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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 6:12 Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/6-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/58_Heb_06_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 6:12 - A Call to Maturity" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/hebrews/6-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/hebrews/6-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/hebrews/">Hebrews</a> > <a href="/hebrews/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hebrews/6-11.htm" title="Hebrews 6:11">◄</a> Hebrews 6:12 <a href="/hebrews/6-13.htm" title="Hebrews 6:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/hebrews/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/hebrews/6.htm">New International Version</a> We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. <a href="/nlt/hebrews/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. <a href="/esv/hebrews/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. <a href="/bsb/hebrews/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. <a href="/blb/hebrews/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those inheriting the promises through faith and patience. <a href="/kjv/hebrews/6.htm">King James Bible</a> That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/6.htm">New King James Version</a> that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and endurance inherit the promises. <a href="/nasb/hebrews/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. <a href="/lsb/hebrews/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> so that you may not become dull, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. <a href="/amp/hebrews/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> so that you will not be [spiritually] sluggish, but [will instead be] imitators of those who through faith [lean on God with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in His power] and by patient endurance [even when suffering] are [now] inheriting the promises. <a href="/csb/hebrews/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> so that you won&#8217t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance. <a href="/asv/hebrews/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. <a href="/cev/hebrews/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them. <a href="/erv/hebrews/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. <a href="/gwt/hebrews/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are receiving the promises through faith and patience. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> We do not want you to become lazy, but to be like those who believe and are patient, and so receive what God has promised. <a href="/isv/hebrews/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are inheriting the promises through faith and patience. <a href="/msb/hebrews/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. <a href="/net/hebrews/6.htm">NET Bible</a> so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherit the promises. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that you won't be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherited the promises. <a href="/wbt/hebrews/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. <a href="/wey/hebrews/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> so that you may not become half-hearted, but be imitators of those who through faith and patient endurance are now heirs to the promises. <a href="/web/hebrews/6.htm">World English Bible</a> that you won’t be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherited the promises. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> that you may not become slothful, but followers of those who through faith and patient endurance are inheriting the promises. <a href="/blb/hebrews/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those inheriting the promises through faith and patience. <a href="/ylt/hebrews/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> that ye may not become slothful, but followers of those who through faith and patient endurance are inheriting the promises. <a href="/slt/hebrews/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> That ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them inheriting the promises by faith and longsuffering.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> That you become not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience shall inherit the promises. <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> so that you may not be slow to act, but instead may be imitators of those who, through faith and patience, shall inherit the promises. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/6.htm">New American Bible</a> so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises. <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And that you be not slothful, but be followers of those who through faith and patience have become heirs of the promise. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And that you should not lose heart, but that you would be imitators of those who by faith and patience have become heirs of The Promise.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> that you may not become slothful, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. <a href="/godbey/hebrews/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> in order that you may not be dull, but imitators of those who through faith and longsufferings do inherit the promises. <a href="/haweis/hebrews/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> that ye be not slothful, but imitators of those who, by faith and long suffering, are inheriting the promises. <a href="/mace/hebrews/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but imitate the example of those who by faith and patience have obtain'd the inheritance that was promis'd to them. <a href="/wey/hebrews/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> so that you may not become half-hearted, but be imitators of those who through faith and patient endurance are now heirs to the promises. <a href="/worrell/hebrews/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> that ye may not become slothful, but imitators of those who, through faith and long-suffering, inherit the promises. <a href="/worsley/hebrews/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> that ye would not be sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience are inheriting the promises. <a href="/parallel/hebrews/6-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=893" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hebrews/6.htm">A Call to Maturity</a> …11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12<a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3576.htm" title="3576: nōthroi (Adj-NMP) -- Blunt, dull, hence spiritually; sluggish, remiss, slack. From a derivative of nothos; sluggish, i.e. lazy, or stupid.">you will not be sluggish,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genēsthe (V-ASM-2P) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude."></a> <a href="/greek/3402.htm" title="3402: mimētai (N-NMP) -- An imitator, follower. From mimeomai; an imitator.">will imitate</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pisteōs (N-GFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3115.htm" title="3115: makrothymias (N-GFS) -- Patience, forbearance, longsuffering. From the same as makrothumos; longanimity, i.e. forbearance or fortitude.">patience</a> <a href="/greek/2816.htm" title="2816: klēronomountōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- To inherit, obtain (possess) by inheritance, acquire. From kleronomos; to be an heir to.">inherit</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1860.htm" title="1860: epangelias (N-AFP) -- A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.">what has been promised.