Hebrews 11:6
New International Version
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

New Living Translation
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

English Standard Version
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Berean Standard Bible
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Berean Literal Bible
And without faith, it is impossible to please Him. For it behooves the one drawing near to God to believe that He exists and that He becomes a rewarder to those earnestly seeking Him out.

King James Bible
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

New King James Version
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

New American Standard Bible
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.

NASB 1995
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

NASB 1977
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who draws near to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Amplified Bible
But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

Christian Standard Bible
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

American Standard Version
and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.

Contemporary English Version
But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him.

English Revised Version
And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
No one can please God without faith. Whoever goes to God must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Good News Translation
No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him.

International Standard Version
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently search for him.

Majority Standard Bible
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

NET Bible
Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

New Heart English Bible
Now without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

Webster's Bible Translation
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Weymouth New Testament
But where there is no faith it is impossible truly to please Him; for the man who draws near to God must believe that there is a God and that He proves Himself a rewarder of those who earnestly try to find Him.

World English Bible
Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and apart from faith it is impossible to please [Him], for it is required of him who is coming to God to believe that He exists and [that] He becomes a rewarder to those seeking Him.

Berean Literal Bible
And without faith, it is impossible to please Him. For it behooves the one drawing near to God to believe that He exists and that He becomes a rewarder to those earnestly seeking Him out.

Young's Literal Translation
and apart from faith it is impossible to please well, for it behoveth him who is coming to God to believe that He is, and to those seeking Him He becometh a rewarder.

Smith's Literal Translation
And without faith it is impossible to please: for he approaching to God must believe that he is, and is a remunerator to them seeking him out.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and is a rewarder to them that seek him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But without faith, it is impossible to please God. For whoever approaches God must believe that he exists, and that he rewards those who seek him.

New American Bible
But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

New Revised Standard Version
And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Without faith, man cannot please God: for he who comes near to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But without faith, no one can please God, for whoever is brought near to God must believe that he exists and that he is the rewarder of those who seek him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

Godbey New Testament
but without faith it is impossible to please him: for it behooves the one coming unto God to believe that he is, and he is a rewarder unto them who seek him out.

Haweis New Testament
But without faith it is impossible to be acceptable; for he must believe, who cometh unto God, that he exists, and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

Mace New Testament
now without faith it is impossible to be acceptable to him: for he that presents himself to God, cannot but believe he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who make their addresses to him.

Weymouth New Testament
But where there is no faith it is impossible truly to please Him; for the man who draws near to God must believe that there is a God and that He proves Himself a rewarder of those who earnestly try to find Him.

Worrell New Testament
And, apart from faith, it is impossible to please Him; for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He becomes a rewarder to those who seek after Him.

Worsley New Testament
whereas without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe, that He is, and is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah
5By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. 7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.…

Cross References
Genesis 15:6
Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

James 1:6
But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Mark 11:22-24
“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. / “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. / Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 4:3
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

James 2:23
And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.

1 John 5:14-15
And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.

Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

2 Chronicles 15:2
So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Luke 11:9-10
So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.


Treasury of Scripture

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

without.

Hebrews 3:12,18,19
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God…

Hebrews 4:2,6
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it

Numbers 14:11
And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

he that.

Hebrews 7:25
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Job 21:14
Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

Psalm 73:28
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

must.

Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

a rewarder.

Hebrews 11:26
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Ruth 2:12
The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

diligently.

1 Chronicles 28:9
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Psalm 105:3,4
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD…

Psalm 119:10
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Jump to Previous
Apart Behoveth Belief Believe Diligently Draw Draws Earnestly Exists Faith Find Impossible Necessary Please Pleasing Possible Proves Rewards Search Seek Serious Try Well-Pleasing
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Hebrews 11
1. What faith is.
6. Without faith we cannot please God.
7. The examples of faithfulness in the fathers of old time.














And without faith
The phrase "And without faith" sets the stage for understanding the essential nature of faith in the Christian life. The Greek word for faith here is "pistis," which implies a deep trust and confidence in God. Historically, faith has been the cornerstone of the relationship between God and His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament. The patriarchs, prophets, and kings all demonstrated faith as a fundamental aspect of their walk with God. This phrase underscores that faith is not optional but a necessary component of a life pleasing to God.

it is impossible to please God
The word "impossible" comes from the Greek "adynatos," meaning powerless or unable. This emphasizes the absolute necessity of faith in our relationship with God. Pleasing God is the ultimate goal of a believer's life, and without faith, this goal cannot be achieved. The historical context of the early church, to whom the Book of Hebrews was written, was one of persecution and trial. This statement would have been a powerful reminder that despite external circumstances, faith remains the key to a relationship with God.

because anyone who approaches Him
The phrase "anyone who approaches Him" indicates the universal invitation to draw near to God. The Greek word "proserchomai" means to come near or to approach, suggesting an intentional movement towards God. This reflects the biblical narrative of God desiring a relationship with humanity, as seen in the tabernacle and temple worship in the Old Testament, where people would come to meet with God. It highlights the personal responsibility of each individual to seek God actively.

must believe that He exists
"Must believe that He exists" speaks to the foundational belief in the reality of God. The Greek word for believe is "pisteuo," which involves not just intellectual assent but a deep-seated conviction. This belief is not merely acknowledging God's existence but trusting in His character and promises. Throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, the existence of God is a given, and this belief is the starting point for any relationship with Him.

and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him
The phrase "and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" introduces the concept of God as a rewarder. The Greek word for reward is "misthapodotes," which implies a recompense or payment. This is not a transactional relationship but a reflection of God's generous nature. The word "earnestly seek" comes from "ekzeteo," meaning to search out or investigate diligently. This suggests a passionate pursuit of God, akin to the psalmist's longing for God as a deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1). Historically, this has been the experience of many biblical figures who sought God wholeheartedly and found Him faithful to His promises. This phrase assures believers that their pursuit of God is not in vain but will be met with His gracious response.

(6) But without faith.--Better, and apart from faith it is impossible to be "well pleasing" (unto Him); for he that draweth near (Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:1; Hebrews 10:22) to God must believe . . . Thus the very statement that Enoch pleased God is an assertion that in him faith was found. No one can be the habitual worshipper of God (this is what the phrase implies) if his faith does not grasp these two truths. "Is a rewarder"--literally, becometh a recompenser (Hebrews 2:2; Hebrews 10:35); the future recompense is present to the eye of faith.

Verse 6. - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. The purpose of this verse, in connection with the conclusion of the last, is to show that the Scripture record does imply faith in Enoch, though there is no mention of it there by name: it is of necessity involved in the phrase, εὐηρέστεσε τῷ Θεῷ. The expression in the Hebrew, "walked with God" (be it observed), involves it equally; so that the argument is not affected by the quotation being kern the LXX.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

without
χωρὶς (chōris)
Preposition
Strong's 5565: Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.

faith
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

[it is] impossible
ἀδύνατον (adynaton)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 102: Of persons: incapable; of things: impossible; either the inability, or that which is impossible. Passively, impossible.

to please [God],
εὐαρεστῆσαι (euarestēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2100: To give pleasure to, please (perhaps with the added idea of: rendering good service to). From euarestos; to gratify entirely.

because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

anyone who
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

approaches
προσερχόμενον (proserchomenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4334: From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.

[Him]
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

must
δεῖ (dei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.

believe
πιστεῦσαι (pisteusai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

He exists
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

and [that]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

He rewards
μισθαποδότης (misthapodotēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3406: A rewarder. From misthoo and apodidomi; a renumerator.

those who
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

earnestly seek
ἐκζητοῦσιν (ekzētousin)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1567: To seek out, seek out after, require. From ek and zeteo; to search out, i.e.investigate, crave, demand, worship.

Him.
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to be (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 11:5
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