Hebrews 6 · a question people ask

"imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherited the promises" (6:12). Who are they?

In the text

6:12 doesn't name them. The letter's next words begin with For and turn to Abraham: "For when God made a promise to Abraham" (6:13). Of him it goes on, "Thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise." (6:15). These notes say no more of who "those" are than the verses do.

The verses

“that you won’t be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherited the promises. For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” Thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”
Hebrews 6:12-15 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Hebrews 6

Hebrews 6: The same diligence

Showed in "the labor of love which you showed toward his name" (6:10) and show in "show the same diligence" (6:11) are one Greek verb, and Hebrews has it nowhere else. And that love was shown "in that you served the saints, and still do serve them" (6:10).

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Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions