What Does Hebrews 6:3 Mean in the King James?

And this will we do, if God permit.

Hebrews 6:3 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The move toward maturity is a real human intention held open to God’s permission.

THE MEANING

You can intend to move forward without claiming control over how that movement unfolds. The verse holds your action and God’s permission together in the present.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

It undoes the belief that commitment requires certainty of outcome: intention can be real even when its completion is not yours to command.

THE ROOT

ἐπιτρέπῃ

epitrepē

GROWS FROM

τρέπω

trepō

To turn or direct; with ⁨ἐπί⁩ (epi), the verb can mean to turn over, allow, or entrust.

The verb translated “permit” also belongs to a word family of allowing and entrusting. The verse places that permission beside “we will do”: the action remains real, while its unfolding is entrusted to God.

ALSO GROWS

epitrepō: To allow, permit, or entrust.

ἐπιτρέπω

This is the verb used here: the intended action proceeds within what God allows.

epitropos: A steward or guardian entrusted with responsibility.

ἐπίτροπος

The related word carries the sense of responsibility being placed in another’s care.

tropē: A turning or change.

τροπή

This branch makes the underlying image of turning visible beneath the word translated “permit.”

ποιήσομεν

poiēsomen

GROWS FROM

ποιέω

poieō

To do or make.

The sentence gives “we” an active role: “we will do this.” Dependence on God’s permission does not erase human action; both are held in the same sentence.

ALSO GROWS

poiētēs: A doer or maker.

ποιητής

The related noun names the one who acts, reinforcing that the verse speaks of participation rather than passivity.

poiēma: A thing made or workmanship.

ποίημα

This branch shows the same root extending from doing to what is brought about.

THE PATTERN

Human action is real, while its direction and completion remain within God’s will.

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

1 Corinthians 16:7 · KJVA concrete intention to stay is expressed alongside the same condition of divine permission.

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

James 4:15 · KJVPlans and action are spoken of as real while their unfolding remains subject to the Lord’s will.

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 · KJVThe heart makes plans, while the path is directed by the LORD.

THE THREAD

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

1 Corinthians 16:7 · KJV

Hebrews uses ⁨ἐπιτρέπῃ⁩, “permits”; 1 Corinthians uses the same Greek verb in “if the Lord permit.” Both hold human intention together with an outcome entrusted to God’s allowance.

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