Short answer: Hebrews 11:6 teaches that faith is essential to pleasing God: to come to him, a person must believe both that God exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Trusting God's reality and his goodness is the foundation of every genuine relationship with him.
The context
This verse sits inside Hebrews 11, the chapter that defines and illustrates faith. Just before it, the author cites Enoch, who "was translated that he should not see death" and "had this testimony, that he pleased God" (Hebrews 11:5). Verse 6 draws out the principle behind Enoch's example: it was faith that pleased God, and faith is indispensable for anyone who would draw near to him.
The King James Version reads: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
What it means, phrase by phrase
- "without faith it is impossible to please him" — Faith is not optional or one virtue among many; it is the necessary condition for pleasing God. Even good deeds done without trust in God fall short of true relationship with him.
- "he that cometh to God must believe that he is" — The first thing faith affirms is that God truly exists and is real.
- "and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" — The second is that God is good and responsive—he does not ignore those who genuinely seek him. Faith trusts both God's existence and his character.
Cross-references
Jesus promised, "seek, and ye shall find" (Matthew 7:7), and God says through Jeremiah, "ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). Romans 14:23 states that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin," and 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds believers that "we walk by faith, not by sight."
How to apply it today
Hebrews 11:6 reframes what God most desires from us. He is not first impressed by our performance but by trust—coming to him convinced that he is real and that seeking him is never in vain. If your faith feels small, notice that this verse honors the one who "diligently" seeks, not the one who has it all figured out. A practical response is simply to keep drawing near: through prayer, Scripture, and honest seeking, trusting that God rewards that pursuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this verse mean good works don't matter? Not that they don't matter, but that works apart from faith cannot please God as a substitute for trusting him. Genuine faith produces good works (James 2:17), but the works flow from faith. Without trust in God, even outwardly good deeds miss the relationship God desires.
What kind of "reward" does God give those who seek him? The verse does not specify material reward. The greatest reward Scripture describes is God himself and fellowship with him—Genesis 15:1 calls God Abraham's "exceeding great reward." Seeking God is met with his presence, help, and ultimately eternal life with him.
What does "diligently seek" mean? It describes an earnest, wholehearted pursuit of God rather than casual or half-hearted interest. It echoes Jeremiah 29:13, which promises that those who search for God "with all your heart" will find him. The emphasis is on sincerity, not perfection.