Note: Words are shown in their original Greek order, which differs from English translations. This reflects the emphasis and structure of Scripture as originally written. Click any word to see its full lexicon entry.
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
Τοιγαροῦν καὶ ἡμεῖς τοσοῦτον ἔχοντες περικείμενον ἡμῖν νέφος μαρτύρων ὄγκον ἀποθέμενοι πάντα καὶ τὴν εὐπερίστατον ἁμαρτίαν δι᾽ ὑπομονῆς τρέχωμεν τὸν προκείμενον ἡμῖν ἀγῶνα
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Therefore G5105 Τοιγαροῦν τοιγαροῦν toigaroûn Conj also G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj we ourselves G1473 ἡμεῖς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Nom-Pl-1P such a great G5118 τοσοῦτον τοσοῦτος tosoûtos Demo-Acc-Sg-N having G2192 ἔχοντες ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Pl-M encompassing G4029 περικείμενον περίκειμαι períkeimai V-Pres-Mid-Acc-Sg-N us G1473 ἡμῖν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Dat-Pl-1P a cloud G3509 νέφος néphos N-Acc-Sg-N of witnesses G3144 μαρτύρων μάρτυς mártys N-Gen-Pl-M weight G3591 ὄγκον ὄγκος ónkos N-Acc-Sg-M having laid aside G659 ἀποθέμενοι ἀποτίθημι apotíthēmi V-2nd-Mid-Nom-Pl-M every G3956 πάντα πᾶς pâs Adj-Acc-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F easily entangling G2139 εὐπερίστατον εὐπερίστατος euperístatos Adj-Acc-Sg-F sin G266 ἁμαρτίαν ἁμαρτία hamartía N-Acc-Sg-F with G1223 δι᾽ διά diá Prep endurance G5281 ὑπομονῆς ὑπομονή hypomonḗ N-Gen-Sg-F may run G5143 τρέχωμεν τρέχω tréchō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Pl-1P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M lying before G4295 προκείμενον πρόκειμαι prókeimai V-Pres-Mid-Acc-Sg-M us G1473 ἡμῖν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Dat-Pl-1P race G73 ἀγῶνα ἀγών agṓn N-Acc-Sg-M
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
ἀφορῶντες εἰς τὸν τῆς πίστεως ἀρχηγὸν καὶ τελειωτὴν Ἰησοῦν ὃς ἀντὶ τῆς προκειμένης αὐτῷ χαρᾶς ὑπέμεινεν σταυρὸν αἰσχύνης καταφρονήσας ἐν δεξιᾷ τε τοῦ θρόνου τοῦ θεοῦ κεκάθικεν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing looking G872 ἀφορῶντες ἀφοράω aphoráō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Pl-M to G1519 εἰς eis Prep the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F of [our] faith G4102 πίστεως πίστις pístis N-Gen-Sg-F founder G747 ἀρχηγὸν ἀρχηγός archēgós N-Acc-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj perfecter G5051 τελειωτὴν τελειωτής teleiōtḗs N-Acc-Sg-M Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦν Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-Acc-Sg-M who G3739 ὃς ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Sg-M in view of G473 ἀντὶ ἀντί antí Prep what G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F is lying before G4295 προκειμένης πρόκειμαι prókeimai V-Pres-Mid-Gen-Sg-F Him G846 αὐτῷ αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Sg-M joy G5479 χαρᾶς χαρά chará N-Gen-Sg-F endured G5278 ὑπέμεινεν ὑπομένω hypoménō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P [the] cross G4716 σταυρὸν σταυρός staurós N-Acc-Sg-M [its] shame G152 αἰσχύνης αἰσχύνη aischýnē N-Gen-Sg-F having despised G2706 καταφρονήσας καταφρονέω kataphronéō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M at G1722 ἐν en Prep right hand G1188 δεξιᾷ δεξιός dexiós Adj-Dat-Sg-F and G5037 τε τέ té Conj of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M throne G2362 θρόνου θρόνος thrónos N-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M continue G2523 κεκάθικεν καθίζω kathízō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
3 Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
ἀναλογίσασθε γὰρ τὸν τοιαύτην ὑπομεμενηκότα ὑπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτωλῶν εἰς ἑαυτὸν ἀντιλογίαν ἵνα μὴ κάμητε ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν ἐκλυόμενοι
