Hebrews 12

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore (τοιγαρουν). Triple compound inferential participle (τοι, γαρ, ουν) like the German doch denn nun, a conclusion of emphasis, old particle, in N.T. only here and 1 Thessalonians 4:8. There should be no chapter division here, since 12:1-3 really is the climax in the whole argument about the better promises (10:19-12:3) with a passionate appeal for loyalty to Christ.

Us also (καημεις). We as well as “these all” of 11:39 and all the more because of the “something better” given us in the actual coming of Christ.

Compassed about (εχοντεςπερικειμενον). Literally, “having (εχοντες, present active participle of εχω) lying around us” (περικειμενον, present middle participle of περικειμα, old verb as in Lu 17:2).

Cloud of witnesses (νεφοςμαρτυρων). Old word (Latin nubes), here only in the N.T., for vast mass of clouds. Νεφελη is a single cloud. The metaphor refers to the great amphitheatre with the arena for the runners and the tiers upon tiers of seats rising up like a cloud. The μαρτυρες here are not mere spectators (θεατα), but testifiers (witnesses) who testify from their own experience (Hebrews 11:2; Hebrews 11:4; Hebrews 11:5; Hebrews 11:33; Hebrews 11:39) to God’s fulfilling his promises as shown in chapter Hebrews 11.

Laying aside (αποθεμενο). Second aorist-middle (indirect, from ourselves) participle of αποτιθημ, old verb as in Colossians 3:8 (laying off old clothes). The runners ran in the stadium nearly naked.

Every weight (ογκονπαντα). Old word (kin to ενεγκειν, φερω) like φορτοσ, βαρος. Here every encumbrance that handicaps like doubt, pride, sloth, anything. No trailing garment to hinder or trip one.

The sin which doth so easily beset us (τηνευπεριστατοναμαρτιαν). “The easily besetting sin.” There are a dozen possible renderings of this double compound verbal from ευ, well, and περιιστημ, to place around or to stand around (intransitive). The Vulgate has circumstans nos peccatum (the sin standing around us). Probably this is the true idea here, “the easily encompassing (or surrounding) sin.” In this case apostasy from Christ was that sin. In our cases it may be some other sin. The verbal adjective reminds one of the ring of wild beasts in the jungle that encircle the camp-fire at night each ready to pounce upon a careless victim.

Let us run (τρεχωμεν). Present active volitive subjunctive of τρεχω, “let us keep on running.”

With patience (δι’ υπομονης). Not with impatience, doubt, or despair.

The race that is set before us (τονπροκειμενονημιναγωνα). Note the article and the present middle participle of προκειμα, old compound (already in 6:18, and also in 12:2). Dative case (ημιν) of personal interest.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto (αφορωντεςεις). Present active participle of αφοραω, old verb to look away, “looking away to Jesus.” In N.T. only here and Philippians 2:23. Fix your eyes on Jesus, after a glance at “the cloud of witnesses,” for he is the goal. Cf. Moses in 11:26 (απεβλεπεν).

The author (τοναρχηγον). See 2:10 for this word. “The pioneer of personal faith” (Moffatt).

Perfecter (τελειωτην). A word apparently coined by the writer from τελειοω as it has been found nowhere else. Vulgate has consummator.

For the joy (ανττηςχαρας). Answering to, in exchange for (verse 16), at the end of the race lay the joy “set before him” (προκειμενηςαυτω), while here was the Cross (σταυρον) at this end (the beginning of the race) which he endured (υπεμεινεν, aorist active indicative of υπομενω),

despising shame (αισχυνηςκαταφρονησας). The cross at his time brought only shame (most shameful of deaths, “yea, the death of the cross” Philippians 2:8). But Jesus despised that, in spite of the momentary shrinking from it, and did his Father’s will by submitting to it.

Hath sat down (κεκαθικεν). Perfect active indicative of καθιζω, and still is there (1:3).

Hebrews 12:3

Consider (αναλογισασθε). First aorist middle imperative of αναλογιζομα, old word to reckon up, to compare, to weigh, only here in the N.T. See κατανοησατε in 3:1. Understanding Jesus is the key to the whole problem, the cure for doubt and hesitation.

