Hebrews 6:1 · Bible study
Hebrews 6:1 Commentary: Leaving First Principles for Maturity
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
What does it mean to 'leave' elementary teachings and press on to perfection?
Research Summary
- Meaning: The author urges believers to move beyond elementary Christian teachings and advance toward spiritual maturity, building on the foundational doctrines of repentance and faith.
- Key words: aphentes (leaving, not abandoning), pherōmetha (let us be borne/carried forward), teleiotēta (perfection/completeness), themelion (foundation).
- Main debate: Whether 'leaving' means ceasing to teach/hear the basics or simply not lingering in them; and whether 'perfection' refers to entire sanctification (Wesleyan view) or mature Christian understanding (Reformed view).
- Theological theme: Christian growth as both divine enablement and human responsibility; the necessity of progress under the new covenant.
- Best use: A call to examine whether we are resting on past conversion experiences or pressing into deeper union with Christ; ideal for discipleship and small groups.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God,
WEB World English Bible 2000
Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let’s press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God,
KJV King James Version 1769
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,
ASV American Standard Version 1901
Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
Wherefore, having left the word of the beginning of the Christ, unto the perfection we may advance, not again a foundation laying of reformation from dead works, and of faith on God,
Darby Darby Bible 1890
Wherefore, leaving the word of the beginning of the Christ, let us go on [to what belongs] to full growth, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and faith in God,
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Wherefore, leaving the word of the beginning of Christ, let us go on to things more perfect: not laying again the foundation of penance from dead works and of faith towards God,
Translations in other languages (10 available)
POR tanto, dejando la palabra del comienzo en la doctrina de Cristo, vamos adelante á la perfección; no echando otra vez el fundamento del arrepentimiento de obras muertas, y de la fe en Dios,
Portanto deixemos os tópicos elementares da doutrina de Cristo, e prossigamos adiante até a maturidade, sem lançarmos de novo o fundamento da conversão de obras mortas, e da fé em Deus,
C’ est pourquoi, laissant les éléments de la parole de Christ, tendons à ce qui est parfait, sans poser de nouveau le fondement du renoncement aux œuvres mortes,
Darum wollen wir die Lehre vom Anfang christlichen Lebens jetzt lassen und zur Vollkommenheit fahren, nicht abermals Grund legen von Buße der toten Werke, vom Glauben an Gott,
Daarom, nalatende het beginsel der leer van Christus, laat ons tot de volmaaktheid voortvaren; niet wederom leggende het fondament van de bekering van dode werken, en van het geloof in God,
Perciò, lasciando l’insegnamento elementare intorno a Cristo, tendiamo a quello perfetto, e non stiamo a porre di nuovo il fondamento del ravvedimento dalle opere morte e della fede in Dio,
Przetoż zaniechawszy początkowych nauk o Chrystusie, miejmy się ku doskonałości, nie znowu zakładając grunty pokuty od uczynków martwych i wiary w Boga.
Посему, оставив начатки учения Христова, поспешим к совершенству; и не станем снова полагать основание обращению от мертвых дел и вере в Бога,
所以，我們應當離開 基督 道理 的開端，竭力進 到 完全的地步，不 必再 立 根基，就如那懊悔 死 行、 信 靠 神、
For this reason let us go on from the first things about Christ to full growth; not building again that on which it is based, that is, the turning of the heart from dead works, and faith in God,
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · Hebrews 6:1
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators widely agree that 'leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ' does not mean abandoning elementary truths. Calvin compares it to a builder who never neglects the foundation but also does not spend all his labor on it. Vincent notes the Greek participle aphentes ('having left') means dismissing with a view to advance, not forgetting. Bruce's phrase, 'leaving as a builder leaves his foundation in erecting his building', captures it. The call to 'go on to perfection' (teleiotēta, completeness) uses the verb pherōmetha ('let us be borne along' or 'speed forward'), implying active movement under guidance toward mature Christian understanding and holiness. The foundation, repentance from dead works and faith toward God, is already laid; thus the author urges not laying it again, but building upward. Barnes summarises that lingering in the elements is dangerous, one either advances or recedes. Across traditions, the shared conviction is that Christian growth requires moving beyond the introductory stage without despising it.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Maturity in knowledge and character: Most Reformed and Anglican commentators (Calvin, Cambridge, Bruce) see teleiotēs as full-grown Christian understanding and holiness, achieved through progressive growth and the study of the deep doctrines of Christ's priesthood.
- Entire sanctification: Wesleyan interpreters (Clarke, Wesley) read 'perfection' as salvation from all sin—a state of perfect love and holiness attainable in this life, for which the foundation of repentance and faith is the entry point.
- Escaping judgment by advancing: Barnes and other more evangelical voices stress that leaving the basics is necessary to avoid the danger of apostasy described in 6:4-6; perfection here means a stable, mature faith that cannot be lost.
