Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

HEBREWS 6:1KJV
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Hebrews 6:1 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 6:1 mean?

Hebrews 6:1 urges readers to move beyond the basic teachings about Christ and to pursue spiritual maturity, rather than continually revisiting foundational topics like repentance and faith in God. The verse encourages growth and progress in understanding, rather than staying at the beginning stages of belief.

The letter to the Hebrews is written to Jewish Christians who may have been tempted to return to old religious practices or remain focused only on the basics of their new faith. The writer is encouraging them to build on what they already know about Christ and to strive for a deeper, more complete faith, rather than repeatedly starting over with the same elementary lessons.

The Greek behind Hebrews 6:1

  • "Principles" (ἀρχῆς, archēs) means "beginnings" or "first things." Here, it refers to the foundational teachings about Christ, suggesting the author wants the readers to move past the starting line of their faith.
  • "Doctrine" (λόγου, logou) is often translated as "word" or "teaching." In this context, it points to the message or instruction about Christ, not just abstract ideas.
  • "Perfection" (τελειότητα, teleiotēta) carries the sense of maturity or completeness. The Greek word does not mean flawlessness, but reaching a goal or full development, which helps clarify that the writer is urging growth, not demanding perfection.
  • "Repentance" (μετανοίας, metanoias) means a change of mind or turning away, here specifically from "dead works" (νεκρῶν ἔργων, nekrōn ergōn), which refers to actions that do not bring spiritual life.

Why Hebrews 6:1 matters

  • Hebrews 6:1 clarifies that the Christian life is meant to involve ongoing growth, not just repeating the basics; this helps correct the idea that faith is only about initial beliefs.
  • The verse highlights the importance of building on a solid foundation, showing that foundational teachings are necessary but not the end goal.
  • In the wider context of Hebrews, this verse sets up a discussion about deeper truths and warns against spiritual stagnation, encouraging believers to keep moving forward in their understanding.

Where else these words appear

“perfection” Greek G5047 · used in 2 verses

  • Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

“laying” Greek G2598 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
  • Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

“foundation” Greek G2310 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
  • 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

“repentance” Greek G3341 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.