An Exegetical Study of Hebrews 6:9: The Meaning of ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας
This exegetical study of An Exegetical Study of Hebrews 6:9: The Meaning of ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας is based on a b-greek discussion from July 25, 2003. The initial inquiry focused on the phrase καὶ ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας (Heb 6:9), which is commonly translated as “the things that accompany salvation.” The original author questioned the precise semantic contribution of the participle ἐχόμενα, suggesting its substantive use, and sought clarification on the grammatical function of the genitive σωτηρίας, particularly whether the entire expression constitutes an idiom.
The central exegetical issue revolves around the nuanced meaning of the middle participle ἐχόμενα (from ἔχω) when construed with the genitive noun σωτηρίας. Interpreters must determine whether the genitive expresses possession, association, proximity, comparison, or a combination thereof, and how this grammatical relationship impacts the overall theological understanding of the “better things” attributed to the recipients in the immediate context of Hebrews 6:9.
Ἡμεῖς δὲ, ἀγαπητοί, πεπείσμεθα περὶ ὑμῶν τὰ κρείττονα καὶ ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας, εἰ καὶ οὕτως λαλοῦμεν. (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No significant textual variants exist for the phrase ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας between the Nestle 1904 text and the SBLGNT (2010) within Hebrews 6:9. Both texts read identically for this specific phrase.
Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)
The phrase ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας presents no significant textual variants in critical editions such as the NA28 (28th edition of the Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece), aligning with the Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT readings. This textual stability reinforces confidence in the established Greek text for this particular expression.
From a lexical perspective, the Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich (BDAG) lexicon, under ἔχω, section 11(a), is particularly illuminating. It defines the middle voice participle, especially in the New Testament, as signifying “to be closely associated, hold fast, be next to.” BDAG further specifies that “the ‘to’ of belonging and the ‘with’ of association are expressed by the genitive.” This suggests that ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας can imply a close relationship, proximity, or even an inherent belonging to salvation.
While not explicitly mentioned in the original discussion, the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Kittel) provides extensive treatment of ἔχω. Kittel highlights the broad semantic range of ἔχω, encompassing ‘to have,’ ‘to hold,’ and ‘to possess.’ In the middle voice (ἔχομαι), it often denotes ‘to cling to,’ ‘to be connected with,’ or ‘to be next to.’ In contexts where ἔχομαι is followed by a genitive, it frequently expresses a close relationship, a ‘holding on to’ something, or being in the ‘sphere of’ something. This usage supports the idea of “things pertaining to” or “things belonging to” salvation, underscoring the intimate connection implied by the genitive.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The grammatical structure of ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας involves a neuter plural present middle participle, ἐχόμενα, used substantively, followed by a genitive noun, σωτηρίας. The substantive use of the participle means it functions as a noun, referring to “the things holding/being held” or “the things pertaining.” The key interpretative challenge lies in the precise semantic force of the genitive case.
Several grammatical and lexical resources shed light on this construction:
- “Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics” lists Hebrews 6:9 as an example of a “genitive of comparison,” suggesting a reading like “things better than salvation.” However, this interpretation is less common and semantically awkward in the context of Hebrews, where salvation is paramount.
- BDAG, as noted above, emphasizes “close association” and “belonging,” indicating a genitive of relationship or association.
- B. F. Westcott, in his commentary on Hebrews, acknowledged the “somewhat uncertain” meaning, noting that the construction ἔχεσθαι τινός can denote “local contiguity” (Mk 1:38) or “temporal connection” (Lk 13:33; Acts 20:15, 21:26). This introduces the idea of proximity, either spatially, temporally, or conceptually.
- Carl Conrad further supports this, stating that in classical Attic, the middle ἔχομαι with a partitive genitive often means “touch upon” or “be adjacent to.” This reinforces the notion of proximity.
- Vine’s Expository Dictionary, while brief, offers “things that accompany salvation” as a common translation, but suggests “things that are near to salvation” as “perhaps the better sense,” aligning with the idea of proximity or closely relatedness.
Synthesizing these points, the genitive σωτηρίας most likely functions as a genitive of relationship, belonging, or sphere, indicating that the “better things” are intimately connected with, pertain to, or are found within the realm of salvation. The question of whether it is an idiomatic expression is addressed by understanding this as a regular, albeit nuanced, usage of ἔχομαι with the genitive, rather than a fixed, non-compositional idiom.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
Based on the textual and lexical analysis, the phrase ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας refers to qualities or realities that are deeply intertwined with, or are the natural consequence and expression of, salvation. The author to the Hebrews is encouraging believers to persevere, reminding them of the genuine “better things” that characterize true faith and the salvation they have embraced.
Here are three suggested translations reflecting the nuances discussed:
- “But we are persuaded concerning you, beloved, of better things, even things that belong to salvation…”
This translation emphasizes the inherent connection, suggesting that these “better things” are intrinsic qualities or consequences of salvation itself. - “But we are persuaded concerning you, beloved, of better things, which are closely associated with salvation…”
This option highlights the strong accompanying relationship, implying that these things are consistently found alongside salvation. - “But concerning you, beloved, we are convinced of better things, things that are drawing near to salvation…”
This translation focuses on the idea of proximity or being on the path towards full salvation, suggesting the ongoing nature of Christian experience.