The text highlights that "repentance from dead works" and "faith toward God" are not the final destination, but the very first steps of the foundation. The writer urges readers to move beyond these initial principles, not because they are unimportant, but because dwelling on them indefinitely stunts growth, much like perpetually laying a foundation without ever building the house.
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author has just rebuked his readers for their spiritual immaturity, comparing them to infants who need milk instead of solid food. Now, he urges them to move beyond the foundational teachings of Christianity, like repentance and faith, and press on to deeper understanding and maturity. He emphasizes that it's time to build on these core truths rather than repeatedly laying the same foundation.
Have you ever felt stuck in your faith, like you're going through the motions without real growth? This verse calls us to something more vibrant.
The writer of Hebrews uses a powerful analogy here: building. Think about constructing a house. You lay a solid foundation first, right? This foundation includes essential truths like repentance from things that lead to spiritual death and a genuine trust in God.
But what happens after the foundation is laid? You build upwards. You don't just keep digging and laying bricks in the same spot forever! The author says, 'Let us go on to maturity.' This isn't about abandoning the foundational truths – they are crucial! – but about actively moving beyond them to build a more complete and robust faith. It’s the difference between knowing the alphabet and writing a novel.
What does it mean to truly turn from 'dead works' and place your 'faith toward God'?
The 'foundation' here is described as 'repentance from dead works' and 'faith toward God.' Let's unpack that:
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These two are inseparable. You can't truly repent from what leads to death without turning towards the God who offers life. They are the bedrock of a life transformed by Christ.
Understand the original words
stoicheion · Greek Noun
The initial principles of faith or the foundational knowledge necessary for spiritual growth. In this context, it refers to the basic teachings of the Christian faith that believers are called to move beyond toward spiritual maturity.
teleiotēs · Greek Noun
A state of spiritual completion or full-grown status in Christ. It denotes the goal of the Christian life, moving beyond foundational truths to a deeper, more robust understanding and application of the faith.
metanoia · Greek Noun
A radical turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a fundamental component of salvation, requiring a change of mind and direction regarding one's life and relationship with God.
nekros ergon · Greek Noun phrase
Works that are spiritually dead or ineffective because they are performed apart from saving faith in Christ or to earn salvation. They represent religious actions or patterns of life that lack the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.
pistis · Greek Noun
A trustful reliance upon God, encompassing both the act of believing in His existence and the exercise of confidence in His promises. It is the core response of a believer to the revelation of God.
baptismos · Greek Noun
A term often referring to the ritual ablutions or ceremonial purifications required under the Old Covenant, now surpassed by the inner cleansing provided by Christ. It emphasizes the necessity of spiritual cleansing in approaching God.
epithesis cheiron · Greek Noun phrase
A symbolic or liturgical act often associated with blessing, identification, ordination, or the impartation of a spiritual gift within the community of faith. It signifies the transfer of authority or the affirmation of God's presence and favor.
anastasis nekron · Greek Noun phrase
The future event in which the dead shall be raised to life, physically or spiritually, as a direct consequence of Christ's resurrection. It is the Christian hope for the triumph of life over death.
krima aionios · Greek Noun phrase
The final, irreversible judgment conducted by God, determining the eternal state of individuals. It is based on truth and righteousness, underscoring the gravity of life and choices before the Creator.
The author of Hebrews is writing to Jewish believers who have likely been Christians for some time. The reference to 'repentance from dead works and faith toward God' points to the foundational teachings they received when they first converted from Judaism to Christianity. These were essential first steps, but the author is urging them to move beyond these basics, as they ought to be mature teachers by now, not still needing milk.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a foundational event that established their identity as God's covenant people and included their first covenant renewal at Mount Sinai.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The destruction of Jerusalem and the first temple by the Babylonians, leading to the deportation of many Judeans. This event marked a crisis of faith and a turning point in their understanding of God's relationship with His people.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Completed
The rebuilding and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the return from exile. This signified a restoration of worship but also a period of renewed emphasis on the Law and tradition.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ
The earthly life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the Christian faith. His ministry fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and inaugurated a new covenant.
c. AD 33— this verse
Pentecost and the Beginning of the Church
The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus' followers, empowering them to preach the Gospel. This event marks the birth of the Christian Church and the start of its missionary expansion.
c. AD 60s
Paul's Letters Written
The apostle Paul writes many of his epistles, including those to the Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians, to instruct and guide the early churches in understanding Christian doctrine and practice.
This passage speaks about judging others while doing the same things, highlighting that even those who profess certain doctrines (like repentance from dead works and faith) can still be accountable if they don't live them out, connecting to the idea of moving beyond elementary truths to maturity.
Galatians 3:2-3Paul questions whether the Galatians received the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith. This echoes Hebrews 6:1's emphasis on moving from 'dead works' and 'faith toward God' to a deeper understanding and experience of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-14This passage describes the equipping of believers for ministry 'until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.' It directly parallels Hebrews 6:1's call to move from elementary teachings to maturity.
Colossians 1:9-10Paul prays that believers 'may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,' so that they may live a life worthy of the Lord. This shows the purpose of moving beyond foundational knowledge towards spiritual maturity, as urged in Hebrews 6:1.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3Similar to Hebrews 6:1, Paul calls the Corinthian believers 'infants in Christ' and states he 'gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready.' This highlights the ongoing need to progress from basic spiritual nourishment to more advanced understanding.
wesleyHebrews 6:1: "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,"
6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ - That is, saying no more of them for the present. Let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works - From open sins, the very first thing to be insisted on. And faith in God - The very next point. So S…
jfbHebrews 6:1: "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,"
CHAPTER 6Heb 6:1-14. Warning against Retrograding, Which Soon Leads to Apostasy; Encouragement to Steadfastness from God's Faithfulness to His Word and Oath.1. Therefore—Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14).leaving—getting further forward than the elementary "principle…
The text highlights that "repentance from dead works" and "faith toward God" are not the final destination, but the very first steps of the foundation. The writer urges readers to move beyond these initial principles, not because they are unimportant, but because dwelling on them indefinitely stunts growth, much like perpetually laying a foundation without ever building the house.
The author has just rebuked his readers for their spiritual immaturity, comparing them to infants who need milk instead of solid food. Now, he urges them to move beyond the foundational teachings of Christianity, like repentance and faith, and press on to deeper understanding and maturity. He emphasizes that it's time to build on these core truths rather than repeatedly laying the same foundation.
The author has just rebuked his readers for their spiritual immaturity, comparing them to infants who need milk instead of solid food. Now, he urges them to move beyond the foundational teachings of Christianity, like repentance and faith, and press on to deeper understanding and maturity. He emphasizes that it's time to build on these core truths rather than repeatedly laying the same foundation.
"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrectio…" — The text highlights that "repentance from dead works" and "faith toward God" are not the final destination, but the very first steps of the foundation. The writer urges readers to move beyond these…
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Last reviewed October 2026
