• Hebrews 11:6
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 6 χωρὶς apart from δὲ but πίστεως faith ἀδύνατον impossible εὐαρεστῆσαι, to please well, πιστεῦσαι to believe γὰρ for δεῖ it is binding τὸν the (one) προσερχόμενον coming toward τῷ to the θεῷ God ὅτι that ἔστιν he is καὶ and τοῖς to the (ones) ἐκζητοῦσιν seeking out αὐτὸν him μισθαποδότης giver back of reward γίνεται. he is becoming.

  • Hebrews 11:6
    American Standard Version

    • 6 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
    The Emphasized Bible

    • 6 But apart from faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing; For he that approacheth unto God—Must needs have faith that he is, And that to them who seek him out a rewarder he becometh.

  • Hebrews 11:6
    King James Version

    • 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

  • Hebrews Study Notes—Chapter 11
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 11:6

      without faith it is impossible to please God well: By using the term “impossible,” Paul emphasizes the theme of this part of his letter. That is, Christians cannot please God unless they develop and demonstrate genuine faith, just as “the men of ancient times” did. (Heb 11:2) Each example of faith mentioned in this chapter assured Christians that they too could form a strong, trusting bond with their Father by putting faith in him. This statement also reinforces Paul’s earlier reference to Hab 2:4.​—See study note on Heb 10:38.

      whoever approaches God: The Hebrew Christians knew well that those who sought to approach Almighty God had to meet certain requirements. For example, the Mosaic Law contained specific regulations for priests on how to approach Jehovah with sacred offerings in the tabernacle. Anyone who disrespectfully attempted to “come near to Jehovah” without authorization would lose his life. (Ex 19:22; Le 10:1, 2, 9; Nu 3:10; 16:40) Such laws impressed on God’s people that it was an awesome privilege to appear before the Sovereign Lord of the universe. True Christians have “free access” to Jehovah by approaching him through Jesus Christ. (Eph 2:18; Joh 14:13, 14; see study notes on Heb 4:16; 7:25.) When Christians approach God with genuine faith and in the proper manner, Jehovah will draw ever closer to them.​—Ac 17:27; Jas 4:8, 10.

      the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him: To seek God, or to search for him, implies coming to him in order to worship, or serve, him. (De 4:29; 1Ch 28:9; Ac 15:17; 17:27) The Greek verb here rendered “earnestly seeking” suggests making diligent and concentrated efforts with, as one lexicon adds, a “focus on establishing a relationship.” This Greek expression is also found in some verses in the Septuagint version of the Hebrew Scriptures, where Jehovah urged his people: “Search for me and keep living.” (Am 5:4-6; Ho 10:12) Christians worship Jehovah with love and zeal and have faith that he is an appreciative God who rewards them according to his promises.​—Ge 15:1; Isa 40:10; 1Co 15:58; Heb 6:10; Jas 1:17.