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
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, …
Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are …
For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in …
Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the …
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord …
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of …
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the …
If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and …
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed …