Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

HEBREWS 6:2KJV
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Hebrews 6:2 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 6:2 mean?

Hebrews 6:2 lists several foundational teachings in the Christian faith: instructions about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. The verse names these as basic elements that the original audience was expected to already understand.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians who were familiar with these teachings. The verse comes in a section where the author urges believers to move beyond these elementary topics and grow into deeper understanding. By naming these specific practices and beliefs, the writer shows what was considered essential knowledge in the early church.

The Greek behind Hebrews 6:2

  • "doctrine" (διδαχῆς, didachēs): This word means "teaching" or "instruction." Here, it refers to the core teachings that form the foundation of Christian belief.
  • "baptisms" (βαπτισμῶν, baptismōn): The plural form can refer to various ritual washings, not just Christian baptism, which may reflect the audience’s Jewish background and their practices.
  • "laying on of hands" (ἐπιθέσεως χειρῶν, epitheseōs cheirōn): This phrase describes a symbolic act used for blessing, commissioning, or imparting the Holy Spirit, showing its recognized role in early Christian practice.
  • "resurrection" (ἀναστάσεώς, anastaseōs): This word means "rising up" or "resurrection," pointing to the belief in a future bodily resurrection.
  • "eternal" (αἰωνίου, aiōniou): This word means "everlasting" or "without end," emphasizing that the judgment mentioned is final and unending.
  • "judgment" (κρίματος, krimatos): This term refers to a legal decision or verdict, highlighting the idea of a final, decisive judgment by God.

Why Hebrews 6:2 matters

  • Hebrews 6:2 helps clarify what the early Christians considered the basics of their faith, which can clear up confusion about what was taught from the beginning.
  • The verse shows that the audience was expected to already know these teachings, suggesting that Christian growth involves moving beyond just the basics.
  • By listing these specific topics, Hebrews 6:2 connects the Christian message to its Jewish roots, especially in practices like ritual washings and laying on of hands.

Where else these words appear

“baptisms” Greek G909 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
  • Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
  • Hebrews 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

“on” Greek G1936 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
  • 1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
  • 2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

“judgment” Greek G2917 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
  • Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
  • 1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

“doctrine” Greek G1322 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
  • John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?