And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that truly seeking God isn't just about believing He exists, but also about believing He actively rewards those who earnestly pursue Him. This means faith isn't passive; it's a confident expectation that our diligent pursuit of Him will yield real, positive outcomes.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is building a case for faith by highlighting its importance through examples of faithful individuals from the past. After describing Enoch's unique translation into God's presence because he pleased God, the text pivots to a foundational principle: it's impossible to please God without faith. This verse serves as the essential "why" behind Enoch's special status and acts as a crucial building block for all the subsequent examples of faith that will be presented.
Ever feel like your efforts to be 'good' just aren't cutting it with God? This verse gets straight to the heart of it.
The core message here is stark: without faith, it's impossible to please God. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a fundamental principle for relating to the Creator.
What Does 'Please Him' Mean?
It's about living in a way that aligns with God's character and will. Think of it like a child wanting to make their parent proud – it requires understanding and responding to the parent's values.
Why Is Faith Essential?
Faith is the foundation because it acknowledges who God truly is and His sovereign authority. It's the first step in acknowledging that we need Him and that He is the source of all good. Without this fundamental trust, our actions, no matter how seemingly good, lack the right spiritual orientation.
What are the absolute non-negotiables we must grasp about God before we can even begin to approach Him?
The verse lays out two foundational truths that anyone drawing near to God must believe:
That He Exists: This goes beyond a mere intellectual acknowledgment. It's a deep conviction that God is real, active, and the ultimate reality, even when unseen. It's a belief that counters doubt and the tendency to forget Him.
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That He Rewards Those Who Seek Him: This is about more than just God existing; it's about His character and His active engagement with humanity. It means believing that He is not distant or indifferent, but that He actively responds to those who genuinely look for Him. This isn't about earning favor, but trusting that God's nature is to be found by those who earnestly pursue Him.
These two truths form the bedrock of faith, enabling us to approach God with confidence and trust.
Understand the original words
pistis · Greek Noun
A foundational biblical concept denoting firm persuasion, conviction, or trust in God, His character, and His promises. It involves an active reliance on God that produces obedience and perseverance, distinct from mere intellectual assent.
proserchomai · Greek Verb
To approach or come into the presence of God; often used in the context of worship, prayer, or covenant relationship. It signifies entering into fellowship with the Holy One through the means established by God.
ekzēteō · Greek Verb
The active pursuit or diligent investigation of God’s will, presence, and character. It implies a heart directed toward seeking God as the highest priority and the ultimate source of life.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Hebrews 11:6, stating that 'those who are in the flesh cannot please God,' emphasizing that genuine pleasing of God is intrinsically linked to a spiritual state, which faith facilitates.
Genesis 15:6This is the foundational Old Testament example of faith being credited as righteousness, showing that belief in God's promise, even before its fulfillment, was sufficient to please Him, mirroring the essence of Hebrews 11:6.
Jeremiah 29:13This verse highlights God's promise to be found by those who seek Him with their whole heart, directly supporting the second half of Hebrews 11:6 which states God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Matthew 6:33Jesus' teaching to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness' is a direct call to diligently seek God, implying that doing so will result in divine provision and favor, much like the reward mentioned in Hebrews.
1 Thessalonians 4:3This verse states that 'the will of God is your sanctification' and that believers should abstain from sexual immorality, showing that pleasing God involves not just belief but also righteous living, which flows from faith.
vincentHebrews 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
To please (εὐαρεστῆσαι)The aorist gives the sense of at all, stating the verbal idea without time, as a universal proposition. Comp. Romans 8:8.Cometh (προσερχόμενον)See on Hebrews 4:16. Must (δεῖ). An essential obligation. In the nature of the case. That he is (ὅτι ἔστιν). Faith in God involves belief in his exi…
cambridgeHebrews 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
6 . that he is …] The object of Faith is both the existence and the Divine government of God. “We trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe” ( 1 Timothy 4:10 ). and that he is a rewarder ] Rather, “and that he becomes (i.e. shews or proves Himself to be) a rewarder.”
The verse highlights that truly seeking God isn't just about believing He exists, but also about believing He actively rewards those who earnestly pursue Him. This means faith isn't passive; it's a confident expectation that our diligent pursuit of Him will yield real, positive outcomes.
The author is building a case for faith by highlighting its importance through examples of faithful individuals from the past. After describing Enoch's unique translation into God's presence because he pleased God, the text pivots to a foundational principle: it's impossible to please God without faith. This verse serves as the essential "why" behind Enoch's special status and acts as a crucial building block for all the subsequent examples of faith that will be presented.
The author is building a case for faith by highlighting its importance through examples of faithful individuals from the past. After describing Enoch's unique translation into God's presence because he pleased God, the text pivots to a foundational principle: it's impossible to please God without faith. This verse serves as the essential "why" behind Enoch's special status and acts as a crucial building block for all the subsequent examples of faith that will be presented.
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." — The verse highlights that truly seeking God isn't just about believing He exists, but also about believing He actively rewards those who earnestly pursue Him. This means faith isn't passive; it's…
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Last reviewed October 2026