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing do consider fully G357 ἀναλογίσασθε ἀναλογίζομαι analogízomai V-Aor-Mid-Imp-Pl-2P for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj the [One] G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M such great G5108 τοιαύτην τοιοῦτος toioûtos Demo-Acc-Sg-F having endured G5278 ὑπομεμενηκότα ὑπομένω hypoménō V-Perf-Act-Acc-Sg-M from G5259 ὑπὸ ὑπό hypó Prep the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-M sinners G268 ἁμαρτωλῶν ἁμαρτωλός hamartōlós Adj-Gen-Pl-M against G1519 εἰς eis Prep Himself G1438 ἑαυτὸν ἑαυτοῦ heautoû Refl-Acc-Sg-3P-M hostility G485 ἀντιλογίαν ἀντιλογία antilogía N-Acc-Sg-F so that G2443 ἵνα hína Conj not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega you may grow weary G2577 κάμητε κάμνω kámnō V-2nd-Act-Sub-Pl-2P in the G3588 ταῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-F souls G5590 ψυχαῖς ψυχή psychḗ N-Dat-Pl-F of you G4771 ὑμῶν σύ sý Pers-Gen-Pl-2P fainting G1590 ἐκλυόμενοι ἐκλύω eklýō V-Pres-Pass-Nom-Pl-M
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
Οὔπω μέχρις αἵματος ἀντικατέστητε πρὸς τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ἀνταγωνιζόμενοι
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Not yet G3768 Οὔπω οὔπω oúpō Adv unto G3360 μέχρις μέχρι méchri Prep blood G129 αἵματος αἷμα haîma N-Gen-Sg-N have you resisted G478 ἀντικατέστητε ἀντικαθίστημι antikathístēmi V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-2P against G4314 πρὸς πρός prós Prep the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F sin G266 ἁμαρτίαν ἁμαρτία hamartía N-Acc-Sg-F struggling G464 ἀνταγωνιζόμενοι ἀνταγωνίζομαι antagōnízomai V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Pl-M
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.
καὶ ἐκλέλησθε τῆς παρακλήσεως ἥτις ὑμῖν ὡς υἱοῖς διαλέγεται υἱέ μου μὴ ὀλιγώρει παιδείας κυρίου μηδὲ ἐκλύου ὑπ᾽ αὐτοῦ ἐλεγχόμενος
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj you have forgotten G1585 ἐκλέλησθε ἐκλανθάνομαι eklanthánomai V-Perf-Mid-Ind-Pl-2P the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F exhortation G3874 παρακλήσεως παράκλησις paráklēsis N-Gen-Sg-F that G3748 ἥτις ὅστις hóstis Rela-Nom-Sg-F you G4771 ὑμῖν σύ sý Pers-Dat-Pl-2P as G5613 ὡς hōs Conj to sons G5207 υἱοῖς υἱός huiós N-Dat-Pl-M addresses: G1256 διαλέγεται διαλέγομαι dialégomai V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P Son G5207 υἱέ υἱός huiós N-Voc-Sg-M of Mine G1473 μου ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Sg-1P not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega do regard lightly G3643 ὀλιγώρει ὀλιγωρέω oligōréō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Sg-2P [the] discipline G3809 παιδείας παιδεία paideía N-Gen-Sg-F of [the] Lord G2962 κυρίου κύριος kýrios N-Gen-Sg-M nor G3366 μηδὲ μηδέ mēdé Conj do faint G1590 ἐκλύου ἐκλύω eklýō V-Pres-Pass-Imp-Sg-2P by G5259 ὑπ᾽ ὑπό hypó Prep Him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M being reproved G1651 ἐλεγχόμενος ἐλέγχω elénchō V-Pres-Pass-Nom-Sg-M
6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.”
ὃν γὰρ ἀγαπᾷ κύριος παιδεύει μαστιγοῖ δὲ πάντα υἱὸν ὃν παραδέχεται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Whom G3739 ὃν ὅς hós Rela-Acc-Sg-M for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj He loves G25 ἀγαπᾷ ἀγαπάω agapáō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P [the] Lord G2962 κύριος kýrios N-Nom-Sg-M disciplines G3811 παιδεύει παιδεύω paideúō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P He scourges G3146 μαστιγοῖ μαστιγόω mastigóō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj every G3956 πάντα πