Hebrews 12:12

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Hebrews 12:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.

King James Version KJV

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

American Standard Version ASV

Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees;

Bible in Basic English BBE

For this cause let the hands which are hanging down be lifted up, and let the feeble knees be made strong,

Free Bible Version FBV

So strengthen your feeble hands, and your weak knees!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Wherfore lift vp your hands which hang downe, and your weake knees,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Wherefore, the hanging-down hands and the loosened knees set ye up;

World English Bible WEB

Therefore lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,

Translation for Translators T4T

So, instead of acting as though you were spiritually exhausted, renew yourselves [MET] spiritually.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 12:12

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Hebrews 12:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK διο τας παρειμενας χειρας και τα παραλελυμενα γονατα ανορθωσατε

διο dio G1352 therefore Conj

τας ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APF

παρειμενας pariēmi G3935 to neglect Verb-RPP-APF

χειρας cheir G5495 hand Noun-APF

και kai G2532 and Conj

τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APN

παραλελυμενα paraluō G3886 to paralyze Verb-RPP-APN

γονατα gonu G1119 a knee Noun-APN

ανορθωσατε anorthoō G461 to restore Verb-AAM-2P

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 12:12

διο dio G1352 "therefore" Conj

Therefore is a word that shows a consequence or a reason, like in Matthew 27:8 and Romans 1:24. It explains why something happens.

Definition: διό conjunct. for δι᾽ ὅ, wherefore, on which account: Mat.27:8, Luk.7:7, Act.15:19, Rom.1:24, al.; δ. καί, Luk.1:35, Act.10:29 24:26, Rom.4:22 15:22, 2Co.1:20 4:13 5:9, Php.2:9, Heb.11:12 13:12 (see Ellic. on Gal.4:31). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 50 NT verses. KJV: for which cause, therefore, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 12:3; Ephesians 4:8; 1 Peter 1:13.

τας ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

παρειμενας pariēmi G3935 "to neglect" Verb-RPP-APF

To neglect means to relax or let something go, as seen in Luke 11:42. It can also mean to weaken or exhaust, like in Hebrews 12:12. This verb is about letting things slip or becoming less strong.

Definition: παρ-ίημι [in LXX: Jer.4:31 (פָּרַשׂ pi.), etc. ;] __1. to pass by or over, let alone, disregard: Luk.11:42. __2. to relax, loosen; pass., to be relaxed, weakened, exhausted: παρειμένας χεῖρας, Heb.12:12 (LXX ἀνειμ-).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: hang down See also: Hebrews 12:12.

χειρας cheir G5495 "hand" Noun-APF

The word for hand in Greek can be literal or figurative, referring to power or instrument, as seen in Matthew 3:12 and 1 Corinthians 16:21. It is often used to describe a means of action or a symbol of authority, and is sometimes used in phrases that are similar to Hebrew constructions.

Definition: χείρ, genitive, χειρος (accusative, χεῖραν, 1Pe.5:6 T), ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for יָד ;] the hand: Mat.3:12, Mrk.3:1, Luk.6:6, al. mult.; ἡ χ., acting subject, Luk.22:21; pl., Act.17:25 20:34, 1Jn.1:1; τ. ἔργα τῶν χ., Act.7:41, Rev.9:20; ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τ. ἐμῇ χ., 1Co.16:21, Col.4:18, 2Th.3:17; prepositional phrases, esp. those without art., similar to Heb. constructions (Bl., §32, 4; 40, 9; 46, 9), ἐν χ.; with genitive (Lft., in l.), Gal.3:19; σὺν χ. ἀγγέλου, Act.7:35; διὰ (τῶν) χειρῶν (διὰ χειρός), Mrk.6:2, Act.5:12 7:25, al.; ἐπὶ χειρῶν, Mat.4:6, Luk.4:11; ellipse of χ. (ἡ δεξία, ἀριστερα; Bl., §44, 1), Mat.6:3, al. By meton., for the power or activity of an individual, Mat.17:22, Mrk.9:31, Luk.9:31, Jhn.10:39, Act.12:11, al.; metaphorically, of the activity or power of God: Luk.1:66 23:46, Jhn.10:29, Act.11:21 13:11, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 168 NT verses. KJV: hand See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Luke 4:11; 1 Peter 5:6.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

τα ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

παραλελυμενα paraluō G3886 "to paralyze" Verb-RPP-APN

To paralyze means to weaken or enfeeble someone, like the paralytic in Luke 5:18-24. This can happen due to illness or injury, and Jesus often healed people who were paralyzed.

Definition: παρα-λύω [in LXX: Jer.6:24, Jer 27:43, Eze.21:7 (רָפָה), etc. ;] __1. to loose from the side, set free. __2. to weaken, enfeeble; pass., to be enfeebled, esp. by a paralytic stroke: Luk.5:18, 24, Act.8:7 9:33, Heb.12:12" (LXX) .† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: feeble, sick of the (taken with) palsy See also: Acts 8:7; Hebrews 12:12; Luke 5:24.

γονατα gonu G1119 "a knee" Noun-APN

The knee is a part of the human body, as seen in Luke 5:8 and Hebrews 12:12. Kneeling is often a sign of respect, prayer, or supplication, as in Luke 22:41 and Acts 7:60.

Definition: γόνυ, -ατος, τό, [in LXX chiefly for בֶּרֶךְ ;] the knee: Heb.12:12; of a suppliant, προσπίπτειν τοῖς γ., Luk.5:8; so also τιθέναι τὰ γ., to kneel: Luk.22:41, Act.7:60 9:40 20:36 21:5; in mockery, Mrk.15:19; κάμπτειν τὰ γ., to bend the knee: Rom.11:4 (LXX) 14:11 (LXX), Eph.3:14, Php.2:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: knee(X -l) See also: Acts 7:60; Luke 5:8; Hebrews 12:12.

ανορθωσατε anorthoō G461 "to restore" Verb-AAM-2P

To restore means to straighten something up, like fixing a broken object or helping someone who is struggling, as seen in Luke 13:13 and Hebrews 12:12. It involves making something right again.

Definition: ἀν-ορθόω, -ῶ (ἀνά, ὀρθόω, to set straight, set up), [in LXX chiefly for כּוּן hi. ;] to set upright or straight again, restore: of persons, Luk.13:13, Heb.12:12; of things, σκηνήν, Act.15:16 (MM, VGT, see word; Cremer, 807).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: lift (set) up, make straight See also: Acts 15:16; Hebrews 12:12; Luke 13:13.

Study Notes — Hebrews 12:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Hebrews 12:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 12:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 12:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 12:12
Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 12:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 12:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 12:12
Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 12:12
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 12:12
Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 12:12
Sermons on Hebrews 12:12

Context — God Disciplines His Sons

10Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. 11No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.

12Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.

13Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 14Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 35:3	Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!
2	Hebrews 12:3	Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
3	1 Thessalonians 5:14	And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
4	Job 4:3–4	Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands. Your words have steadied those who stumbled; you have braced the knees that were buckling.
5	Ezekiel 21:7	And when they ask, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you are to say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt, and every hand will go limp. Every spirit will faint, and every knee will turn to water.’ Yes, it is coming and it will surely happen, declares the Lord GOD.”
6	Hebrews 12:5	And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you.
7	Ezekiel 7:17	Every hand will go limp, and every knee will turn to water.
8	Nahum 2:10	She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and laid waste! Hearts melt, knees knock, bodies tremble, and every face grows pale!
9	Daniel 5:6	his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together.

Hebrews 12:12 Summary

[Hebrews 12:12 is a call to strengthen our spiritual weaknesses and persevere in our faith, just as a runner would strengthen their legs to finish a race. This means trusting in God's power and promises, as stated in Philippians 4:13, and drawing near to Him in times of weakness, as encouraged in Hebrews 4:16. By doing so, we can experience the peace and holiness that come from being disciplined by God, as seen in Hebrews 12:11. As we strengthen our spiritual weaknesses, we can also pursue peace with everyone and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord, as stated in Hebrews 12:14.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have 'limp hands and weak knees' in Hebrews 12:12?

This phrase is a metaphor for spiritual weakness and fatigue, where believers may feel unable to persevere in their faith, as seen in Isaiah 35:3, which encourages strengthening the weak hands and steady the knees.

How can I strengthen my limp hands and weak knees?

Strengthening your hands and knees involves trusting in God's power and promises, as stated in Philippians 4:13, and drawing near to Him in times of weakness, as encouraged in Hebrews 4:16.

Is this verse only for people who are struggling with their faith?

No, this verse is for all believers, as we all face times of spiritual weakness and need encouragement to persevere, just as the writer of Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.

What is the relationship between this verse and the surrounding context?

This verse is connected to the idea that God disciplines us for our good, as stated in Hebrews 12:10-11, and that we should respond to this discipline by strengthening our spiritual weaknesses and pursuing peace and holiness, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:14.

Reflection Questions

In what areas of my life do I feel spiritually weak or fatigued, and how can I apply the encouragement of Hebrews 12:12 to those areas?
How do I typically respond to times of spiritual discipline or hardship, and what can I learn from the example of Hebrews 12:11?
What are some practical ways I can 'strengthen my limp hands and weak knees' in my daily life, such as through prayer, Bible study, or community with other believers?
How can I use my experiences of spiritual weakness to minister to and encourage others, as suggested in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
What role does trust in God's power and promises play in strengthening my spiritual weaknesses, and how can I cultivate this trust in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 12:12

Ver. 12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down,.... These words may be considered as spoken to the Hebrews, with respect to themselves; accordingly, the Syriac version reads, "your hands", and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 12:12

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; He addresses them as runners, pugilists, warriors (Chrysostom). Wherefore - resumed from Hebrews 12:1. Lift up , [ anorthoosate (G461), 'erect'].

