Bible Strands
Hebrews 6:12
Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The anonymous author of Hebrews writes to Jewish Christians at risk of growing weary and drifting back toward their former religious framework. This verse closes a warning passage (6:4–12) that urges perseverance to the end.
The words — νωθροί (nōthroi), "sluggish," is a rare NT adjective (also 2 Peter 3:12) conveying a dull, inert resistance to action. The contrast with μιμηταί (mimētai), "imitators," sharpens the point: passivity versus deliberate copying of a model.
The thread — Hebrews 13:7 calls readers to imitate the faith of their leaders, and Hebrews 10:36 pairs perseverance with receiving the promise. Romans 12:11 similarly warns against letting zeal subside.
Why it lands — The verse demands that the reader pick a concrete model of faith and patience and copy it, rather than drifting into inertia. Inheritance is framed as the reward of active imitation, not passive waiting.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
- Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
- Romans 12:11 Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
- 1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life.
- Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’
- Romans 2:7 To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
- Proverbs 18:9 Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
- Proverbs 24:30 I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment.
- Hebrews 5:11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.
- James 1:3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.