Hebrews 6:3 says that the writer and his readers intend to move on toward spiritual maturity, but they do so only with God’s permission and help. In plain terms, the verse expresses a plan that depends entirely on God’s will rather than on human ability or determination. The words come from the author of the letter to the Hebrews, who writes to a congregation of Jewish Christians who need to grow up in their faith rather than remain stuck on the basics.
This will we do, if God permits.
Hebrews 6:3 (WEB)
What Hebrews 6:3 Means
The verse begins with “This will we do,” a firm statement of purpose. The author is not hesitant about his intention. He wants his readers to press on past the elementary teachings they already know and into a deeper, more mature understanding of Christ. The word “we” places him alongside them, so this is shared work rather than a lecture from a distance.
The phrase “if God permits” adds a qualifier that keeps the plan humble. The author knows that spiritual growth is not something he can manufacture on his own schedule. Progress depends on God opening the way, giving understanding, and sustaining people through the process. The verse therefore does not promise that every reader will reach maturity or that the author will succeed in his teaching. It simply records a sincere intention placed under God’s authority.
The Context of Hebrews 6:3
Hebrews was written to Christians who had been believers long enough to be expected to teach others, yet who were still living as if they needed milk rather than solid food. The author warns them against remaining with the foundational teachings about repentance, faith, baptism, and judgment, and urges them forward. Just before verse 3 he lists those basics, which helps explain why he wants to move beyond them. Right after the verse, in verses 4 through 6, he describes the seriousness of turning away from Christ, which gives the call to growth a sober edge.
Read in that setting, verse 3 is not a casual promise to try harder. It is the pivot of a warning and an invitation. The author wants his readers to advance, and he knows the way forward must be taken in dependence on God. The context keeps the verse from sounding like self-improvement and anchors it in a serious concern for faithfulness.
Key Phrases in Hebrews 6:3
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
(WEB)
This verse expresses confidence that the God who starts a good work in believers will carry it to completion. It pairs naturally with Hebrews 6:3 because both speak of growth as something God begins and sustains, while people respond with faithful intention.
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…
(WEB)
Here the same letter urges believers to run with endurance the race set before them. Reading it alongside Hebrews 6:3 shows that the author consistently pairs a call to press forward with a confidence that the journey is held within God’s purposes.
A Short Prayer From Hebrews 6:3
Father, you know how often I settle for what is familiar and stop reaching for more of you. Give me a clear desire to grow in my faith, to move past the basics and into a deeper knowledge of Christ. I want to take real steps toward maturity, but I confess that I cannot make progress on my own strength. Open the way before me, give me understanding, and sustain my effort day by day. Whatever growth I experience, let it be your work, for your glory, and only as you permit it. Amen.
