growth is to be maintained. The "principles of the doctrine of Christ" must be left if

maturity is to be attained. If Heb. 6: 1 is read in the light of chapter 5: 12 no harm will

be done by retaining the A.V. translation, but without its context the idea of "leaving the

principles of the doctrine of Christ" is monstrous. What is apostasy but leaving the

principles of the doctrine of Christ? Moffatt translates this passage "Let us pass on then

to what is mature, leaving elementary Christian doctrine behind". The margin of the

A.V. gives the literal translation:

Looking at these words by themselves, we may entertain a number of possible

meanings, but they form part of an argument that has been developing ever since the

opening chapter. In Heb. 2: 3 we read:

and in this passage lies the key to Heb. 6: 1.  First we remember that the Hebrew

believers were accused of being "dull"; here in chapter 2: they are warned of the

dangers that accompany "negligence". The reciprocal character of this neglect is actually

stated later in Hebrews. The Greek word ameleo "neglect" being translated "regard not"

in Heb. 8: 9. Israel neglected the Lord. He regarded them not.

When writing to the Corinthians, Paul said that he had delivered unto them "among

the first things what I also received" (I Cor. 15: 3) where the word "received" is

paralambano. In Heb. 2: 3 we have the simpler word lambano "receive", but which

is not translated by the A.V., it being considered an idiomatic usage. Where Paul says in

I Cor. 15: 3 en protois "among first things", he says in Heb. 2: 3 "which a beginning

(arche) having received (lambano) to be spoken by the Lord". This, while being an

awkward rendering, does set before the reader a parallel with I Cor. 15: 3, and is

moreover intensified by the warning in verse 2 "If ye keep in memory (or hold fast)".

The messages referred to were "first principles" of the Gospel, "Christ died for our sins

according to the Scriptures". J.N.D. reads "having had its commencement in being

spoken of by the Lord", again somewhat awkward, but nearer the truth than the A.V.

While fundamental truth is and must be of fundamental importance, it is of no more value

than is a solid concrete foundation upon which no building is ever erected. A granite

rock may become a first-class foundation, but it remains a granite rock only, unless a

building rests upon it. (A foundation after all is a relative term. It presupposes the

erection of a building). In all the three hundred and more occurrences of logos, it is only

translated "doctrine" in this passage, and as didache is correctly rendered "doctrine" in

verse 2, we must retain the simpler idea of "word", "saying" or "discourse" in verse 1.

Logos is translated "account" in Heb. 13: 17 and again in Phil. 4: 17.  To translate

arche "principles" is a double violation of its meaning. It is singular in number, whereas

the A.V. and the R.V. render it by the plural, and in every other occurrence of the word in

Hebrews it is rendered either by "first" or "beginning". If we use the word "account"

here in Heb. 6: 1 we read: