The Meaning of Hebrews 6:12 Explained

Hebrews 6:12

KJV: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

YLT: that ye may not become slothful, but followers of those who through faith and patient endurance are inheriting the promises.

Darby: that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience have been inheritors of the promises.

ASV: that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

That  ye be  not  slothful,  but  followers  of them who through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the promises. 

What does Hebrews 6:12 Mean?

Context Summary

Hebrews 6:9-20 - "the Hope Set Before Us"
The keynote of this passage is patient continuance. We should seek not only faith but its accompaniments. It is not enough to manifest faith, hope and love, but to continue to do so unto the end. Notice that the two conditions on which the promises are inherited are faith and patience.
These truths are enforced by the example of Abraham. He believed God and patiently endured. Your prayers cannot be lost, as ships at sea; they will make harbor at last, laden with golden freight. God's promise and oath are a double door, behind which they who have fled for refuge are safe-a double window beyond which all noise dies down. The allusion is either to the cities of refuge, or to a ship safely riding out the storm. Hope is sure, because the anchor has fastened in a sure ground; steadfast, because its cable will not snap in the strain; and entering, etc., because it unites us to the unseen. Jesus has taken our anchor into the inner harbor, and has dropped it down into the clear, still water there. [source]

Chapter Summary: Hebrews 6

1  He exhorts not to fall back from the faith;
11  but to be steadfast,
12  diligent, and patient to wait upon God;
13  because God is most sure in his promise

Greek Commentary for Hebrews 6:12

That ye be not sluggish [ινα μη νωτροι γενηστε]
Negative final clause with second aorist middle subjunctive of γινομαι — ginomai “that ye become not sluggish (or dull of hearing)” as some already were (Hebrews 5:11). Imitators See 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:14 for this word (our “mimic” in good sense). The writer wishes to hold and develop these sluggards through those who inherit the promises (see 10:19-12:3), one of his great appeals later in ch. Heb 11 full of examples of “faith and long-suffering.” [source]
Slothful [νωθροὶ]
See on Hebrews 5:11. Or sluggish, as you will become if you lose hope. [source]
Followers [μιμηταὶ]
Rend. imitators. [source]
Faith and patience [πίστεως καὶ μακροθυμίας]
For patience rend. long-suffering, and see on James 5:7. Faith and long-suffering go together. Faith does not win its inheritance without persevering endurance; hence long-suffering is not only presented as an independent quality, but is predicated of faith. [source]
Inherit [κληρονομούντων]
Notice the present participle, are inheriting. Their present faith and perseverance are now making for their final inheritance. Comp. Ephesians 1:14. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Hebrews 6:12