Endured (υπομεμενηκοτα). Perfect active participle of the same verb υπομενω used in verse 2.

Gainsaying (αντιλογιαν). Old word from αντιλογος (from αντιλεγω), already in Hebrews 6:16; Hebrews 7:7.

Of sinners (υποτωναμαρτωλων). “By sinners.”

Against themselves (ειςεαυτους). Against their better selves if a genuine reading. But ειςεαυτον (against himself), against Christ, is far more likely correct.

That ye wax not weary (ιναμηκαμητε). Negative final clause with ιναμη and the second aorist active subjunctive of καμνω, old verb to be weary as here or sick as in James 5:15.

Fainting in your souls (ταιςψυχαιςυμωνεκλυομενο). Present passive participle of εκλυω, old verb to loosen out, to set free, and in passive to be enfeebled, to be tired out (here in soul with locative case), as in verse 5. The rest of the Epistle drives home the argument.

Hebrews 12:4

Resisted (αντικατεστητε). Second aorist active indicative (intransitive) of the double compound αντικαθιστημ, old verb to stand in opposition against in line of battle, intransitively to stand face to face (αντ) against (κατα), here only in the N.T.

Unto blood (μεχριςαιματος). “Up to blood.” As was true of Jesus and many of the other heroes of faith in chapter Hebrews 11.

Striving (ανταγωνιζομενο). Present middle participle of ανταγωνιζομα, old verb with the same figure in αντικατεστητε.

Against sin (προςαμαρτιαν). Face to face with sin as in verse 1.

Hebrews 12:5

Ye have forgotten (εκλελησθε). Perfect middle indicative of εκλανθανω, to cause to forget, old verb, here only in the N.T. with genitive case as usual.

Reasoneth with you (υμινδιαλεγετα). Present middle indicative of διαλεγομα, old verb to ponder different (δια-) things, to converse, with dative. Cf. Acts 19:8f. The quotation is from Proverbs 3:11f.

Regard not lightly (μηολιγωρε). Prohibition with μη and the present active imperative of ολιγωρεω, old verb from ολιγωρος and this from ολιγος (little) and ωρα (hour), old verb, here only in N.T.

Chastening (παιδειας). Old word from παιδευω, to train a child (παις), instruction (2 Timothy 3:16), which naturally includes correction and punishment as here. See also Ephesians 6:4.

Nor faint (μηδεεκλυου). Prohibition with μη and present passive imperative of εκλυω (see verse 3).

Hebrews 12:6

Scourgeth (μαστιγο). Present active indicative of μαστιγοω, old verb from μαστιξ (whip). This is a hard lesson for God’s children to learn and to understand. See 5:7 about Jesus.

Hebrews 12:7

That ye endure (υπομενετε). Present active indicative or present active imperative and so just “endure for chastening.”

Dealeth with you (υμινπροσφερετα). Present middle indicative of προσφερω, but this sense of bearing oneself towards one with the dative here only in the N.T., though often in the older Greek.

What (τις). Interrogative.

Whom (ον). Relative. Cf. Matthew 7:9.

Hebrews 12:8

If ye are without chastening (εχωριςεστεπαιδειας). Condition of first class, determined as fulfilled. Note position of εστε (are) between the preposition χωρις and παιδειας (ablative case).

Have been made (γεγονασιν). Perfect active indicative of γινομα.

Partakers (μετοχο). Partners (3:14).

Then (αρα). Accordingly, correspondingly.

Bastards (νοθο). Old word, here only in N.T. Illegitimate.

Hebrews 12:9

Furthermore (ειτα). The next step in the argument (Mr 4:17).

We had (ειχομεν). Imperfect indicative of customary action, “we used to have.”

To chasten us (παιδευτας). Predicate accusative after ειχομεν, “as chasteners.” Old word from παιδευω, as agent (-της). Only once in LXX (Hosea 5:2) and twice in N.T. (here and Romans 2:20).

