Hebrews 6:9

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 6:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak:
Hebrews 6:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak:

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, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, etc..] The apostle addresses the believing Hebrews, as “beloved”; being beloved by the Lord, not as the descendants of Abraham, but as the elect of God, and so as loved with an everlasting love; and which might be known to themselves, by its being shed abroad in their hearts, and by their being called by grace, and by their love to him, and to his people: and from hence they might conclude they should not fall away, as the apostates before spoken of; since, in consequence of being beloved by God, they were chosen in Christ unto salvation; Christ was given to die for them; they had the Spirit sent down into their hearts; they were…”
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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
“beloved--appositely here introduced; LOVE to you prompts me in the strong warnings I have just given, not that I entertain unfavorable thoughts of you; nay, I anticipate better things of you; Greek "the things which are better"; that ye are not thorn-bearing, or nigh unto cursing, and doomed unto burning, but heirs of salvation in accordance with God's faithfulness (Heb 6:10). we are persuaded--on good grounds; the result of proof. Compare Rom 15:14, "I myself am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye are full of goodness." A confirmation of the Pauline authorship of this Epistle. things that accompany--Greek, "things that hold by," that is, are close unto "salvation." Things that are linked…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things - We confidently hope for better things respecting you. We trust that you are true Christians; that you will produce the proper fruits of holiness; that you will be saved. “Things that accompany salvation.” Things that pertain to salvation. The Greek phrase here means, “near to salvation,” or things that are conjoined with salvation. So Coverdale renders it, “and that salvation is nigher.” The form of expression seems to refer to what was said in Hebrews 6:8. The land overrun with briars was “nigh” to cursing; the things which Paul saw in them were “nigh” to salvation. From this verse it is evident: (1)That the apostle regarded them as sincere…”
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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, beloved - in this one place he calls them so. he never uses this appellation, but in exhorting. We are persuaded of you things that accompany salvation - We are persuaded you are now saved from your sins; and that ye have that faith, love, and holiness, which lead to final salvation. Though we thus speak - To warn you, lest you should fall from your present steadfastness. Hebrews 6:10”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:9-12 Having confronted his readers with a stern warning (6:4-8), the author now softens that warning by greeting them as dear friends, expressing confidence in them, and giving them further encouragement. 6:9 We are confident: Skilled speakers and writers express confidence in those they address to motivate them (cp. Rom 15:14). • The author is confident that his hearers’ lives give evidence of a true relationship with God, including salvation. In the New Testament, salvation primarily refers to Christ’s work on the cross (Heb 5:9-10; see also study note on 2:3); Hebrews places emphasis on the consummation of salvation at the end of the age (9:28).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“beloved: Heb 6:4-6, Heb 6:10, Heb 10:34, Heb 10:39; Phi 1:6, Phi 1:7; Th1 1:3, Th1 1:4 things: Heb 2:3, Heb 5:9; Isa 57:15; Mat 5:3-12; Mar 16:16; Act 11:18, Act 20:21; Co2 7:10; Gal 5:6, Gal 5:22, Gal 5:23; Tit 2:11-14 Hebrews 6:10”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification