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Hebrews 11:6

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 11:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing [unto him]; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing [unto him]; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.
Hebrews 11:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear.
4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh.
5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God:
6And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing [unto him]; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.
7By faith Noah, being warned [of God] concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
8By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a [land] not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
← Hebrews 11:5Hebrews 11:7 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But without faith it is impossible to please him, etc..] Or do things well pleasing in his sight; or any of the duties of religion, in an acceptable way; as prayer, praise, attendance on the word and ordinances, or any good works whatever; because such are without Christ, and without his Spirit; and have neither right principles, nor right ends: for this is not to be understood of the persons of God's elect, as considered in Christ; in whom they are well pleasing to him before faith; being loved by him with an everlasting love; and chosen in Christ, before the foundation of the world; (see Gill on “ <450808>Romans 8:8”). for he that cometh to God; to the throne of, his grace, to pray unto…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“without--Greek, "apart from faith": if one be destitute of faith (compare Rom 14:23). to please--Translate, as ALFORD does, the Greek aorist, "It is impossible to please God at all" (Rom 8:8). Natural amiabilities and "works done before the grace of Christ are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ; yea, rather, for that they are not done as God hath willed them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of sin" [Article XIII, Book of Common Prayer]. Works not rooted in God are splendid sins [AUGUSTINE]. he that cometh to God--as a worshipper (Heb 7:19). must believe--once for all: Greek aorist tense. that God is--is the true self-existing Jehovah…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But without faith it is impossible to please him - Without “confidence” in God - in his fidelity, his truth, his wisdom, his promises. And this is as true in other things as in religion. It is impossible for a child to please his father unless he has confidence in him. It is impossible for a wife to please her husband, or a husband a wife, unless they have confidence in each other. If there is distrust and jealousy on either part, there is discord and misery. We cannot be pleased with a professed friend unless he has such confidence in us as to believe our declarations and promises. The same thing is true of God. He cannot be pleased with the man who has no confidence in him; who doubts the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“But without faith - Even some divine faith in God, it is impossible to please him. For he that cometh to God - in prayer, or another act of worship, must believe that he is. Hebrews 11:7”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:6 it is impossible to please God without faith: The author alludes to 10:38, which quotes Hab 2:4. • Faith must include believing that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. In life’s difficulties, readers are challenged to trust in God and to anticipate the fulfillment of his promises.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“without: Heb 3:12, Heb 3:18, Heb 3:19, Heb 4:2, Heb 4:6; Num 14:11, Num 20:12; Psa 78:22, Psa 78:32, Psa 106:21, Psa 106:22, Psa 106:24; Isa 7:9; Mar 16:17; Joh 3:18, Joh 3:19, Joh 8:24; Gal 5:6; Rev 21:8 he that: Heb 7:25; Job 21:14; Psa 73:28; Isa 55:3; Jer 2:31; Joh 14:6 must: Rom 10:14 a rewarder: Heb 11:26; Gen 15:1; Rut 2:12; Psa 58:11; Pro 11:18; Mat 5:12, Mat 6:1, Mat 6:2, Mat 6:5, Mat 6:16; Mat 10:41, Mat 10:42; Luk 6:35 diligently: Ch1 28:9; Psa 105:3, Psa 105:4, Psa 119:10; Pro 8:17; Sol 3:1-4; Jer 29:13, Jer 29:14; Mat 6:33; Luk 12:31; Pe2 1:5, Pe2 1:10, Pe2 3:14 Hebrews 11:7”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification