What does Hebrews 6:3 mean?

And this will we do, if God permit. Hebrews 6:3

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 6:3, which reads “And this will we do, if God permit,” comes from a passage in the New Testament where the author is speaking to a Christian audience about progressing in their spiritual maturity. Literally, the author expresses a desire to move beyond basic Christian doctrines and delve into more complex matters of faith. However, this is contingent on God’s allowance or divine will.

Deeper meanings of the text suggest a recognition of human dependence on God’s sovereignty. There’s an understanding that spiritual growth or action can only occur if it aligns with God’s plan. It also implies an attitude of humility and submission to God’s timeline and overarching will, rather than insisting on human autonomy.

Historical Context

Hebrews is one of the epistles in the New Testament, though its authorship remains a point of debate among scholars. The letter was written to Jewish Christians who were likely facing persecution, and thus might have been considering reverting to Judaism. This context informs the exhortational tone of the book, which emphasizes the superiority of Christ and the new covenant over the old covenant and encourages steadfastness in the faith.

The verse falls in a section where the author is urging listeners to “leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ, and go on unto perfection” (Hebrews 6:1 KJV). Written sometime before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, it reflects early Christian communities’ struggles with maintaining faith in difficult times and determining the relationship of their beliefs with older traditions.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse may be seen through various lenses:

• Calvinistic/Reformed: Stresses the sovereignty of God in the process of salvation and spiritual growth. This perspective might highlight this verse as an affirmation of God’s ultimate control over human progress in holiness.
• Arminian: Focuses on human free will in cooperation with divine grace. An Arminian outlook could interpret the verse as reflecting human responsibility while acknowledging the necessity of divine enablement.
• Catholic: May emphasize the concepts of infused grace and the idea of synergism, where human cooperation with God’s grace is essential for spiritual growth.

Each theological perspective sees in the verse a different emphasis on the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

Practical Applications

This verse can speak to modern readers in different ways:

• Submission to Divine Will: In personal decision-making or when facing uncertainties, individuals can be reminded to seek God’s guidance and be open to His will.
• Humility: The verse encourages believers to approach life and spiritual goals with humility, recognizing that ultimately, it is God who allows growth and success.
• Planning with Providence in Mind: For those setting goals or making plans, this verse could serve as a reminder to understand that plans should be held loosely, with an openness to God’s redirection.

Cross-References

• James 4:15: “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”
• Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”
• Proverbs 19:21: “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

These verses share the theme of recognizing God’s ultimate control over human intentions and plans.

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek manuscript is “ἐάνπερ ἐπιτρέπῃ ὁ Θεός” (eanper epitrepēi ho Theos). “ἐάνπερ” (eanper) is a conditional particle essentially meaning “if indeed,” which introduces the condition. “ἐπιτρέπῃ” (epitrepēi) is from “ἐπιτρέπω” (epitrepo), meaning “to allow” or “to permit.” “ὁ Θεός” (ho Theos) simply means “God.” The phrase affirms the conditional aspect of human action based on divine permission.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This concept of divine permission or the will of a higher power dictating the course of human affairs is not unique to Christianity. In ancient myths, fate or the gods often controlled human destiny. In Roman culture, the goddess Fortuna was believed to govern luck and chance, affecting human outcomes.

Comparatively, in religions like Islam, the idea of “Inshallah” (if Allah wills) mirrors this sentiment of divine will being foundational to human endeavors.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse aligns well with a non-scientific approach to understanding reality, focusing on theological and philosophical notions of divine will rather than empirical evidence or natural causality. While science examines the natural world and its laws, this verse emphasizes metaphysical considerations outside the scope of scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights on this verse:

• John Calvin: Saw the phrase as an expression of pious believers who, understanding their own weakness, will not move forward without the protection of God.
• Matthew Henry: In his commentary, Henry puts forward that this conditional phrase represents a deference to God’s will, acknowledging God’s absolute dominion and power in all things.
• F.F. Bruce: Notes that for the original recipients of the letter, progress in understanding and practice of the faith depended not only on the author’s ability to teach but also on God’s permission, possibly alluding to the practical circumstances of persecution or divine revelation.