What does Hebrews 6:7 mean?

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: Hebrews 6:7

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 6:7 uses an agricultural metaphor to convey a spiritual truth. The “earth” in this context represents believers, or the people of God, and the “rain” symbolizes the blessings and instructions from God. When rain falls on the earth, it enables the soil to produce crops. In the same way, when individuals receive God’s word and blessings, they are expected to absorb them and produce fruits—good works or spiritual growth which are “meet” (suitable and beneficial) for those by whom they are cultivated, implying God or possibly church leaders.

A deeper meaning includes the concept of receptiveness and fruitfulness. Just as land that receives rain must produce something useful, people who receive God’s blessings and teachings are expected to use these to produce positive, tangible outcomes in their lives.

Historical Context

Hebrews is a New Testament book written to Jewish Christians, possibly before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Its authorship is unknown, though it is sometimes attributed to Paul or one of his associates. The agricultural imagery in Hebrews 6:7 would have been immediately understandable to the original audience, who lived in a society where farming was a common occupation and way of life.

Theological Insights

From Calvinist, Arminian, and Catholic perspectives, there may be distinct theological insights:

• Calvinist: The verse could be interpreted as discussing the perseverance of the saints, suggesting that those who are truly saved will produce good works as evidence of their salvation.
• Arminian: Emphasis might be placed on human free will to respond to God’s grace, showing that believers can either use or neglect the blessings and teachings of God, resulting in different spiritual outcomes.
• Catholic: There might be a focus on the cooperation with grace, highlighting the synergy between divine help and human effort in producing spiritual fruits.

Practical Applications

The verse encourages individuals to make the most of the spiritual and moral guidance they receive. It can serve as a motivation for self-improvement and active service in one’s community, encouraging believers to yield practical results that reflect their faith.

Cross-References

• Matthew 13:23: “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
• John 15:8: “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”
• James 2:17: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text include:

• “drinketh in” (πίνουσα): This word suggests a receiving or absorbing in a receptive and beneficial manner.
• “bringeth forth” (τίκτουσα): This refers to producing or generating, as in bearing fruits or results.
• “herbs” (βοτάνην): It refers to crops or vegetation, typically used for food or medicinal purposes, indicating usefulness.
• “meet” (εὔθετον): meaning suitable, fitting, or appropriate.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions and cultures, including Greco-Roman and Near Eastern societies, agricultural imagery was commonly used to represent spiritual truths and virtues such as fertility, growth, and the cycle of life and death. This metaphor in Hebrews falls within that widespread symbolic framework.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science supports the idea that soil must be receptive to rain for crops to grow, just as the verse suggests a receptivity to spiritual “rain.” The cycle of water in ecosystems could serve as a parallel to spiritual growth cycles in human communities.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the distinction between land that produces useful vegetation as opposed to thorns and briers, associating the former with true believers who bear fruit and the latter with those who fall away.
• The Pulpit Commentary sees the verse as a warning against apostasy and an exhortation to diligence in faith.
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible suggests the “earth” to be the heart of the Christian which, if rightly cultivated, will yield the proper fruits, indicative of the grace of God within.