</a> 13When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/james/1-3.htm">James 1:3-4</a> because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. <a href="/romans/4-12.htm">Romans 4:12</a> And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. <a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm">2 Peter 1:5-7</a> For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; / and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; / and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. <a href="/romans/8-25.htm">Romans 8:25</a> But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently. <a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Hebrews 10:36</a> You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. <a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm">Hebrews 11:1</a> Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a> And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:3</a> and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. <a href="/colossians/1-11.htm">Colossians 1:11-12</a> being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully / giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Philippians 3:14</a> I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7-8</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing. <a href="/matthew/24-13.htm">Matthew 24:13</a> But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. <a href="/luke/8-15.htm">Luke 8:15</a> But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.ye.<a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11</a> Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.<a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Proverbs 12:24</a> The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.<a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Proverbs 13:4</a> The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.but.<a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a> Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,<a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm">Hebrews 13:7</a> Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.<a href="/songs/1-8.htm">Song of Solomon 1:8</a> If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.faith.<a href="/hebrews/6-15.htm">Hebrews 6:15</a> And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.<a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Hebrews 10:36</a> For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.<a href="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Hebrews 11:8-16</a> By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went… inherit.<a href="/hebrews/1-14.htm">Hebrews 1:14</a> Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?<a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Hebrews 10:36</a> For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.<a href="/hebrews/11-9.htm">Hebrews 11:9,17,33</a> By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/titus/2-2.htm">Endurance</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-11.htm">Example</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-1.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-1.htm">Followers</a> <a href="/james/4-8.htm">Half-Hearted</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-14.htm">Heirs</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-14.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">Imitate</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-14.htm">Imitators</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-14.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-4.htm">Inherited</a> <a href="/matthew/25-26.htm">Lazy</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-9.htm">Patience</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">Patient</a> <a href="/titus/1-2.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-12.htm">Promises</a> <a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Slothful</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/philemon/1-20.htm">Want</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Endurance</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-5.htm">Example</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-22.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">Followers</a> <a href="/james/4-8.htm">Half-Hearted</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-10.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-17.htm">Heirs</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-17.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm">Imitate</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-13.htm">Imitators</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Inherited</a> <a href="/exodus/5-17.htm">Lazy</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-15.htm">Patience</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-15.htm">Patient</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-13.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-6.htm">Promises</a> <a href="/judges/18-9.htm">Slothful</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-37.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-37.htm">Want</a> <a href="/james/5-9.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 6</div>1. <a href="/hebrews/6-1.htm">He exhorts not to fall back from the faith;</a> 11. <a href="/hebrews/6-11.htm">but to be steadfast,</a> 12. <a href="/hebrews/6-12.htm">diligent, and patient to wait upon God;</a> 13. <a href="/hebrews/6-13.htm">because God is most sure in his promise.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then you will not be sluggish The term "sluggish" here refers to spiritual laziness or a lack of diligence in one's faith journey. In the broader context of Hebrews, the author warns against becoming dull in hearing and understanding (<a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11</a>). This exhortation is a call to active engagement in faith, contrasting with the Israelites' failure to enter God's rest due to unbelief and disobedience (<a href="/hebrews/3-18.htm">Hebrews 3:18-19</a>). The cultural context of the early church, facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism, underscores the need for perseverance and active faith.but will imitate those Imitation is a key concept in discipleship, reflecting the Jewish tradition of learning through example. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to look to the faithful examples of those who have gone before them. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of mentorship and following godly examples, as seen in Paul's exhortation to imitate him as he imitates Christ (<a href="/1_corinthians/11.htm">1 Corinthians 11:1</a>). The historical context of the early church, which relied heavily on oral tradition and the example of apostles and early church leaders, highlights the importance of this practice.who through faith and patience Faith and patience are central virtues in the Christian life. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (<a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11:1</a>), and patience is the steadfast endurance in the face of trials. The combination of these virtues is essential for inheriting God's promises, as demonstrated by figures like Abraham, who waited patiently for the fulfillment of God's promise (<a href="/hebrews/6-15.htm">Hebrews 6:15</a>). This reflects the broader biblical narrative where faith and patience are often linked, such as in <a href="/james/1-3.htm">James 1:3-4</a>, which speaks of the testing of faith producing perseverance.inherit what has been promised The concept of inheritance is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, beginning with God's promises to Abraham and his descendants (<a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a>). In the New Testament, believers are seen as heirs of God's promises through faith in Christ (<a href="/galatians/3-29.htm">Galatians 3:29</a>). The promises referred to here include eternal life, rest, and the kingdom of God. The historical context of the letter to the Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians familiar with the Old Testament promises, emphasizes the fulfillment of these promises in Christ. This inheritance is not earned but received through faith, aligning with the theme of grace throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_recipients_of_hebrews.htm">The Recipients of Hebrews</a> The letter is addressed to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to revert to Judaism. The author encourages them to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_author_of_hebrews.htm">The Author of Hebrews</a> While the exact identity is unknown, the author is a knowledgeable teacher of the Jewish Scriptures and is deeply concerned with the spiritual maturity of the recipients. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_patriarchs.htm">The Patriarchs</a> The verse implicitly references figures like Abraham, who through faith and patience inherited God's promises. These patriarchs serve as examples for believers to emulate. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_promises_of_god.htm">The Promises of God</a> Refers to the covenantal promises made by God to His people, including eternal life and a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. 5. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_patience.htm">Faith and Patience</a> Central themes in the Christian life, emphasizing trust in God's promises and enduring through trials.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_sluggishness.htm">Avoiding Spiritual Sluggishness</a> Spiritual sluggishness can lead to stagnation in faith. Believers are called to be active and diligent in their spiritual walk, continually growing and maturing in Christ. <a href="/topical/i/imitating_the_faithful.htm">Imitating the Faithful</a> Look to biblical examples and contemporary believers who demonstrate faith and patience. Emulate their trust in God and perseverance through trials. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_patience_in_inheriting_promises.htm">The Role of Patience in Inheriting Promises</a> Patience is not passive but an active endurance. It involves trusting God's timing and remaining steadfast in faith, even when immediate results are not visible. <a href="/topical/f/faith_as_a_foundation.htm">Faith as a Foundation</a> Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. It is foundational to inheriting God's promises, requiring believers to trust in God's character and His Word. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_community.htm">Encouragement in Community</a> Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and support one another in faith and patience. This communal aspect strengthens individual resolve.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 6</a> <a href="/q/is_the_old_testament_god_cruel.htm">Isn't the God of the Old Testament cruel and genocidal?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_patience.htm">What is the Bible's teaching on patience?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_believers_face_unanswered_prayers.htm">John 15:7: Why do many devout believers experience unanswered prayers despite Jesus’s promise that abiding in him ensures requests are granted? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_anger.htm">How does the Bible teach patience?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) That ye be not slothful.--Rather, that ye become not sluggish. The same word is used as in <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm" title="Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing you are dull of hearing.">Hebrews 5:11</a>, there applied to apprehension of truth, here to the Christian hope and life; if the truth be not welcomed, there will be no vigour in the life.Followers.--Better, imitators. (Comp. <a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm" title="Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.">Hebrews 13:7</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/11-1.htm" title="Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.">1Corinthians 11:1</a>, et al.). They are not the first to whom "hope" has been given, and who have needed zeal that they might not fail of their hope. As in Hebrews 11 the writer appeals to precursors of faith, so here of hope; to men who, having lived in hope, passed to the actual possession of the promised blessings by means of faith (which accepted and clung to the promise) and patience. The last word is not that which occurs in the similar exhortation in <a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm" title="For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.">Hebrews 10:36</a>. That is a brave endurance; this is the word usually rendered "long-suffering," which here and in <a href="/james/5-7.htm" title="Be patient therefore, brothers, to the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.">James 5:7</a> signifies patient waiting. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - That ye become not slothful (νωθροὶ, the same word as was used in <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11</a>, νωθροὶ ταῖς ἀκοαῖς. There, with regard to intelligence, they were accused of having already become so; here, n here a hopeful view is taken of their prospects, the writer delicately avoids implying that they were so yet in regard to their desire of making progress), but followers (i.e. following the example - surely a better English word than imitators) of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. The present participle κληρονομούντων does not confine the sense of the expression to those who are now so inheriting. Abraham being presently adduced as an example, it refits to all who at any time so inherit, equivalent to, "the inheritors of." The drift is - Faith and patience are ever required in order that the Divine promises, however assured, may be inherited: these qualifications (in opposition to your being νωθροὶ) are what you want for securing your own inheritance. <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/6-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. you will not be sluggish, νωθροὶ (nōthroi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3576.htm">Strong's 3576: </a> Blunt, dull, hence spiritually; sluggish, remiss, slack. From a derivative of nothos; sluggish, i.e. lazy, or stupid. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. will imitate μιμηταὶ (mimētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3402.htm">Strong's 3402: </a> An imitator, follower. From mimeomai; an imitator. those who τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. through διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. faith πίστεως (pisteōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. patience μακροθυμίας (makrothymias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3115.htm">Strong's 3115: </a> Patience, forbearance, longsuffering. From the same as makrothumos; longanimity, i.e. forbearance or fortitude. inherit κληρονομούντων (klēronomountōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2816.htm">Strong's 2816: </a> To inherit, obtain (possess) by inheritance, acquire. From kleronomos; to be an heir to. what has been promised. ἐπαγγελίας (epangelias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1860.htm">Strong's 1860: </a> A promise. From epaggello; an announcement. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/6-12.htm">Hebrews 6:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/6-12.htm">Hebrews 6:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/6-12.htm">Hebrews 6:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/6-12.htm">Hebrews 6:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/6-12.htm">Hebrews 6:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/6-12.htm">Hebrews 6:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/6-12.htm">Hebrews 6:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/6-12.htm">Hebrews 6:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/6-12.htm">Hebrews 6:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/6-12.htm">Hebrews 6:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-12.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 6:12 That you won't be sluggish but imitators (Heb. He. 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