We gave them reverence (ενετρεπομεθα). Imperfect middle of old word εντρεπω, to turn in or at. Here “we turned ourselves to” as in Matthew 21:37, habitual attitude of reverence.

Shall we be in subjection (υποταγησομεθα). Second future passive of υποτασσω. There is no δε here to correspond to μεν in the first part of the verse.

Unto the father of spirits (τωπατρτωνπνευματων). Rather, “Unto the Father of our spirits” (note article τον). As God is.

Hebrews 12:10

They (ομεν). Demonstrative ο in contrast (μεν).

Chastened (επαιδευον). Imperfect active, used to chasten.

As seemed good to them (κατατοδοκουναυτοις). “According to the thing seeming good to them.” Δοκουν is present active neuter singular articular participle of δοκεω.

But he (οδε). Demonstrative with δε vs. μεν.

For our profit (επτοσυμφερον). Present active articular neuter singular participle of συμφερω, to bear together as in 1 Corinthians 12:7.

That we may be partakers (ειςτομεταλαβειν). Articular second aorist active infinitive of μεταλαμβανω with εις for purpose, “for the partaking.”

Of his holiness (τηςαγιοτητοςαυτου). Genitive with μεταλαβειν (to share in). Rare word, in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 1:12.

Hebrews 12:11

For the present (προςτοπαρον). A classical phrase (Thucydides), προς with the accusative neuter singular articular participle of παρειμ, to be beside.

Not joyous, but grievous (ουχαρασ, αλλαλυπης). Predicate ablative (springing from) or predicate genitive (marked by). Either makes sense, but note predicate ablative in 2 Corinthians 4:7 (κατουθεουκαμηεξημων).

Peaceable fruit (καρπονειρηνικον). Old adjective from ειρηνη (peace), in N.T. only here and James 3:17. Peaceable after the chastening is over.

Exercised thereby (δι’ αυτηςγεγυμνασμενοις). Perfect passive participle (dative case) of γυμναζω, state of completion, picturing the discipline as a gymnasium like Hebrews 5:14; 1 Timothy 4:17.

Hebrews 12:12

Wherefore (διο). Because of the chastening.

Lift up (ανορθωσατε). First aorist active imperative of ανορθοω, old compound (from ανα, ορθος) to make straight, in N.T. here and Luke 13:13; Acts 15:16.

Hang down (παρειμενας). Perfect passive participle of παριημ, old verb to let pass, to relax, in N.T. only here and Lu 11:42.

Palsied (παραλελυμενα). Perfect passive participle of παραλυω, old verb to loosen on the side, to dissolve, to paralyze (Luke 5:18; Luke 5:24).

Hebrews 12:13

Straight paths (τροχιαςορθας). Track of a wheel (τροχος, James 3:6 from τρεχω, to run), here only in N.T. “Straight (ορθας) wheel tracks.”

Be not turned out of the way (ιναμηεκτραπη). Negative final clause with ιναμη and second aorist passive of εκτρεπω, old verb to turn out, to twist, to put out of joint. So 1 Timothy 1:6. Vivid picture of concern for the lame (χωλον, as in Matthew 11:5). Graphic picture of concern for the weak, a good argument for prohibition also.

Hebrews 12:14

Follow after peace (ειρηνηνδιωκετε). Give peace a chase as if in a hunt.

With all men (μεταπαντων). Like Paul’s use of διωκω with ειρηνην in Romans 14:19 and his to εξυμων (so far as proceeds from you) in 12:18. This lesson the whole world needs including Christians.

Sanctification (αγιασμον). Consecration as in 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Romans 6:19, etc.

Without which (ουχωρις). Ablative case of the relative with χωρις (post positive here). About seeing God compare Matthew 5:8 where we have καθαρο.

Hebrews 12:15

Looking carefully (επισκοπουντες). Present active participle of επισκοπεω, to have oversight, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 5:2. Cf. επισχοπος (bishop).

Lest there be any man (μητις). Negative purpose clause with ε (present active subjunctive) omitted.

Falleth short of (υστερωναπο). Present active participle of υστερεω (see 4:1) agreeing with τις. Followed here by απο and the ablative.

