That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Read it in contextThe promise and the anchor
Start reading at Hebrews 6:13 (Hebrews 6:13 to Hebrews 6:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
God's oath to Abraham supplies encouragement, and the anchor image returns the discussion to Jesus as the forerunner and high priest.
6:13For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
6:14Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
6:15And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
6:16For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
6:17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
6:18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
6:19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
6:20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? The author is unknown. Paul is a longstanding attribution, while Barnabas and Apollos are among other historical proposals; none can be established with certainty. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hebrews 5:1–10:39): The Christian hearers are taught about Jesus' priesthood and sacrifice, with calls to maturity and perseverance. Israel's priests and worshippers are historical examples in the explanation. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A community of Christians who had endured suffering and needed perseverance. They are traditionally identified as Jewish Christians, but their precise location and ethnic composition are uncertain. Biblical references: Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 13:22. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The promise and the anchor. Read Hebrews 6:13 through Hebrews 6:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? God's oath to Abraham supplies encouragement, and the anchor image returns the discussion to Jesus as the forerunner and high priest. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The writing refers to the readers' earlier suffering and continuing need for endurance. It does not supply a calendar date or identify its author. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The exact destination and place of composition are not explicitly settled. The reference to those of Italy is a greeting and does not by itself establish where the writer is located. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The promise and the anchor (Hebrews 6:13 to Hebrews 6:20).
Start reading at Hebrews 6:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus' priesthood, sacrifice, and help for the tempted govern the exposition. The repeated warnings and calls to hold fast belong to that same argument and should not be explained away. See Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Hold fast, encourage one another, and obey the word heard. Read assurance and access through Christ alongside the warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back. interpretation
Uncertain; Pauline authorship is held by manyNot known
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author.
Early traditionAncient opinion was divided. Some in the East accepted Pauline authorship; Origen concluded that only God knows who wrote it. Tertullian suggested Barnabas.
What is debatedThe author is genuinely unknown. The polished Greek and the manner of citing Scripture differ from Paul's letters. Claiming certainty here overstates the evidence.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Hebrews 6
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back. The warning and encouragement here continue the appeal to maturity begun in Hebrews 5:11.
Connection to the wholeThe appeal moves beyond foundations into a warning whose severity must be retained rather than explained away by the readers' earlier experiences.
Connection to the wholeThe warning is followed by confidence concerning the readers and an appeal for each to continue with diligence rather than become slothful.
Connection to the wholeGod's oath to Abraham supplies encouragement, and the anchor image returns the discussion to Jesus as the forerunner and high priest.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Hebrews
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes the Son's greatness, warns against neglecting salvation, and explains His participation in flesh and blood and help for the tempted.
Connection to the wholeThe doctrinal argument leads to sustained exhortation, examples of faith, and warnings that preserve the readers' responsibility to continue.
Connection to the wholePractical instructions and final requests apply the preceding exhortation to the readers' conduct together and their continuing confession.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.