Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 6:11

"And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end:" — Hebrews 6:11 (ASV)

“We want” (GK 2121) refers to strong desire. The writer was passionately concerned for his friends (see v.9), and we see it again in his desire for “each” of them. No one is excluded. He calls on them to show “this same diligence.” The past had set a standard, and he looks for it to be maintained “to the very end,” bringing before them the importance of perseverance. “In order to make your hope sure” renders a somewhat unusual expression (lit., “to the fullness [GK 4443] of the hope”). This phrase suggests the full development of the hope. In these verses we have love (v.10) and faith (v.12) as well as hope. These three are often joined in the NT (Romans 5:2–5; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Hebrews 10:22–24; et al.). In the twentieth century we would easily think of faith and love. But hope? Clearly it had a greater significance for the early church than it has for us. Hope is important, for no movement ever grips the hearts of people if it does not give them hope.