Hebrews 6:3 says that the writer and his readers intend to keep moving forward in their faith, and that they will do so only as God allows. In plain terms, it expresses a humble confidence: spiritual growth is a real goal to pursue, but its outcome rests in God’s hands rather than ours. The words come from the unnamed author of the letter to the Hebrews, written to a group of Christians who were struggling to mature in their faith.
This will we do, if God permits.
Hebrews 6:3 (WEB)
What Hebrews 6:3 Means
The verse begins with “This will we do,” which points back to the call in the previous verses to leave behind the basic lessons of the faith and press on toward maturity. The author is not dismissing those basics. He is saying that the readers should not stay camped on the foundation forever, and that he himself intends to move ahead with them in that direction.
The phrase “if God permits” adds the important qualifier. The author recognizes that progress in the Christian life is not simply a matter of effort or determination. He depends on God’s willingness and timing. This does not turn the verse into a promise that every believer will automatically reach a certain level of spiritual depth, but it does place the whole project within God’s sovereign care.
Read this way, the verse teaches both ambition and humility. It encourages us to aim for growth, and it reminds us that we grow because God allows and empowers it, not because we have mastered the process on our own.
The Context of Hebrews 6:3
The letter to the Hebrews is anonymous, though early church tradition sometimes linked it to Paul, and modern readers generally treat its author as an unknown teacher with a strong pastoral heart. The audience appears to be Jewish Christians who were under pressure, perhaps tempted to drift back into older religious habits or to lose their confidence in Christ. The author writes to urge them toward steadiness and deeper understanding.
Just before verse 3, the author lists foundational teachings such as repentance, faith, baptism, and the resurrection. Right after it, in verses 4 through 6, he issues a sobering warning about those who turn away from the faith after tasting its blessings. Verse 3 sits between these two parts. It shows the author’s hope for his readers to advance, while the warning that follows shows how seriously he takes the danger of falling back, which is why the phrase “if God permits” carries real weight.
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)
Paul expresses confidence that God, who began a good work in believers, will carry it on to completion. This pairs well with Hebrews 6:3 by affirming that spiritual growth is ultimately God’s work, even as believers are called to pursue it.
Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD directs his steps.
(WEB)
This proverb observes that people plan their course, but the Lord directs their steps. It echoes the humble realism of “if God permits” and reminds readers that making plans and trusting God’s direction belong together.
A Short Prayer From Hebrews 6:3
Lord, you know how slow I am to grow and how often I settle into what is comfortable. I want to press on toward maturity in you, so I ask you to stir my heart and give me a steady desire to know you more. Where I have grown weary or distracted, renew my commitment to follow where you lead. I also confess that I cannot make myself grow by my own strength alone. Go before me in each step, and let your permission and your power carry me forward. Teach me to trust your timing and to rest in your faithfulness. Amen.