Root of bitterness . (ριζαπικριας). Quoted from Deuteronomy 29:18. Vivid picture.

Springing up (ανωφυουσα). Present active participle of φυω, to sprout. Pictured here as a quick process. Also from Deuteronomy 29:18.

Trouble (ενοχλη). Present active subjunctive (in final clause with μητις) of ενοχλεω, old verb to trouble with a crowd, to annoy. In N.T. only here and Lu 6:18.

Be defiled (μιανθωσιν). First aorist passive subjunctive (in final clause with μη) of μιανω, old verb to dye, to stain, to defile as in Titus 1:15 (the conscience). The contagion of sin is terrible as any disease.

Hebrews 12:16

Profane (βεβηλος). Trodden under foot, unhallowed (1 Timothy 1:9).

For one mess of meat (αντβρωσεωςμιας). Idea of exchange, “for one act of eating” (1 Corinthians 8:4).

Sold (απεδετο). Second aorist middle indicative from Genesis 25:31; Genesis 25:33, and with irregular form for απεδοτο (regular μ form).

His own birthright (ταπρωτοτοκιαεαυτου). From Genesis also and in Philo, only here in N.T. From πρωτοτοκος (first born, Hebrews 1:6).

Hebrews 12:17

Ye know (ιστε). Regular form for the second person of οιδα rather than the Koine οιδατε.

He was rejected (απεδοκιμασθη). First aorist passive indicative of αποδοκιμαζω, old verb to disapprove (Matthew 21:42).

Place of repentance (μετανοιαςτοπον). Μετανοια is change of mind and purpose, not sorrow though he had tears (μεταδακρυων) afterwards as told in Genesis 27:38. He sought it (αυτην, the blessing ευλογιαν) with tears, but in vain. There was no change of mind in Isaac. The choice was irrevocable as Isaac shows (Genesis 27:33). Esau is a tragic example of one who does a wilful sin which allows no second chance (Hebrews 6:6; Hebrews 10:26). The author presses the case of Esau as a warning to the Christians who were tempted to give up Christ.

Hebrews 12:18

Ye are not come (ουπροσεληλυθατε). Perfect active indicative of προσερχομα. There is no word here in the Greek for “a mount” like ορε in verses Hebrews 12:20; Hebrews 12:22 (and Exodus 19:12; Deuteronomy 4:11), but it is clearly understood since the dative participles agree with it unless they be taken as descriptive of πυρ (“a palpable and kindled fire " when πυρ would be the dative case after προσεληλυθατε).

That might be touched (ψηλαφωμενω). Present passive participle (dative case) of ψηλαφαω, old verb to handle, to touch (Lu 24:39).

That burned with fire (κεκαυμενωπυρ). Perfect passive participle of καιω, old verb to burn, with instrumental case πυρ (fire), unless the other view (above) is correct.

Hebrews 12:19

Unto blackness (γνοφω). Dative case of γνοφος (late form for earlier δνοφος and kin to νεφος, cloud), here only in N.T. Quoted here from Exodus 10:22.

Darkness (ζοφω). Old word, in Homer for the gloom of the world below. In the Symmachus Version of Ex 10:22, also in Judges 1:6; 2 Peter 2:4; 2 Peter 2:15.

Tempest (θυελλη). Old word from θυω (to boil, to rage), a hurricane, here only in N.T. From Exodus 10:22.

The sound of a trumpet (σαλπιγγοςηχω). From Exodus 19:16. Εχος is an old word (our εχο) as in Luke 21:25; Acts 2:2.

The voice of words (φωνηρηματων). From Exodus 19:19; Deuteronomy 4:12.

Which voice (ης). Relative referring to φωνη (voice) just before, genitive case with ακουσαντες (heard, aorist active participle).

Intreated (παρηιτησαντο). First aorist middle (indirect) indicative of παραιτεομα, old verb, to ask from alongside (Mr 15:6), then to beg away from oneself, to depreciate as here, to decline (Acts 25:11), to excuse (Lu 14:18), to avoid (1 Timothy 4:7).

