Hebrews 6:4

Translations

Modern

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,

Traditional

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Literal

For it is impossible for those once having been enlightened, and having tasted of the heavenly gift, and having become partakers of the Holy Spirit,

Latin

Impossibile est enim eos qui semel sunt illuminati, gustaverunt etiam donum cæleste, et participes facti sunt Spiritus Sancti,

Original

Greek

English

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,

Notes

Hebrews 6:4

In Greek, the word translated impossible starts the sentence for emphasis. It means this absolutely cannot happen (see also Hebrews 6:18; 10:4; 11:6).
They were once enlightened when they "first learned about Christ" (see 10:32 and corresponding study note).
The good things of heaven might refer to the manna given from heaven (Exodus 16:4, 15; Psalm 78:24) as a symbol of spiritual blessings.

Hebrews 6:4–8

This passage is one of the most challenging in the New Testament. It warns about those who have abandoned the Christian faith. Those who have turned away from Christ and the church are like those who fell in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:15 –19). Their lack of faith leads to severe judgment (compare 10:26 –31).

Hebrews 5:11–6:20

After starting to talk about the role of Jesus as high priest (Hebrews 5:1 –10), the author addresses the audience with several encouragements (5:11–6:20). This change in the sermon or speech aimed to capture the listeners' attention.

Theme notes and profiles

Judas Iscariot Apostasy Hardened Hearts Security and Obedience The Cities of Refuge The Old Realm and the New The Spirit’s Presence

Related verses

Hebrews 10:26–29
If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains,
2 Peter 2:20–22
If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first.
Matthew 5:13
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
John 15:6
If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
Matthew 7:21–22
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Hebrews 12:15–17
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.
Matthew 12:31–32
Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
Luke 11:24–26
When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’
Hebrews 10:32
Remember the early days that you were in the light. In those days, you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering.
Numbers 24:15–16
Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,
John 3:27
John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Glossary

Apostasy Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Forgiveness Heaven Hebrews, Letter to the Melchisedec New Covenant Perseverance Sin That Leads to Death Spirit of God

Topics

Apostasy: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Apostates: It is Impossible to Restore Backsliders: General Scriptures Concerning Fall Away Falling Away Losing your Salvation Lost Salvation Offenses Against the Holy Spirit: Exhibited in Danger of Trifling with the Holy Spirit Once Saved Always Saved Perseverance: Lack of Excludes from the Benefits of the Gospel Repentance: Denied to Apostates Reprobacy: General Scriptures Concerning The Backslider Turning Away from God Unpardonable Sin: General Scriptures Concerning

Hebrews 6:4

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Glossary?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics