as Abraham’s patience. The passage reassures believers that God will honor His covenant promises, just as He did with Abraham.

Through these various lenses, experts often outline the importance of patience and faithfulness in relations to God’s promises, each drawing out different nuances of the text and its implications for understanding God’s nature and the appropriate human response.