Did You Know… the word “baptism” in Hebrews 6:2 is plural—and it’s not about water?
Hebrews 6:1-2 says:
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection… Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”
Most readers assume this refers to water baptism. But the word is baptisms—plural. And the context isn’t about Christian practice, but Jewish foundational teachings. Hebrews is written to Jews who had professed Christ but were tempted to return to temple rituals. The “doctrine of baptisms” refers to ceremonial washings under the law—ritual cleansings found throughout Leviticus and Numbers.
This passage isn’t urging believers to be baptised—it’s urging Jewish readers to move beyond the shadow of the law and embrace the substance found in Christ. That’s why verse 1 says “leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ”—not rejecting them, but moving past the elementary, symbolic teachings into full maturity.
Dispensationally, this is key. It shows that Hebrews is not church doctrine—it’s transitional, aimed at a Jewish audience grappling with the shift from law to grace. And it reminds us that not every mention of “baptism” in Scripture refers to water or the church.
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