Hebrews 6:4-8
As touching those who were once enlightened ( τους απαξ φωτισθεντας ). First aorist passive articular participle (the once for all enlightened) of φοτιζω, old and common verb (from φως ) as in Lu 11:36. The metaphorical sense here (cf. Joh 1:9; Eph 1:18; Heb 10:32) occurs in Polybius and Epictetus. The accusative case is due to ανακαινιζειν in verse 6. Hαπαξ here is "once for all," not once upon a time ( ποτε ) and occurs again (9:7, 26, 27, 28; 12:26, 27).Tasted of the heavenly gift ( γευσαμενους της δωρεας της επουρανιου ). First aorist middle participle of γευω, old verb once with accusative (verse 5, καλον ρημα, δυναμεις ), usually with genitive (Heb 2:9) as here.
Partakers of the Holy Ghost ( μετοχους πνευματος αγιου ). See 3:14 for μετοχο. These are all given as actual spiritual experiences.
And then fell away ( κα παραπεσοντας ). No "then" here, though the second aorist (effective) active participle of παραπιπτω, old verb to fall beside (aside), means that. Only here in N.T. In Gal 5:4 we have της χαριτος εξεπεσατε (ye fell out of grace, to law, Paul means).
It is impossible to renew them again ( αδυνατον παλιν ανακαινιζειν ). The αδυνατον (impossible) comes first in verse 4 without εστιν (is) and there is no "them" in the Greek. There are three other instances of αδυνατον in Hebrews (6:18; 10:4; 11:6). The present active infinitive of ανακαινιζω (late verb, ανα, καινος, here only in the N.T., but ανακαινοω, 2Co 4:16; Col 3:10) with αδυνατον bluntly denies the possibility of renewal for apostates from Christ (cf. 3:12-4:2). It is a terrible picture and cannot be toned down. The one ray of light comes in verses 8-12, not here.
Seeing they crucify to themselves afresh ( αναστραυρουντας εαυτοις ). Present active participle (accusative plural agreeing with τους ... παραπεσοντας ) of ανασταυροω, the usual verb for crucify in the old Greek so that ανα- here does not mean "again" or "afresh," but "up," sursum, not rursum (Vulgate). This is the reason why renewal for such apostates is impossible. They crucify Christ.
And put him to an open shame ( κα παραδειγματιζοντας ). Present active participle of παραδειγματιζω, late verb from παραδειγμα (example), to make an example of, and in bad sense to expose to disgrace. Simplex verb δειγματισα in this sense in Mt 1:19.
Which hath drunk ( η πιουσα ). Articular second aorist active participle of πινω, to drink.
Herbs ( βοτανην ). Old word from βοσκω, to feed, green plant, only here in N.T. Cf. our botany.
Meet ( ευθετον ). Old compound verbal ( ευ, τιθημ ) well-placed, fit (Lu 9:62).
It is tilled ( γεωργειτα ). Present passive indicative of γεωργεω, old and rare verb from γεωργος (tiller of the soil, γη, εργον, 2Ti 2:6), here only in the N.T.
Receives ( μεταλαμβανε ). Present active indicative of μεταλαμβανω, old verb to share in, with genitive ( ευλογιας ) as here (Ac 2:46) or with accusative (Ac 24:25).
If it beareth ( εκφερουσα ). Present active participle of εκφερω, conditional participle. For "thorns and thistles" see Mt 7:16 for both words ( ακανθας κα τριβολους ). Roman soldiers scattered balls with sharp iron spikes, one of which was called tribulus, to hinder the enemy's cavalry.
Rejected ( αδοκιμος ). See 1Co 9:27; Ro 1:28. For καταρας εγγυς (nigh unto a curse) see Gal 3:10.
To be burned ( εις καυσιν ). "For burning." Common sight in clearing up ground.
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