That no word should be spoken unto them (προστεθηνααυτοιςλογον). First aorist passive infinitive of προστιθημ, old word to add, here with accusative of general reference (λογον), “that no word be added unto them.” Some MSS. have here a redundant negative μη with the infinitive because of the negative idea in παρηιτησαντο as in Galatians 5:7.

Hebrews 12:20

For they could not endure (ουκεφερονγαρ). Imperfect active of φερω, “for they were not enduring (bearing).”

That which was enjoined (τοδιαστελλομενον). Present passive articular participle of διαστελλω, old verb to distinguish, to dispose, to order. The quotation is from Exodus 19:12f. The people appealed to Moses (Exodus 20:19) and the leaders did so also (Deuteronomy 5:23f.), both in terror.

If even (καν). “Even if.” Condition of third class with second aorist active subjunctive of θιγγανω as in 11:28, followed by genitive ορους (mountain).

It shall be stoned (λιθοβοληθησετα). From Exodus 19:13. Late compound verb from λιθοβολος (from λιθοσ, βαλλω) as in Matthew 21:35.

Hebrews 12:21

Fearful (φοβερον). As in Hebrews 10:27; Hebrews 10:31, only in Heb. in N.T.

The appearance (τοφανταζομενον). Present passive articular participle of φανταζω, old verb from φαινω, to make visible, here only in N.T. “The manifestation.”

I exceedingly fear and quake (εκφοβοςειμκαεντρομος). “I am terrified (εκφοβος, late compound like εκφοβεω, to frighten, Mr 9:6) and trembling” (εντρομος, late compound like εντρεμω, to tremble at, as in Acts 7:32; Acts 16:29). Εκφοβος is quoted from Deuteronomy 9:19.

Hebrews 12:22

But (αλλα). Sharp contrast to verse 18 with same form προσεληλυθατε.

Unto Mount Zion (Σιωνορε). Dative case of ορος, as with the other substantives. In contrast to Mount Sinai (verses 18-21). Paul has contrasted Mount Sinai (present Jerusalem) with the Jerusalem above (heaven) in Galatians 4:21-31.

City (πολε). As in Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 11:16. Heaven is termed thus a spiritual mountain and city.

The heavenly Jerusalem (Ιερουσαλεμεπουρανιω). See Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 11:16; Isaiah 60:14.

Innumerable hosts of angels (μυριασιναγγελων). “Myriads of angels.” Μυριας is an old word (from μυριος, 1 Corinthians 4:15) as in Lu 12:1.

Hebrews 12:23

To the general assembly (πανηγυρε). Old word (from πας and αγυρισ, αγειρω). Here only in N.T. Πανηγυριζω occurs in Isaiah 66:10 for keeping a festal holiday. Possibly to be connected with αγγελων, though not certain.

Church of the firstborn (εκκλησιαπρωτοτοκων). Probably an additional item besides the angelic host as the people of Israel are called firstborn (Exodus 4:22). The word εκκλησια here has the general sense of all the redeemed, as in Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:24-32, and equivalent to the kingdom of God.

Who are enrolled in heaven (απογεγραμμενωνενουρανοις). Perfect passive participle of απογραφω, old verb to write off, to copy, to enroll as in Luke 2:1; Luke 2:3; Luke 2:5 (only N.T. examples). Enrolled as citizens of heaven even while on earth (Luke 10:20; Philippians 1:27; Philippians 3:20; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 13:8, etc.).

To God the Judge of all (κριτηθεωπαντων). All these chief substantives in the dative case. People should not forget that God is the Judge of all men.

Made perfect (τετελειωμενων). Perfect passive participle of τελειοω, perfected at last (11:40).

Hebrews 12:24

To Jesus (Ιησου). This great fact is not to be overlooked (Philippians 2:10f.). He is there as Lord and Saviour and still “Jesus.”

The mediator of a new covenant (διαθηκηςνεαςμεσιτη). As already shown (Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 8:8; Hebrews 8:9; Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 9:15) and now gloriously consummated.

