¹¹ of whom ^(A)we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become ^(B)dull of hearing.

Spiritual Immaturity

¹² For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the ^[a]oracles of God; and you have come to need ^(C)milk and not solid food. ¹³ For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is ^(D)a babe. ¹⁴ But solid food belongs to those who are ^[b]of full age, that is, those who by reason of ^[c]use have their senses exercised ^(E)to discern both good and evil.

The Peril of Not Progressing

6 Therefore, ^(F)leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to ^[d]perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from ^(G)dead works and of faith toward God, ^2 (H)of the doctrine of baptisms, ^(I)of laying on of hands, ^(J)of resurrection of the dead, ^(K)and of eternal judgment. ³ And this ^[e]we will do if God permits.

⁴ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted ^(L)the heavenly gift, and ^(M)have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, ⁵ and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, ^6 [f]if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, ^(N)since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

⁷ For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, ^(O)receives blessing from God; ^8 (P)but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

A Better Estimate

⁹ But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. ¹⁰ For ^(Q)God is not unjust to forget ^(R)your work and ^[g]labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ^(S)ministered to the saints, and do minister. ¹¹ And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence ^(T)to the full assurance of hope until the end, ¹² that you do not become ^[h]sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience ^(U)inherit the promises.