What is clear: The author insists that the foundational teachings of repentance and faith are not to be laid a second time; believers must build on them and advance toward the goal of Christian maturity, trusting in God's enabling grace.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of 'leaving' the first principles | All agree the phrase does not mean discarding the basics; the foundation remains essential and must not be abandoned. | Some see 'leaving' as ceasing to teach these doctrines as the main subject (referring to the author's own plan), while others see it as the readers ceasing to be satisfied with them. Both agree advancement is needed. |
| Definition of 'perfection' (teleiotēs) | The word denotes maturity, completeness, or the goal of Christian growth. | Reformed commentators (Calvin, Cambridge) understand it as full-grown knowledge and character, with an emphasis on understanding Christ's priesthood. Wesleyan tradition (Clarke, Wesley) often interprets it as entire sanctification or freedom from all sin. |
| Nature of 'dead works' | They are works that cannot bring life or divine approval; repentance from them is the first step of the gospel. | Some hold that 'dead works' are sinful deeds morally (Barnes, Vincent); others include the works of the Law performed without faith (Gill, Cambridge), which are lifeless rituals. The phrase is unique to Hebrews and likely encompasses both. |
| 'Faith toward God' vs. faith toward Christ | Faith directed to God is essential; Christ is the mediator of that faith. | Some early interpreters (old expositors cited by Lange) read 'faith toward God' as implicitly including faith in Christ, since Christ is God; others see it as intentionally the first article of a shared Jewish-Christian catechism, before the full revelation of Christ's priesthood is developed. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The original readers were Jewish Christians who had known the Old Testament Scriptures and the elementary teachings of the Gospel. Some were tempted to linger in the shadowy types of the Law, possibly because of persecution or a comfort in familiar ritual. The apostle uses the image of a foundation and building to urge progress. The term 'dead works' (only in Hebrews, also 9:14) likely refers to works done apart from living faith in God, whether sinful deeds or religious ceremonies that cannot impart life (Vincent, Cambridge). These works count as 'dead' because their wages is death (Rom 6:23) and they lack the vitality that comes from union with Christ.
The list of foundational elements in verses 1-2 reads like an early Christian catechism. Calvin and the Cambridge Bible suggest these were part of pre-baptismal instruction, perhaps shared with Jewish proselyte teaching: repentance, faith, baptisms (possibly Christian baptism and Jewish washings), laying on of hands (for the Holy Spirit or ordination, as in Acts 8:17, 19:6), resurrection, and eternal judgment. These topics were not exclusively Christian; Jewish believers would have known them from the Synagogue. The writer urges them to move beyond this common ground into the deeper mysteries of Christ's priesthood and the new covenant, a theme he develops from chapter 7 onward. The urgency ('let us be borne forward') reflects both a pastor's desire for their growth and the risk of spiritual drift.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Hebrews 6:1. The Greek text is stable across major manuscripts, and the translations exhibit only minor differences in phrasing (e.g. 'principles of the doctrine of Christ' vs. 'elementary teachings about Christ'), none of which affect the interpretive question. The verse is well-attested in the papyri and uncials.
Reception History
In the early church, Hebrews 6:1 was used in catechetical instruction to help converts move beyond baptismal preparation into deeper theology. The 'foundation' list (repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, eternal judgment) was often seen as the core of pre-baptismal teaching. During the Reformation, the verse became a touchstone in debates about perseverance and apostasy, Calvin used it to argue for progressive sanctification, while some Anabaptist groups cited it to support a second stage of Christian experience. In the Wesleyan revival, 'going on to perfection' was understood as entire sanctification, and the verse was frequently preached in that light. Across the centuries, the central call to spiritual growth has resonated in every tradition, even where the doctrine of perfection is defined differently.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The foundation is essential but not the whole building. Repentance and faith are the starting line, not the finish line. Christians do not abandon them but build on them.
- Spiritual maturity requires movement. The verb pherōmetha ('let us be carried forward') implies both personal effort and reliance on God's Spirit, like a boat carried by wind and current.
- Stagnation can lead to danger. The surrounding context (Heb 5:11-14, 6:4-6) warns that persistent immaturity opens the door to drift and even apostasy. Progress is not optional.
Five-point outline
- Therefore, the logical connection: because you should be teachers (5:12), leave the milk and move to solid food.
- Leaving, not forgetting but advancing; like moving up a grade in school, not erasing first grade.
- Let us go on, inclusive: the author includes himself; all Christians need ongoing growth.
- To perfection, maturity, completeness, the goal of full Christian knowledge and likeness to Christ.
- Not laying again, the foundation is permanent; do not rebuild what is already there, but build higher.
Illustration hooks
- Building construction: A contractor who keeps pouring the same foundation slab never gets to the walls and roof. The foundation is vital, but it exists for what goes on top.
- Learning music: A student who practices only scales for years and never plays a piece has learned the basics but not the purpose of music. Scales remain important, but they serve melodies.
- Physical fitness: The first few weeks of exercise build baseline strength. But if you never increase weight or distance, you plateau. The body needs progressive overload to mature.
