Heb 6:8-12 | RWP | e4.org | If it beareth ( εκφερουσα ). Present active participle of εκφερω , conditional participle. For "thorns and thistles" see for both words ( ακανθας κα τριβολους ). Roman soldiers scattered balls with sharp iron spikes, one of which was called tribulus , to hinder the enemy's cavalry. Rejected ( αδοκιμος ). See ; . For καταρας εγγυς (nigh unto a curse) see . To be burned ( εις καυσιν ). "For burning." Common sight in clearing up ground.

‏ Hebrews 6:8-12

If it beareth ( εκφερουσα ). Present active participle of εκφερω, conditional participle. For "thorns and thistles" see Mt 7:16 for both words ( ακανθας κα τριβολους ). Roman soldiers scattered balls with sharp iron spikes, one of which was called tribulus, to hinder the enemy's cavalry.

Rejected ( αδοκιμος ). See 1Co 9:27; Ro 1:28. For καταρας εγγυς (nigh unto a curse) see Gal 3:10.

To be burned ( εις καυσιν ). "For burning." Common sight in clearing up ground.

But we are persuaded ( πεπεισμεθα δε ). Perfect passive indicative of πειθω, literary plural. Note Paul's use of πεπεισμα in 2Ti 1:12.

Better things ( τα κρεισσονα ). "The better things" than those pictures in 6:4-8.

That accompany salvation ( εχομενα σωτηριας ). "Things holding on to salvation" (Mr 1:38), a common Greek phrase εχομενα, present middle participle of εχω.

Though we thus speak ( ε κα ουτως λαλουμεν ). Concessive condition of the first class. Explanatory, not apologetic, of his plain talk.

Not unrighteous to forget ( ου γαρ αδικος επιλαθεσθα ). Second aorist middle infinitive of επιλανθανω with genitive case ( εργου, work, αγαπης, love). But even God cannot remember what they did not do.

In that ye ministered and still do minister ( διακονησαντες κα διακονουντες ). First aorist active and present active participle of the one verb διακονεω, the sole difference being the tense (single act aorist, repeated acts present).

And we desire ( επιθυμουμεν δε ). Literary plural again like πεπεισμεθα (6:9). He is not wholly satisfied with them as he had already shown (5:11-14). They have not given up Christ (6:4-8), but many of them are still babes ( νηπιο, 5:13) and not adults ( τελειο, 5:14) and others are in peril of becoming so.

Unto the fulness of hope ( προς την πληροφοριαν της ελπιδος ). For πληροφορια see 1Th 1:5; Col 2:2.

To the end ( αχρ τελους ). As in 3:6, 14.

That ye be not sluggish ( ινα μη νωθρο γενησθε ). Negative final clause with second aorist middle subjunctive of γινομα, "that ye become not sluggish (or dull of hearing)" as some already were (5:11).

Imitators ( μιμητα ). See 1Th 1:6; 2:14 for this word (our "mimic" in good sense). The writer wishes to hold and develop these sluggards through those who inherit the promises (see 10:19-12:3), one of his great appeals later in ch. Heb 11 full of examples of "faith and long-suffering."