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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Hebrews 11:6 - 11:6
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
To please (εὐαρεστῆσαι)
The aorist gives the sense of at all, stating the verbal idea without time, as a universal proposition. Comp. Rom 8:8.
Cometh (προσερχόμενον)
See on Heb 4:16. Must (δεῖ). An essential obligation. In the nature of the case. That he is (ὅτι ἔστιν). Faith in God involves belief in his existence although he is unseen.
Is a rewarder (μισθαποδότης)
Note the difference of the verb: not simply exists, but comes to pass as; proves to be, habitually, so that he who approaches God has, through faith, the assurance that his seeking God will result in good to himself. Μισθαποδότης rewarder, N.T.o. Comp. μισθαποδοσία recompense of reward, Heb 2:2 (note); Heb 10:35; Heb 11:26.
Of them that diligently seek him (τοῖς ἐκζητοῦσιν αὐτὸν)
Lit. unto them that seek him out. Comp. Act 15:17; Heb 12:17; 1Pe 1:10. The verb is used of seeking God, Rom 3:11. God's beneficent will and attitude toward the seeker are not always apparent at the first approach. In such cases there is occasion for faith, in the face of delay, that diligent seeking will find its reward. One is reminded of Jesus' lessons on importunity in seeking God, Luk 11:5-10; Luk 18:1-8.
He hides himself so wondrously
As though there were no God;
He is least seen when all the powers
Of ill are most abroad.
Or he deserts us at the hour
The fight is almost lost,
And seems to leave us to ourselves
Just when we need him most.
It is not so, but so it looks;
And we lose courage then;
And doubts will come if God hath kept
His promises to men.”
Faber.