Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
6 if they then commit apostasy, since they crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold him up to contempt.
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and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
7 For land which has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.
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Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.
8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned.
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But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
9 Though we speak thus, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things that belong to salvation.
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Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation.
10 For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.
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God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end,
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We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.
12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
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We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself,
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When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself,
14 saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you."
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saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”
15 And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise.
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And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
16 Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation.
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People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.