To the blood of sprinkling (αιματραντισμου). As in 9:19-28.

Than Abel (παρατονΑβελ). Accusative as in 1:4.

Better (κρειττον). Comparative of καλος. Abel’s blood still speaks (11:4), but it is as nothing compared to that of Jesus.

Hebrews 12:25

See (βλεπετε). Earnest word as in 3:12. Driving home the whole argument of the Epistle by this powerful contrast between Mount Zion and Mount Sinai. The consequences are dreadful to apostates now, for Zion has greater terrors than Sinai, great as those were.

That ye refuse not (μηπαραιτησησθε). Negative purpose with μη and the first aorist middle subjunctive of παραιτεομα, the same verb used in verse 19 about the conduct of the Israelites at Sinai and also below.

Him that speaketh (τονλαλουντα). Present active articular participle of λαλεω as in verse 24 (Jesus speaking by his blood).

For if they did not escape (εγαρεκεινοουκεξεφυγον). Condition of first class with ε and second aorist active indicative of εκφευγω, to escape. Direct reference to Sinai with use of the same verb again (παραιτησαμενο, when they refused).

Him that warned (τονχρηματιζοντα). That is Moses. For χρηματιζω see Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 11:7.

Much more we (πολυμαλλονημεις). Argument from the less to the greater, πολυ, adverbial accusative case. The verb has to be supplied from the condition, “We shall not escape.” Our chance to escape is far less, “we who turn away (αποστρεφομενο, middle participle, turn ourselves away from) the one from heaven (τοναπ’ ουρανων),” God speaking through his Son (1:2).

Hebrews 12:26

Then shook (εσαλευσεντοτε). Old verb as in Matthew 11:7.

He hath promised (επηγγελτα). Perfect middle indicative of επαγγελλω and it still holds. He quotes Haggai 2:6.

Will I make to tremble (σεισω). Old and strong verb (here future active) σειω, to agitate, to cause to tremble as in Matthew 21:10. The author applies this “yet once more” (εταπαξ) and the reference to heaven (τονουρανον) to the second and final “shaking” at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ for judgement (9:28).

Hebrews 12:27

And this word (τοδε). He uses the article to point out “εταπαξ” which he explains (δηλο, signifies, present active indicative of δηλοω).

The removing (τηνμεταθεσιν). For this word see Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 11:5. For the transitory nature of the world see 1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 John 2:17. “There is a divine purpose in the cosmic catastrophe” (Moffatt).

Made (πεποιημενων). Perfect passive participle of ποιεω. Made by God, but made to pass away.

That those things which are not shaken may remain (ιναμεινηταμησαλευομενα). Final clause with μη and the first aorist active subjunctive of μενω. The Kingdom of God is not shaken, fearful as some saints are about it.

Hebrews 12:28

Wherefore (διο). Ground for loyalty to Christ and for calm trust in God.

That cannot be shaken (ασαλευτον). Old compound with alpha privative and the verbal adjective from σαλευω just used. In N.T. only here and Acts 27:41.

Let us have grace (εχωμενχαριν). Present active volitive subjunctive of εχω, “Let us keep on having grace” as in 4:16, though it can mean “Let us keep on having gratitude” as in Lu 17:9.

Whereby (δι’ ης). That is διαχαριτος.

We may offer service (λατρευωμεν). This subjunctive in a relative clause can be volitive like εχωμεν just before (cf. imperative στητε in 1 Peter 5:12) or it might be the futuristic subjunctive as in 8:3 (οπροσενεγκη).

Well pleasing (ευαρεστως). Old compound adverb, here only in N.T.

With reverence and awe (μεταευλαβειαςκαδεους). For ευλαβεια see Hebrews 5:7; Hebrews 11:7. Δεος is apprehension of danger as in a forest. “When the voice and tread of a wild beast are distinctly heard close at hand the δεος becomes φοβος” (Vincent).

Hebrews 12:29

A consuming fire (πυρκαταναλισκον). From Deuteronomy 4:24. Present active participle of καταναλισκω, old compound verb, here only in the N.T. This verse is to be coupled with 10:31.