Questions your congregation is asking
- If I still struggle with basic sins, should I try to go on to 'perfection' or just get the repentance right first?
- How do I know if I am 'lingering in the elements' rather than building on them?
- Does this mean I should stop studying the Gospels and only focus on the Epistles?
Leading a Discussion
This passage challenges every Christian to consider whether we are content with spiritual baby steps when God calls us to run. The author of Hebrews does not disparage the basics, they are the non-negotiable foundation, but he insists we cannot stay there. As a group, talk honestly about what 'going on to maturity' looks like in daily life and why we sometimes resist it.
Discussion questions
- Read Hebrews 5:11-14. What signs of spiritual immaturity does the author identify in the original readers? Do any apply to you or your church?
- The phrase 'dead works' appears only in Hebrews. Based on 6:1 and 9:14, what makes a work 'dead'? How does faith toward God make it alive?
- Why does the author list 'repentance from dead works' and 'faith toward God' as part of the foundation, not as ongoing subjects? Should repentance and faith ever be left behind?
- What is the difference between reviewing the basics and being stuck in them? Give an example from your own walk.
- The Greek verb for 'go on' (pherōmetha) carries the sense of being carried along, like a ship under sail. How does that image shape your understanding of growth, active effort, dependence on God, or both?
- Some Christians interpret 'perfection' as entire sanctification; others see it as mature knowledge and character. How does each view affect the way you pursue it?
- What is one specific step you could take this week to 'press on' toward deeper trust in Christ, rather than circling the same basic issues?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Proverbs 4:18 | But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light that shines more and more until the perfect day. |
| Isaiah 55:6 | Seek Yahweh while he may be found. Call on him while he is near. |
| Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him, to our God, for he will freely pardon. |
| Ezekiel 18:30 | “Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, everyone according to his ways,” says the Lord Yahweh. “Return, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions, so iniquity will not be your ruin. |
| Ezekiel 18:32 | For I have no pleasure in the death of him who dies,” says the Lord Yahweh. “Therefore turn yourselves, and live! |
| Zechariah 12:10 | I will pour on David’s house and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and of supplication. They will look to me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for his only son, and will grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for his firstborn. |
| Matthew 3:2 | “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” |
| Matthew 4:17 | From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
11 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke reads "the principles of the doctrine of Christ" as the Old Testament types and ceremonies that pointed to Christ. He calls believers to leave these shadows and move to the full reality of the Gospel, pressing on toward adult Christianity, saved from all sin and filled with Christ's power.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes warns that staying stuck on elementary Christian doctrines like repentance and faith is a dangerous stagnation. He insists that "leaving these principles" means pressing forward into deeper knowledge and holiness, which he calls "perfection" not as sinlessness but as mature growth. Without this advance, believers risk complete apostasy.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin uses the builder's foundation as his key image: essential for starting a house, but absurd if the builder never raises walls. Likewise, Christians must learn first principles, then build higher doctrine upon them. Staying at the elementary stage mistakes the foundation for the finished building.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator stresses that "leaving the principles" means advancing beyond elementary Christian teaching, not discarding it. The phrase "let us go on" literally means "let us be borne along," like a current. The goal is "perfection," meaning full maturity in Christian knowledge, not a second foundation.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note insists that believers must leave the elementary doctrines about Christ and advance to maturity. It specifically warns against repeatedly laying the foundation of repentance
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill argues that the "principles of the doctrine of Christ" refers to the Jewish ceremonial laws, not basic Christian teachings. These shadowy types of Christ were to be left behind, not relaid as foundation. Believers should press on to the fuller knowledge that the Gospel brings, rather than clinging to these abolished rites.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB stresses that believers must actively press forward to Christian maturity, not remain stuck forever re-laying the foundation. That foundation of repentance and faith is never abandoned, but endlessly laboring only on basics is ridiculous. He notes these truths were already known to Jewish believers from the Old Testament, now clarified under the Gospel.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange insists the six elementary teachings listed are not distinctively Christian but shared with Judaism. The real danger is treating these common foundations as ultimate ends. He explains that "dead works" are not sinful deeds but actions performed apart from a living relationship with God.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry stresses that Christians must not remain at the elementary principles of Christ’s doctrine, but build upon them toward maturity. Leaving the foundation does not mean discarding it; the foundation is laid precisely to support the superstructure, so believers must go on and not keep laying it again.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent stresses that "leaving" elementary Christian teachings does not mean discarding them; a builder leaves the foundation in place while raising the building. He translates "go on to perfection" as being carried forward to completeness, a necessary movement that naturally leaves the basics behind. Dead works, for him, are not sinful deeds but actions lacking life from faith in God.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley sees the listed teachings as foundational doctrines of Christ that believers should not rehash but move past toward spiritual maturity. He connects repentance, faith, baptism, laying on of hands, resurrection, and judgment to the apostolic preaching pattern, treating these as initial steps before advancing to perfection.