Hebrews 6:3 Meaning: If God Permits
This will we do, if God permits.
And this will we do, if God permit.
And this will we do, if God permit.
and this we will do, if God may permit,
and this will we do if God permit.
Meaning in one sentence
Hebrews 6:3 shows us how to pursue spiritual maturity while humbly relying on God's permission and grace.
Context
The writer of Hebrews has just urged his readers to leave behind the basics of the faith and press on toward maturity. He lists foundational teachings, repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, judgment, and says they must not keep laying that foundation again. Then he expresses his own resolve: he and his fellow workers will push ahead toward this deeper goal. But he quickly adds a condition: if God permits. This little phrase sits at a crossroads in the chapter. The verses that follow contain a severe warning about those who fall away after tasting the heavenly gift. The author is not merely being polite; he knows that spiritual growth depends on God’s ongoing help. Human effort matters, but it never runs ahead of God’s permission.
Key Words
The Greek behind “we will do” (poiēsomen) is a strong future indicative, a statement of intent, not a wish. The writer is determined. Yet immediately he attaches a word that qualifies everything: eanper, a compound “if” that means “if indeed” or “provided that.” This is not a weak condition. It is an honest recognition that no matter how firm our resolve, the outcome rests with another. And the verb translated “permits” (epitrepē) carries the sense of turning something over for another to decide. It is the same word used when Jesus allows the demons to enter the pigs (Mark 5:13) or when Paul asks if the Lord will allow him to stay longer (1 Corinthians 16:7). So the writer is saying: “I fully intend to press on toward maturity, provided that God, in His freedom, grants the way.” The early Christians took this formula from Jewish piety and made it their own. It is not a polite hedge; it is a confession that every good step we take is sustained by the One who holds our breath.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have heard different notes in this small verse. Reformed readers often emphasize that even our will to advance is God’s gift (Philippians 2:13), so “if God permits” underscores His sovereign role in every step toward maturity. Wesleyan and Methodist interpreters highlight the human side: the author resolves to act, yet does so in humble submission to God’s ongoing permission. Anglican commentators note that the phrase became an early Christian formula (1 Corinthians 16:7, James 4:15), a habit of speech that kept believers aware of their dependence. Others, like Vincent, see an ominous hint: the readers’ spiritual dullness may prevent the writer’s teaching from taking root. All traditions agree that the verse guards against presumption without killing our resolve.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that “if God permits” suggests God might be unwilling to let us grow, or that our maturity is uncertain. In fact, the phrase is not about God’s unwillingness but about our dependence. Barnes notes that Paul had confidence his readers would advance (Hebrews 6:9, 10). The condition recognizes that our lives, health, reason, and means of grace all come from God. It is the same humble posture James teaches: “If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.” The uncertainty is not in God’s character but in our control over tomorrow.
Living This Out
This week, you will likely make plans for your spiritual life. Maybe you intend to read Scripture more consistently, pray with more focus, or serve in a new way. When you set that intention, add the same phrase the writer used: “if God permits.” Not as a hollow ritual, but as a quiet acknowledgment that your best intentions depend on the Giver of every good thing. Before you begin, pause and ask God to grant the time, energy, and openness of heart you need. If He provides them, move forward with confidence. If He closes a door, trust that His permission is at work in the closing as well. This verse invites you to plan boldly and depend humbly.
Main takeaway: Pressing on toward maturity requires both our determined effort and a humble reliance on God’s permission and grace.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
We want to follow Jesus and learn more about Him. But we can only do that if God says yes and helps us. So we always say, “If it’s okay with You, God.”
For ages 9, 12
The writer of Hebrews says he will grow in his faith, but he adds “if God permits.” That means we should try hard to learn and follow Jesus, but we also know that God is in charge of everything, even our growth. So when you make a plan to pray or read your Bible, ask God to help you do it. And if something stops you, remember He has a reason.
Questions People Ask
What does “this” refer to in Hebrews 6:3?
It refers back to the phrase in verse 1: “let’s press on to perfection” (or maturity). The writer is saying, “We will do this, that is, advance toward spiritual maturity, if God permits.” The context shows he is talking about leaving behind elementary teachings and growing deeper in faith.
Why does the writer say “if God permits” instead of just “we will do this”?
He is expressing both his resolve and his dependence on God. The phrase was a common early Christian way of recognizing that all human plans and efforts ultimately rely on God’s will and provision (James 4:13, 15; 1 Corinthians 16:7). It does not mean doubt about God’s goodness, but humility about our own control.
Does “if God permits” mean God might not want us to grow spiritually?
No. The surrounding verses (Hebrews 6:9, 10) show the writer is confident about his readers’ growth. The condition is not about God’s willingness but about our dependence on Him for life, health, opportunity, and the work of His Spirit. It is a safeguard against pride, not a sign of unwillingness on God’s part.
How does this verse connect to the warning about falling away in verses 4, 6?
Some commentators see a link: the writer says “if God permits” because he knows that growth is not automatic, it can be hindered by a hard heart. The severe warning that follows shows that continued progress in the faith requires God’s ongoing grace. Without His permission and our responsive faith, even enlightened people can turn away.
Is “if God permits” just a polite expression, or does it have deeper meaning?
It became a standard Christian formula, but it carried real weight. The Greek word for “permits” implies allowing someone to have the right of way or turning a matter over to another’s decision. It was a conscious acknowledgment that every aspect of life, including spiritual progress, is subject to God’s authority and timing.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study