Hebrews 6:12
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Study Note
Study Note
The exhortation against sloth and the call to imitate 'them who through faith and patience inherit the promises' points the community toward the great cloud of witnesses who are their models. The pairing of faith and patience (pisteos kai makrothymias) is significant: inheritance of the promises is not instantaneous but requires enduring the interval between promise and fulfillment. This two-virtue combination is developed at length in Hebrews 11 through the catalogue of faithful ancestors who 'did not receive what was promised' in their lifetimes (11:39). James 1:3-4 and Romans 5:3-4 develop the same pairing of faith and endurance as the pathway to maturity and hope, suggesting a common early Christian catechetical tradition.
Other Translations
that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
that ye may not become slothful, but followers of those who through faith and patient endurance are inheriting the promises.
So that you may not be slow in heart, but may take as your example those to whom God has given their heritage, because of their faith and their long waiting.
Cross References
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made …
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and …
Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the …
I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the …
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed …