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Hebrews 12:16

Hebrews 12:16 in Multiple Translations

See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright.

Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one mess of meat sold his own birthright.

And that there may not be any evil liver, or any man without respect for God, like Esau, who let his birthright go for a plate of food.

Make sure there's nobody who is sexually immoral, or irreligious, like Esau was. He sold his birthright for a single meal.

Let there be no fornicator, or prophane person as Esau, which for one portion of meate solde his birthright.

lest any one be a fornicator, or a profane person, as Esau, who in exchange for one morsel of food did sell his birthright,

lest there be any sexually immoral person or profane person, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal.

Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birth-right.

Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau; who for one mess, sold his first birthright.

Do not let anyone be immoral, or be irreligious as Esau was. He exchanged the rights he had as a firstborn son for only one meal.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 12:16

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Hebrews 12:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK μη τις πορνος η βεβηλος ως ησαυ ος αντι βρωσεως μιας απεδοτο τα πρωτοτοκια αυτου
μη G3361 not Particle-N
τις tis G5100 one Indef-NSM
πορνος pornos G4205 sexual sinner Noun-NSM
η ē G2228 or Particle
βεβηλος bebēlos G952 profane Adj-NSM
ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv
ησαυ Ēsau G2269 Esau Noun-PRI
ος hos, hē G3739 which Rel-NSM
αντι anti G473 for Prep
βρωσεως brōsis G1035 eating Noun-GSF
μιας ehis G1520 one Adj-GSF
απεδοτο apodidōmi G591 to pay Verb-2AMI-3S
τα ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APN
πρωτοτοκια prōtotokia G4415 birthright Noun-APN-S
αυτου autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GSM
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Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 12:16

μη G3361 "not" Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
τις tis G5100 "one" Indef-NSM
This pronoun refers to a person or thing in a general sense, as seen in Luke 9:49 and John 11:1. It can mean someone, anyone, or anything. This term is often used to describe an unspecified individual or object.
Definition: τις, neut., τι, genitive, τινός, enclitic indefinite pron., related to interrog. τίς as πού, πως, ποτέ to ποῦ, πῶς, πότε. __I. As subst., __1. one, a certain one: Luk.9:49, Jhn.11:1, Act.5:25, al.; pl., τίνες, certain, some: Luk.13:1, Act.15:1, Rom.3:8, al. __2. someone, anyone, something, anything: Mat.12:29, Mrk.9:30, Luk.8:46, Jhn.2:25, Act.17:25, Rom.5:7, al.; = indef., one (French on), Mrk.8:4, Jhn.2:25, Rom.8:24, al.; pl., τινες, some, Mrk.14:4, al. __II. II. As adj., __1. a certain: Mat.18:12, Luk.1:5 8:27, Act.3:2, al.; with proper names, Mrk.15:21, Luk.23:26, al.; with genitive partit., Luk.7:19, al. __2. some: Mrk.16:[8], Jhn.5:14, Act.17:21 24:24, Heb.11:40, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 490 NT verses. KJV: a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 12:17; 1 Peter 2:19.
πορνος pornos G4205 "sexual sinner" Noun-NSM
This word describes a male prostitute or someone who engages in sexual sin, like fornication, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 and Ephesians 5:5.
Definition: πόρνος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX: Sir.23:16-18 * ;] __1. a male prostitute (Xen., al.). __2. a fornicator: 1Co.5:9-11 6:9, Eph.5:5, 1Ti.1:10, Heb.12:15 13:4, Rev.21:8 22:15.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: fornicator, whoremonger See also: 1 Corinthians 5:9; Ephesians 5:5; Hebrews 12:16.
η ē G2228 "or" Particle
Or is a word used to show a choice between two things, like in Matthew 5:17 where it's either obey God's law or not. It's also used to compare things, like in Romans 1:21 where it's one thing or another.
Definition: ἤ, disjunctive and comparative particle (Bl., §36, 12; 77, 11); __1. disjunctive, or; __(a) between single words: Mat.5:17 Mrk.6:56, Luk.2:24, Jhn.6:19, Rom.1:21, al.; __(b) before a sentence expressing a variation, denial or refutation of a previous statement, frequently in interrog. form: Mat.7:4, 9 Mrk.12:14, Luk.13:4, Rom.3:29 6:3 9:21, 1Co.6:9, 16 9:6, 2Co.11:7; ἤ . . . ἤ, either . . . or, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, 1Co.14:6; __(with) in a disjunctive question (as Lat. an after utrum): Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:9, Luk.7:19, al.; after πότερον, Jhn.7:17; μή, 1Co.9:8; μήτι, 2Co.1:17; ἤ . . . ἤ . . . ἤ, Mrk.13:35. __2. Comparative, than: after comparatives, Mat.10:15, Luk.9:13, Jhn.3:19, Rom.13:11, al.; after ἕτερον, Act.17:21; θέλω (Khüner 3, iv, 303), 1Co.14:19; πρὶν ἤ, before, before accusative and inf., Mat.1:18 Mrk.14:30; after a positive adj. (Gen.49:12; cf. Robertson, Gr., 661), Mat.18:8, 9 Mrk.9:43, 45 47. __3. with other particles: ἀλλ᾽ ἤ, see: ἀλλά; ἤ γάρ, see: γάρ; ἢ καί, or even, or also, Mat.7:10, Luk.11:11, 12 Rom.2:15 4:9, al; ἤτοι . . . ἤ, Rom.6:16 (cf. Wis.11:19). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 281 NT verses. KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:11.
βεβηλος bebēlos G952 "profane" Adj-NSM
Profane refers to something or someone that is unholy or wicked, like in 1 Timothy 1:9 where it describes people who are lawless.
Definition: βέβηλος, -ον (βαίνω, whence βηλός, a threshold), [in LXX chiefly for חֹל ;] __1. permitted to be trodden, accessible (see DCG, ii, 422b); hence, __2. (opposite to ἱερός) unhallowed, profane: of things, 1Ti.4:7 6:20, 2Ti.2:16; of men, 1Ti.1:9, Heb.12:16 (cf. κοινός; Cremer, 140).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: profane (person) See also: 1 Timothy 1:9; 1 Timothy 6:20; Hebrews 12:16.
ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv
This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.
Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.
ησαυ Ēsau G2269 "Esau" Noun-PRI
Esau was an Edomite, the twin brother of Jacob, mentioned in Romans and Hebrews. He sold his birthright to Jacob and is an example of someone who made poor choices.
Definition: Ἠσαῦ, ὁ indecl. (Heb. עֵשָׂו, Gen.25:25), Esau: Rom.9:13 (LXX) Heb.11:20 12:16.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: Esau See also: Hebrews 11:20; Hebrews 12:16; Romans 9:13.
ος hos, hē G3739 "which" Rel-NSM
The word which is a pronoun used to ask for or identify something, as seen in John 5:11. It can also be used to describe a person or thing, such as in Mark 15:23. This word helps to clarify or specify what is being talked about.
Definition: ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). __I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. __II. As relat. pron., who, which, what, that; __1. agreeing in gender with its antecedent, but differently governed as to case: Mat.2:9, Luk.9:9, Act.20:18, Rom.2:29, al. mult. __2. In variation from the common construction; __(a) in gender, agreeing with a noun in apposition to the antecedent: Mrk.15:16, Gal.3:16, Eph.6:17, al.; constr. ad sensum: Jhn.6:9, Col.2:19, 1Ti.3:16, Rev.13:14, al.; __(b) in number, constr. ad sensum: Act.15:36, 2Pe.3:1; __(with) in case, by attraction to the case of the antecedent (Bl., §50, 2): Jhn.4:18, Act.3:21, Rom.15:18, 1Co.6:19, Eph.1:8, al. __3. The neut. ὅ with nouns of other gender and with phrases, which thing, which term: Mrk.3:17 12:42, Jhn.1:39, Col.3:14, al.; with a sentence, Act.2:32, Gal.2:10, 1Jn.2:8, al. __4. With ellipse of a demonstrative (οὗτος or ἐκεῖνος), before or after: before, Mat.20:23, Luk.7:43, Rom.10:14, al.; after, Mat.10:38, Mrk.9:40, Jhn.19:22, Rom.2:1 al. __5. Expressing purpose, end or cause: Mat.11:10 (who = that he may), Mrk.1:2, Heb.12:6 al. __6. C. prep, as periphrasis for conjc.: ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ( = ἀντὶ τούτων ὧν), because, Luk.1:20, al.; wherefore, Luk.12:3; ἐξ οὗ, since, for that, Rom.5:12; ἀφ᾽ οὗ, since (temporal), Luk.13:25; ἐξ οὗ, whence, Php.3:20; etc. __7. With particles: ὃς ἄν (ἐάν), see: ἄν, ἐάν; ὃς καί, Mrk.3:19, Jhn.21:20, Rom.5:2, al.; ὃς καὶ αὐτός, Mat.27:57. __8. Gen., οὗ, absol., as adv. (see: οὗ). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1230 NT verses. KJV: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:9; 1 Peter 1:6.
αντι anti G473 "for" Prep
For means instead of or in place of something, like when Jesus says to give someone your cloak if they ask for your shirt in Matthew 5:38. It can also show succession or exchange, as in Matthew 2:22.
Definition: ἀντί (the ι is elided only in ἀνθ᾽ ὧν), prep. with genitive (cf. MM, VGT, see word); __1. prop, in local sense, over against, opposite, hence __2. instead of, in place of, for (Hom., etc.): Mat.5:38 17:27, Luk.11:11, 1Co.11:15, Heb.12:2; with artic. inf. (cl.), Jas.4:15; of succession, Mat.2:22; χάριν ἀ. χάριτος, Jhn.1:16 (M, Pr., 100); of price in exchange, Heb.12:16; λύτρον ἀ. πολλῶν, Mat.20:28, Mrk.10:45 (M, Pr., 105); of requital, Rom.12:17, 1Th.5:16, 1Pe.3:9 (cf. Wis.11:15); ἀνθ᾽ ὧν, because, Luk.1:20 19:44, Act.12:23, 2Th.2:10 (cl., LXX for אֲשֶׁר תַּחַת); id. therefore (cl., LXX), Luk.12:3; ἀ. τούτου (LXX for כֵּן נַעֲרָה)Eph.5:31. As a prefix, ἀντι- (before vowels ἀντ-, ἀνθ᾽-), denotes __(a) over against, ἀντιπέραν; __(b) co-operation, ἀντιβάλλειν; __(with) requital, ἀντιμισθία; __(d) opposition, ἀντίχριστος; __(e) substitution, ἀνθύπατος. Compounds of ἀ. usually govern dative (B1., § 37, 7).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: for, in the room of See also: 1 Corinthians 11:15; Luke 1:20; 1 Peter 3:9.
βρωσεως brōsis G1035 "eating" Noun-GSF
This word refers to the act of eating or food, and is used in Romans 14:17 and 1 Corinthians 8:4 to talk about eating and drinking.
Definition: βρῶσις, -εως, ἡ (cf. βιβρώσκω), [in LXX chiefly for parts and derivatives of אכל ;] __1. eating: β. καὶ πόσις, Rom.14:17, Col.2:16 (see Lft., ICC, in l.); with genitive obj., 1Co.8:4; metaphorically, corrosion, rust: Mat.6:19, 20. __2. As also in cl. (Hom., al.) = βρῶμα, food: Jhn.6:27a, 2Co.9:10, Col.2:16 (EV, but see supr.). Heb.12:16; metaphorically, of spiritual nourishment, Jhn.4:32 6:27b, 55.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: eating, food, meat See also: 1 Corinthians 8:4; John 6:27; Hebrews 12:16.
μιας ehis G1520 "one" Adj-GSF
The Greek word for one, used to describe unity or agreement, as seen in John 10:30 and Romans 12:4-5. It emphasizes oneness and togetherness. This concept is key in Christian teachings.
Definition: εἷς ιά, ἕν, genitive ἑνός, μιᾶς, ἑνός, cardinal numeral, one; __1. one, as opposite to many: Mat.25:15, Rom.5:12, 1Co.10:8, al.; as subst., Rom.5:15, Eph.2:14; id. with genitive partit., Mat.5:19, al.; before ἐκ (ἐξ), Mrk.14:18, Jhn.6:8, al.; metaphorically, of union and concord, Jhn.10:30 17:11, Rom.12:4-5, Php.1:27; ἀπὸ μιᾶς (B1., § 44, 1), Luk.14:18; with neg., εἷς. . . οὐ (μή), more emphatic than οὐδείς, no one, none (cl.), Mat.5:18 10:29, Luk.11:46 12:6. __2. Emphatically, to the exclusion of others; __(a) a single (one): Mat.21:24, Mrk.8:14; absol., 1Co.9:24, al.; οὐδὲ εἷς, Mat.27:14, Jhn.1:3, Rom.3:10, al.; __(b) one, alone: Mrk.2:7 10:18, Luk.18:19; __(with) one and the same: Rom.3:30, 1Co.3:8 11:5 12:11, 1Jn.5:8. __3. In late Gk., with weakened force, = τις or indef. art. (of. Heb. אֶחָד, Gen.22:13, al.; see B1., § 45, 2; M, Pr., 96 f.): Mat.8:19 19:6, Rev.8:13, al.; εἷς τις (Bl., l.with), Luk.22:50, Jhn.11:49 __4. Distributively: εἷς καστος (cl.), Luk.4:40, Act.2:6, al.; εἷς . . . καὶ εἷς (cl., εἷς μὲν . . . εἷς δέ), Mat.17:4, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.20:12, al. (cf. LXX and use of Heb. אֶחָד, Exo.17:12, al); ὁ εἷς . . . ὁ ἕτερος (ἄλλος) = cl. ὁ μὲν (ἕτερος) . . . ὁ δέ (ἕτερος), Mat.6:24, Luk.7:41, Rev.17:10; καθ᾽ εἷς, εἷς κ. είς (in which καθ᾽ is adverbial, or the expression formed from the analogy of ἕν καθ᾽ ἔν; M, Pr., 105), one by one, severally: Mrk.14:19, Rom.12:5, al.; εἷς τὸν ἕνα = ἀλλήλους (B1., 45, 2; M, Pr., 246), 1Th.5:11. __5. As ordinal = πρῶτος (like Heb. אֶחָד; Bl., § 45, 1; M, Pr., 95 f.), first: Mat.28:1, Mrk.16:2, al (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 291 NT verses. KJV: a(-n, -ny, certain), + abundantly, man, one (another), only, other, some See also: 1 Corinthians 3:8; John 12:4; Hebrews 2:11.
απεδοτο apodidōmi G591 "to pay" Verb-2AMI-3S
In the Bible, this word means to give or pay something back, like a debt or wages, as seen in Matthew 18:25 and Luke 7:42. It's about returning what is owed. This concept is also found in Romans 13:7 and Revelation 22:2.
Definition: ἀπο-δίδωμι [in LXX for מָכַר, שׁוּב hi., נָתַן, שָׁלֵם pi., etc. ;] to give up or back, restore, return: Mat.27:58, Luk.4:20 9:42 19:8; esp. of wages, debts, oaths, etc. (MM, see word), to render what is due, to pay (Deiss., LAE, 334 f.): absol., Mat.18:25, 28, Luk.7:42. with accusative, Mat.5:26 18:29-30, 34 20:8 21:41 22:21, Mrk.12:17, Luk.10:35 12:59 20:25, Rom.13:7, Heb.12:11, Rev.22:2; ὅρκους, Mat.5:33 (cf. Num.30:3, Deu.23:21 al.); of conjugal duty, τ. ὀφειλήν, 1Co.7:3; ἀμοιβάς, 1Ti.5:4; μαρτύριον, to give (as in duty bound) testimony, Act.4:33; λόγον, to render account, Mat.12:36, Luk.16:2, Act.19:40, Heb.13:17, 1Pe.4:5; hence of requital, recompense, both in good and bad sense, Mat.6:4, 6 6:18 16:27, Rom.2:6, 2Ti.4:8 4:14 Rev.18:6 22:12; κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ, Rom.12:17, 1Th.5:15, 1Pe.3:9. Mid., to give up of one's own, hence to sell (fr. Hdt. on): with accusative of thing(s), Act.5:8, Heb.12:16; with accusative of person(s), Act.7:9 (cf. ἀνταποδίδωμι) .† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 45 NT verses. KJV: deliver (again), give (again), (re-)pay(-ment be made), perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield See also: 1 Corinthians 7:3; Matthew 5:26; 1 Peter 3:9.
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'.
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.
πρωτοτοκια prōtotokia G4415 "birthright" Noun-APN-S
The birthright refers to the privileges and rights given to the firstborn child, as seen in Genesis 25:31 and Deuteronomy 21:17. In Hebrews 12:16, it warns against selling this birthright, like Esau did. This concept is important in understanding biblical family dynamics.
Definition: πρωτοτόκια, -ων, τά (πρωτότοκος) [in LXX (with seel. -εῖα, -εία): Gen.25:31 ff. Gen.27:36, Deu.21:17, 1Ch.5:1 (בְּכוֹרָה) * ;] the rights of the first-born, birthright (= cl. ἡ πρεσβεία): Heb.12:16.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: birthright See also: Hebrews 12:16.
αυτου autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GSM
This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.
Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

Study Notes — Hebrews 12:16

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 25:31–34 “First sell me your birthright,” Jacob replied. “Look,” said Esau, “I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?” “Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. Then Jacob gave some bread and lentil stew to Esau, who ate and drank and then got up and went away. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
2 1 Corinthians 6:15–20 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.
3 Revelation 22:15 But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
4 Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
5 Mark 7:21 For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
6 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7 For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God; and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.
7 Acts 15:29 You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
8 1 Corinthians 10:8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.
9 Acts 15:20 Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.
10 1 Corinthians 5:1–6 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this? Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of the Lord Jesus, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?

Hebrews 12:16 Summary

This verse reminds us to be careful not to throw away our spiritual inheritance for things that don't last, like Esau did when he sold his birthright for a meal. We need to prioritize living a holy life and following God's standards, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16. This means being mindful of our actions and choices, and making sure we're not giving in to sinful desires or living without regard for God's will, as warned against in Galatians 5:19-21. By doing so, we can avoid the consequences that Esau faced and instead experience the blessings and peace that come from following God, as promised in Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 37:3-7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be godless like Esau?

To be godless like Esau means to live without regard for God's will or values, as seen in Esau's willingness to sell his birthright for a single meal, demonstrating a lack of spiritual priorities, as warned against in Romans 1:28 and Matthew 16:26.

Why is sexual immorality mentioned alongside being godless like Esau?

Sexual immorality is mentioned alongside being godless like Esau because both represent a rejection of God's standards and a pursuit of fleeting, worldly desires, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and Galatians 5:19-21.

What is the significance of Esau selling his birthright for a single meal?

Esau selling his birthright for a single meal, as recorded in Genesis 25:29-34, signifies a prioritization of immediate gratification over long-term, eternal benefits, a pattern of behavior that Christians are warned against in Hebrews 12:16 and 1 John 2:17.

How can we avoid being like Esau and prioritize our spiritual inheritance?

We can avoid being like Esau by seeking to prioritize our spiritual inheritance, as encouraged in Colossians 3:1-4 and Matthew 6:33, and by being mindful of the fleeting nature of worldly desires, as warned against in 1 John 2:15-17.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be prioritizing immediate gratification over eternal benefits, and how can I adjust my priorities to align with God's will?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for my spiritual inheritance and the blessings that come with following God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 5:3-12?
  3. What are some ways that I can 'pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness' in my daily life, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:14, and how can I balance these two pursuits?
  4. How can I be mindful of the influence of bitterness and trouble in my relationships and community, as warned against in Hebrews 12:15, and what role can I play in promoting peace and harmony?

Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 12:16

Lest there be any fornicator or profane person,.... The first of these is guilty of a sin against the second table of the law, as well as against his own body; and which is opposed to the holiness

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 12:16

Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Fornicator (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 10:8). Or profane. Fornication is nearly akin to gluttony, Esau's sin.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 12:16

This properly interprets the root of bitterness before, by two special fruits of it. Lest there be any fornicator: uncleanness, pornov, is not to be taken so strictly, as only to note fornication, uncleanness committed by unmarried persons, but all sorts of pollution and filthiness, as it is used in the general decree, ; such defilements as had crept in among them already, to which many were propense and inclined, whence warned of and charged against it by James, Peter, and Jude, in their Epistles. Or profane person: bebhlov imports one who had a bitter frame of spirit against the first table, one of an impure mind to God-ward, opposite to godliness, who neglects and spurns at holy things, rolling itself in its own pleasures, riches, honours, with a despising of God, his grace, and glory, 4:7,16 . As Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birth-right: Esau, the best example to these Hebrews, he being Jacob’ s brother, who was most notoriously profane, who irreligiously undervalued and despised the blessing of the birthright, to which was entailed by God the double portion, the priesthood and dominion over the family, the blessings of the covenant, and the being a type of Christ; he basely and impiously gave it away to his younger brother, slighting it, and freely and fully making it over to him, and all for one eating, the base gratifying of his sensual appetite but once, ,34. Like to whom were those, . In these is his filthy, profane spirit improved.

Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 12:16

16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Ver. 16. Fornicator or profane] He instanceth in some roots of bitterness. Esau’ s profaneness appeared in these particulars: 1. In that he was no sooner asked for the birthright but he yielded. 2. That he parted with it for a trifle, a little red, red, as he called it in his haste and hunger. 3. That he did this, being, as he thought, at point of death. 4. That he went his way when he had done, as if he had done no such thing, he showed no sign of remorse or regret. Hence he is four or five several times branded with, "This is Edom." This is he that had a low esteem of spiritual privileges, that judged a jewel of greatest price worth forty pence. Who for one morsel, &c.] Many such Edomites now-a-days that prefer earth before heaven; a swine sty before a sanctuary, as the Gadarenes; their part in Paris before their part in Paradise, as that carnal cardinal. Vale lumen amicum, said Theotimus; Farewell, eyes, if I may not drink and do worse, ye are no eyes for me. (Ambrose.) He would rather lose his sight than his sin; so will many rather part with heaven than with their lusts. Oh, what madmen are these that bereave themselves of a room in that city of pearl for a few carnal pleasures, &c. Pope Sixtus V sold his soul to the devil to enjoy the popedom for seven years.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 12:16

(16) Lest there be.—Better (as in the last verse), whether there be. Though Jewish tradition (see, for example, the Targum of Palestine on Genesis 25:29) affirms that Esau was a man of impure life, it is not probable that he is so represented in this verse. Here he is mentioned as a type of “the profane,” who care not for divine things, but only for the gains and pleasures of this world. Who for one morsel of meat.—Better, who for one meal sold his own birthright (Genesis 25:29-34). We cannot suppose that the writer has in thought the material rights of the firstborn, such as his claim on pre-eminence and, possibly (see Deuteronomy 21:17), on a larger share of his father’s possessions. Tradition relates that, up to the time of Aaron, priestly functions were discharged by each firstborn son (comp. Numbers 3:5-12); and to the line of the firstborn would seem to belong that “blessing of Abraham” (Genesis 28:4) which every one who shared Abraham’s faith would earnestly desire to possess.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 12:16

Verse 16. Lest there be any fornicator] Any licentious person who would turn the Gospel of the grace of God into lasciviousness. Or profane person, as Esau] It is not intimated that Esau was a fornicator; and the disjunctive η, or, separates the profane person from the fornicator. And Esau is here termed profane, because he so far disregarded the spiritual advantages connected with his rights of primogeniture, that he alienated the whole for a single mess of pottage. See the note on "Genesis 25:34". The word βεβηλος, which we translate profane, is compounded of βε, which in composition has a negative signification, and βηλος, the threshold of a temple or sacred edifice; and was applied to those who were not initiated into the sacred mysteries, or who were despisers of sacred things, and consequently were to be denied admittance to the temple, and were not permitted to assist at holy rites. Indeed, among the Greeks βεβηλος signified any thing or person which was not consecrated to the gods. Hence, in the opening of their worship, they were accustomed to proclaim, Procul, O procul, este profani! VIRG. "Hence! O hence! ye profane." And, Odi profanum vulgus, et arceo. HOR. "I abominate the profane vulgar, and drive them from the temple." The Latin profanus, from which we have our word, is compounded of procul a fano, "far from the temple," properly an irreligious man. Sold his birthright.] The first-born, in patriarchal times, 1. Had a right to the priesthood, Exodus 22:29. 2. And a double portion of all the father's possessions, Deuteronomy 21:17. 3. And was lord over his brethren, Genesis 27:29; Genesis 27:37; Genesis 49:3. 4. And in the family of Abraham the first-born was the very source whence the Messiah as the Redeemer of the world, and the Church of God, were to spring. Farther, 5. The first-born had the right of conveying especial blessings and privileges when he came to die. See the case of Isaac and his two sons, Jacob and Esau, in the history to which the apostle alludes, Genesis 27; and that of Jacob and his twelve sons, Genesis 49; In short, the rights of primogeniture were among the most noble, honourable, and spiritual in the ancient world.

Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 12:16

16. any fornicator] The word must be taken in a literal sense, since Esau was not “an idolator.” It is true that Esau is not charged with fornication in the Book of Genesis (which only speaks of his heathen marriages, geb 26:34, Genesis 28:8), but the writer is probably alluding to the Jewish Hagadah, with which he was evidently familiar. There Esau is represented in the blackest colours, as a man utterly sensual, intemperate, and vile, which is also the view of Philo (see Siegfried Philo, p. 254).or profane person] A man of coarse and unspiritual mind (Genesis 25:33). Philo explained the word “hairy” to mean that he was sensuous and lustful.for one morsel of meat] “for one meal” (Genesis 25:29-34).

Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 12:16

Lest there be any fornicator - The sin here referred to is one of those which would spread corruption in the church, and against which they ought to be especially on their guard.

Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 12:16

16. Fornicator—Who would be eminently “a root of bitterness,” defiling the Church. Some so separate fornicator by a comma as to preclude its being an intended epithet for Esau.

Sermons on Hebrews 12:16

SermonDescription
Keith Daniel (Women) 04. a Wounded Spirit by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the entertainment we consume, particularly in relation to movies and television shows. He warns agains
Paul Ravenhill Jacob and Esau by Paul Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of separating the precious from the vile in order to experience true life. He discusses the power of atmosphere and how it ca
Peter Orasuk How Do You Value Your Soul by Peter Orasuk In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the Three Bitters. He describes how the world offers temporary fame and pleasure, but ultimately leaves individuals empty. Sat
Joshua Daniel The Profit Motive - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel This sermon delves into the concept of the profit motive and the story of Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of pottage, highlighting the temptation to prioritize immediate gai
Lou Sutera When Falsely Accused and Unjustly Used by Lou Sutera In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a young man who forgave his mother after seven years of estrangement. The young man's forgiving spirit allowed God to mini
St. John Chrysostom Hebrews 12:14-17 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of love, peace, and holiness in Christianity, quoting Jesus and Paul to highlight the significance of following peace with all men and pur
E.A. Adeboye Pottage for Birthright by E.A. Adeboye E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of making decisions with consideration of their consequences, drawing examples from Scripture like Eve's disobedience leading to the fall of

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