1 Thessalonians 1:6 Followers [μιμηταὶ]
More literally and better, imitators. Only once outside of Paul's writings, Hebrews 6:12. Comp. 1 Thessalonians 3:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7; 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Galatians 4:12; Philemon 3:17; Philemon 4:9. [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:6 Imitators of us and of the Lord [μιμηται ημων και του κυριου]
Μιμητης — Mimētēs Old word, more than “followers,” in the N.T. only six times (1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1; Hebrews 6:12). Again Paul uses γινομαι — ginomai to become, not ειμι — eimi to be. It is a daring thing to expect people to “imitate” the preacher, but Paul adds “and of the Lord,” for he only expected or desired “imitation” as he himself imitated the Lord Jesus, as he expressly says in 1 Corinthians 11:1. The peril of it all is that people so easily and so readily imitate the preacher when he does not imitate the Lord. The fact of the “election” of the Thessalonians was shown by the character of the message given them and by this sincere acceptance of it (Lightfoot). [source]
Hebrews 6:15 After he had patiently endured [μακροθυμήσας]
Pointing back to μακροθυμία long-suffering Hebrews 6:12. [source]
Hebrews 5:11 Ye are dull of hearing [νωθροὶ γεγόνατε ταῖς ἀκοαῖς]
Rend. ye have grown dull in your hearing. For ἀκοὴ hearingsee on 2 Timothy 4:3. The verb implies a deterioration on the hearers' part. Νωθροὶ only here and Hebrews 6:12. From νη notand ὠθεῖν topush. Hence slow, sluggish. Mostly in later Greek, although Plato uses it much in the same sense as here. “When they have to face study they are stupid ( νωθροί ) and cannot remember.” Theaet. 144 B. In lxx, Proverbs 22:29; Sirach 4:29; 11:12. Sometimes = low, mean, obscure. So in Proverbs, but in Sirach slack, slow. [source]
Hebrews 13:7 Follow [μιμεῖσθε]
Rend. “imitate.” See on Hebrews 6:12. [source]
Hebrews 1:14 Ministering spirits [λειτουργικα πνευματα]
Thayer says that λειτουργικος — leitourgikos was not found in profane authors, but it occurs in the papyri for “work tax” (money in place of service) and for religious service also. The word is made from λειτουργια — leitourgia (Luke 1:23; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 9:21). Sent forth Present passive participle of αποστελλω — apostellō sent forth repeatedly, from time to time as occasion requires. For the sake of With the accusative, the usual causal meaning of δια — dia That shall inherit “That are going to inherit,” common idiom of μελλω — mellō (present active participle) with the infinitive (present active here), “destined to inherit” (Matthew 11:14). Salvation Here used of the final salvation in its consummation. Only here in the N.T. do we have “inherent salvation,” but see Hebrews 6:12; Hebrews 12:17. We do not have here the doctrine of special guardian angels for each of us, but simply the fact that angels are used for our good. “And if so, may we not be aided, inspired, guided by a cloud of witnesses - not witnesses only, but helpers, agents like ourselves of the immanent God?” (Sir Oliver Lodge, The Hibbert Journal, Jan., 1903, p. 223). [source]
Hebrews 5:11 Of whom [περι ου]
Or “concerning which,” for ου — hou can be either masculine or neuter (genitive). It is the likeness of Jesus as high priest to Melchizedek that the author has in mind. He is ready to discuss that but for the fear that the reader may fail to grasp his meaning, for he will run counter to the usual Jewish ideas. Hence he pauses to stir up the interest of the readers (5:11-6:20) before going on with the argument (7:1-28). Hard of interpretation Late and rare verbal compound Old adjective (papyri also), from negative ωτεω — nē and νωτροι — ōtheō to push, no push in the hearing, slow and sluggish in mind as well as in the ears. In N.T. only here and Hebrews 6:12 (slack, sluggish). Plato calls some students nōthroi (stupid). [source]
Hebrews 5:11 Hard of interpretation [δυσερμηνευτος]
Late and rare verbal compound Old adjective (papyri also), from negative ωτεω — nē and νωτροι — ōtheō to push, no push in the hearing, slow and sluggish in mind as well as in the ears. In N.T. only here and Hebrews 6:12 (slack, sluggish). Plato calls some students nōthroi (stupid). [source]
Hebrews 7:6 He whose genealogy is not counted [ο μη γενεαλογουμενος]
Articular participle with negative μη — mē (usual with participles) of the old verb γενεαλογεω — genealogeō trace ancestry (cf. Hebrews 7:3) Hath taken tithes Perfect active indicative of δεκατοω — dekatoō standing on record in Genesis. Hath blessed Perfect active indicative of ευλογεω — eulogeō likewise standing on record. Note the frequent perfect tenses in Hebrews. Him that hath the promises Cf. Hebrews 6:12, Hebrews 6:13-15 for allusion to the repeated promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:3, Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:14; Genesis 15:5; Genesis 17:5; Genesis 22:16-18). [source]
Hebrews 8:6 But now [νυν δε]
Logical use of νυν — nun as the case now stands, with Jesus as high priest in heaven. Hath he obtained Perfect active indicative of τυγχανω — tugchanō with the genitive, a rare and late form for τετευχεν — teteuchen (also τετευχηκεν — teteuchēken), old verb to hit the mark, to attain. A ministry the more excellent “A more excellent ministry.” For the comparative of διαπορος — diaphoros see Hebrews 1:4. This remark applies to all the five points of superiority over the Levitical priesthood. By how much Instrumental case of the relative οσος — hosos between two comparative adjectives as in Hebrews 1:4. The mediator Late word from μεσος — mesos (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Galatians 3:19. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24 for further use with διατηκη — diathēkē Of a better covenant Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in Hebrews 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]
Hebrews 8:6 Hath he obtained [τετυχεν]
Perfect active indicative of τυγχανω — tugchanō with the genitive, a rare and late form for τετευχεν — teteuchen (also τετευχηκεν — teteuchēken), old verb to hit the mark, to attain. A ministry the more excellent “A more excellent ministry.” For the comparative of διαπορος — diaphoros see Hebrews 1:4. This remark applies to all the five points of superiority over the Levitical priesthood. By how much Instrumental case of the relative οσος — hosos between two comparative adjectives as in Hebrews 1:4. The mediator Late word from μεσος — mesos (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Galatians 3:19. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24 for further use with διατηκη — diathēkē Of a better covenant Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in Hebrews 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]
Hebrews 8:6 A ministry the more excellent [διαπορωτερας λειτουργιας]
“A more excellent ministry.” For the comparative of διαπορος — diaphoros see Hebrews 1:4. This remark applies to all the five points of superiority over the Levitical priesthood. By how much Instrumental case of the relative οσος — hosos between two comparative adjectives as in Hebrews 1:4. The mediator Late word from μεσος — mesos (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Galatians 3:19. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24 for further use with διατηκη — diathēkē Of a better covenant Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in Hebrews 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]
Hebrews 8:6 By how much [οσωι]
Instrumental case of the relative οσος — hosos between two comparative adjectives as in Hebrews 1:4. The mediator Late word from μεσος — mesos (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Galatians 3:19. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24 for further use with διατηκη — diathēkē Of a better covenant Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in Hebrews 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]
Hebrews 8:6 The mediator [μεσιτης]
Late word from μεσος — mesos (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Galatians 3:19. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24 for further use with διατηκη — diathēkē Of a better covenant Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in Hebrews 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]
Hebrews 8:6 Of a better covenant [κρειττονος διατηκης]
Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in Hebrews 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]

What do the individual words in Hebrews 6:12 mean?

so that not sluggish you may be imitators however of those through faith and patience inheriting the promises
ἵνα μὴ νωθροὶ γένησθε μιμηταὶ δὲ τῶν διὰ πίστεως καὶ μακροθυμίας κληρονομούντων τὰς ἐπαγγελίας

ἵνα  so  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
νωθροὶ  sluggish 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: νωθρός  
Sense: slow, sluggish, indolent, dull, languid.
γένησθε  you  may  be 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Middle, 2nd Person Plural
Root: γίνομαι  
Sense: to become, i.
μιμηταὶ  imitators 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: μιμητής  
Sense: an imitator.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
τῶν  of  those 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
διὰ  through 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
πίστεως  faith 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: πίστις  
Sense: conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it.
μακροθυμίας  patience 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: μακροθυμία  
Sense: patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance.
κληρονομούντων  inheriting 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: κληρονομέω  
Sense: to receive a lot, receive by lot.
ἐπαγγελίας  promises 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: ἐπαγγελία  
Sense: announcement.