Hebrews 6:8

But that which beareth thorns and briers [ε κ φ ε ρ ο υ σ α δ ε α κ α ν θ α ς κ α ι τ ρ ι β ο λ ο υ ς]. Wrong. As given in A. V. the illustration throws no light on the subject. It puts the contrast as between two kinds of soil, the one well - watered and fertile, the other unwatered and sterile. This would illustrate the contrast between those who have and those who have not enjoyed gospel privileges. On the contrary the contrast is between two classes of Christians under equally favorable conditions, out of which they develop opposite results. Rend. but if it (the ground that receives the rain) bear thorns and thistles, etc. Akanqai thorns, from ajkh a point. Tribolov, from treiv three and belov a dart; having three darts or points. A ball with sharp iron spikes, on three of which it rested, while the fourth projected upward, was called tribulus or tribolus, or caltrop. These were scattered over the ground by Roman soldiers in order to impede the enemy's cavalry. A kind of thorn or thistle, a land - caltrop, was called tribulus So Virgil,

"Subit aspera silva, Lappaeque tribulique." Georg. 1 153.

Is rejected [α δ ο κ ι μ ο ς]. Lit. unapproved. See on reprobate, Romans 1:28. Nigh unto cursing [κ α τ α ρ α ς ε γ γ υ ς]. See on Galatians 3:10. Enhancing the idea of rejected. It is exposed to the peril of abandonment to perpetual barrenness.

Whose end is to be burned (h=v to telov eijv kausin). /Hv whose, of which, may be referred to cursing - the end of which cursing : but better to the main subject, gh the land. Telov is consummation rather than termination. jEiv kausin, lit. unto burning. Comp. LXX, Isaiah 40:16. The consummation of the cursed land is burning. Comp. John 14:6. The field of thorns and thistles is burned over and abandoned to barrenness. 196