The "better things" in view reflect the writer"s confidence that his readers would not turn away from the truth. He based his confidence on their realizing the dreadful consequences of apostasy that he had just explained and avoiding it. "Salvation" refers to the full salvation ahead of them, about which he had been speaking throughout this epistle (cf. Hebrews 1:14). [source][source][source]
"The things to which he refers are defined in the following verses ( Hebrews 6:10-12): work and love, diligence to the end, and faith and patience. Salvation is the victorious participation with Christ in the coming kingdom as it is in Hebrews 1:14, which only those who persevere as companions of the King will inherit. The writer obviously expects that his readers will persevere to the end, enter into rest, and obtain these blessings." [1][source]
This is the only place in the epistle where the writer referred to his readers as "beloved" (dear friends). This affectionate address softens the severity of the warning just given ( Hebrews 6:4-8). Hebrews 6:9-12 provide strong evidence, I believe, that genuine Christians are in view throughout this warning passage. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Hebrews 6:9-20 - "the Hope Set Before Us"
The keynote of this passage is patient continuance. We should seek not only faith but its accompaniments. It is not enough to manifest faith, hope and love, but to continue to do so unto the end. Notice that the two conditions on which the promises are inherited are faith and patience.
These truths are enforced by the example of Abraham. He believed God and patiently endured. Your prayers cannot be lost, as ships at sea; they will make harbor at last, laden with golden freight. God's promise and oath are a double door, behind which they who have fled for refuge are safe-a double window beyond which all noise dies down. The allusion is either to the cities of refuge, or to a ship safely riding out the storm. Hope is sure, because the anchor has fastened in a sure ground; steadfast, because its cable will not snap in the strain; and entering, etc., because it unites us to the unseen. Jesus has taken our anchor into the inner harbor, and has dropped it down into the clear, still water there. [source]
Chapter Summary: Hebrews 6
1He exhorts not to fall back from the faith; 11but to be steadfast, 12diligent, and patient to wait upon God; 13because God is most sure in his promise
Greek Commentary for Hebrews 6:9
But we are persuaded [πεπεισμετα δε] Perfect passive indicative of πειτω peithō literary plural. Note Paul‘s use of πεπεισμαι pepeismai in 2 Timothy 1:12. Better things “The better things” than those pictures in Hebrews 6:4-8. That accompany salvation “Things holding on to salvation” (Mark 1:38), a common Greek phrase εχομενα echomena present middle participle of εχω echō Though we thus speak Concessive condition of the first class. Explanatory, not apologetic, of his plain talk. Not unrighteous to forget Second aorist middle infinitive of επιλαντανω epilanthanō with genitive case But even God cannot remember what they did not do. In that ye ministered and still do minister First aorist active and present active participle of the one verb διακονεω diakoneō the sole difference being the tense (single act aorist, repeated acts present). [source]
[] d But the writer refuses to believe that his readers will incur such a fate. [source]
We are persuaded [πεπείσμεθα] We are firmly convinced. The verb indicates a past hesitation overcome. [source]
Better things [τὰ κρείσσονα] The article gives a collective force, the better state of things, the going on unto perfection (Hebrews 6:1). For κρείσσονα bettersee on Hebrews 1:4. [source]
That accompany salvation [ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας] Ἔχεσθαι with a genitive is a common Greek idiom meaning to hold one's self to a person or thing; hence to be closely joined to it. So in a local sense, Mark 1:38; in a temporal sense, Luke 13:33, next. He is persuaded that they will give heed to all things which attend the work of salvation and will enjoy all that attaches to a saved condition. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Hebrews 6:9
Mark 1:38Into the next towns [εις τας εχομενας κωμοπολεις] It was a surprising decision for Jesus to leave the eager, excited throngs in Capernaum for the country town or village cities without walls or much importance. Only instance of the word in the N.T. Late Greek word. The use of εχομενας echomenas for next is a classic use meaning clinging to, next to a thing. So in Luke 13:33; Acts 13:44; Acts 20:15; Hebrews 6:9. “D” here has εγγυς eggus (near). [source]
Greek Commentary for Hebrews 6:9
Perfect passive indicative of πειτω peithō literary plural. Note Paul‘s use of πεπεισμαι pepeismai in 2 Timothy 1:12. Better things “The better things” than those pictures in Hebrews 6:4-8. That accompany salvation “Things holding on to salvation” (Mark 1:38), a common Greek phrase εχομενα echomena present middle participle of εχω echō Though we thus speak Concessive condition of the first class. Explanatory, not apologetic, of his plain talk. Not unrighteous to forget Second aorist middle infinitive of επιλαντανω epilanthanō with genitive case But even God cannot remember what they did not do. In that ye ministered and still do minister First aorist active and present active participle of the one verb διακονεω diakoneō the sole difference being the tense (single act aorist, repeated acts present). [source]
d But the writer refuses to believe that his readers will incur such a fate. [source]
Only here in the epistle. It often suggests an argument. See 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 7:1. [source]
We are firmly convinced. The verb indicates a past hesitation overcome. [source]
The article gives a collective force, the better state of things, the going on unto perfection (Hebrews 6:1). For κρείσσονα bettersee on Hebrews 1:4. [source]
Ἔχεσθαι with a genitive is a common Greek idiom meaning to hold one's self to a person or thing; hence to be closely joined to it. So in a local sense, Mark 1:38; in a temporal sense, Luke 13:33, next. He is persuaded that they will give heed to all things which attend the work of salvation and will enjoy all that attaches to a saved condition. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Hebrews 6:9
It was a surprising decision for Jesus to leave the eager, excited throngs in Capernaum for the country town or village cities without walls or much importance. Only instance of the word in the N.T. Late Greek word. The use of εχομενας echomenas for next is a classic use meaning clinging to, next to a thing. So in Luke 13:33; Acts 13:44; Acts 20:15; Hebrews 6:9. “D” here has εγγυς eggus (near). [source]
Literary plural again like πεπεισμετα pepeismetha (Hebrews 6:9). He is not wholly satisfied with them as he had already shown (Hebrews 5:11-14). They have not given up Christ (Hebrews 6:4-8), but many of them are still babes For πληροπορια plērophoria see 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Colossians 2:2. To the end As in Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 3:14. [source]