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 12:12

This introduceth the use of the doctrine of God’ s chastening providences, stated before. Wherefore concludes the rationality and necessity of the duty subjoined, as consequent from the truth asserted before. Lift up; anorywsate notes the making, or setting aright, that which was out of its proper place and posture, as disordered members into their right frame and composure, that there be not any let in our Christian race, nor fainting by our course in it. The hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; by hanging down hands, and palsied knees, are metaphorically represented the hearts, spirits, and souls of these children, such as droop, despond, and are ready to faint and die away under chastening, . The sum of the counsel is, rightly to compose our thoughts, affections, and members, under trials from notorious enemies, and unbelieving brethren, so as to perfect our Christian course in the fear and strength of God, continuing stedfast in prayer, , walking constantly in God’ s ways, and obeying all his commandments, ,100, patiently bearing all God’ s corrections, and bringing forth the peaceful fruit of them. This is the truth of the metaphor.

Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 12:12

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; Ver. 12. Lift up the hands] Pluck up your good hearts, and buckle close to your business; how else will you run the race that is set before you? Hebrews 12:1. Gird up the loins of your minds; a drooping spirit makes no riddance of the way. Set all to rights, as the word ανορθωσατε signifieth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 12:12

(12) Wherefore.—As in Hebrews 10:24, the writer passes from the thought of personal risk and duty, to speak (in Hebrews 12:12-17) of that which is binding on all members of a community. “Wherefore”—since the trouble which has brought discouragement should rather call forth thankfulness—“strengthen (literally, make straight again, restore to a right state) the weakened hands and the palsied knees.” The words are almost a reproduction of Isa 35:3, where those who have lost heart and hope (compared to men whose limbs are palsy-stricken) are encouraged by the promise of the coming of their God bringing recompense and salvation. (See Hebrews 10:36-37.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 12:12

Verse 12. Wherefore lift up the hands] The apostle refers to Isaiah 35:3. The words are an address to persons almost worn out with sickness and fatigue, whose hands hang down, whose knees shake, and who are totally discouraged. These are exhorted to exert themselves, and take courage, with the assurance that they shall infallibly conquer if they persevere.

Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 12:12

12. Wherefore] The poetic style, and even the metrical form of diction in these two verses (of which Hebrews 12:13 contains a complete hexameter,καὶτροχιὰςὀρθὰςποιήσατετοῖςποσὶνὑμῶνand half an iambic,ἵναμὴτὸχωλὸνἐκτραπῇ),reflect the earnestness of the writer, as he gives more and more elaboration to his sentences in approaching the climax of his appeal. It is most unlikely that they are quotations from Hellenistic poets, for the first agrees closely with Proverbs 4:26 (LXX.). On these accidentally metrical expressions see my Early Days of Christianity, i. 464, ii. 14.lift up the hands …] Lit. “straighten out the relaxed hands and the palsied knees.” Make one effort to invigorate the flaccid muscles which should be so tense in the struggle in which you are engaged. The writer is thinking of Isa 35:3; Ecclus. 25:28, and perhaps of the metaphors of the race and the fight which he has just used.

Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 12:12

Wherefore - In view of the facts which have been now stated - that afflictions are sent from God, and are evidences of his paternal watchfulness. Lift up the hands which hang down - As if from weariness and exhaustion.

Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 12:12

12. Wherefore—In view of the rich harvest of fruit derivable from suffering for righteousness’ sake, our author sounds a trumpet call of cheer and triumph to the racers in the Christian course

Sermons on Hebrews 12:12

	Sermon	Description
	K-069 the Wilderness Call by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of delivering a message on Elijah in Jerusalem. Despite misinterpreting a note and speaking for longer than intended, the s
	Endurance by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of losing his sermon files on his computer and finding them in a different location. He humorously suggests that all tech
	We Have Been Called to Peace by Alan Martin	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing the peace of God to rule and govern our hearts. He compares it to a governor in an older vehicle that limits its s
	Discouragement (Letting the Fire Go Out) by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of discouragement and its impact on our faith. He highlights how God warned Joshua not to be discouraged before entering the land,
	Hebrews 12:12-17 by Don McClure	Don McClure emphasizes the importance of discipline in the Christian life, using the metaphor of a marathon runner to illustrate the need for perseverance and focus on Jesus as the
	Exhortation #5 - the Prize by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not falling short of the grace of God. The grace of God is described as both a calling and a supply, calling us into all th
	The Faithfulness of Elohim & Jehovah by Aeron Morgan	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God and having a real biblical faith. They discuss the transcendence of God, highlighting His position as the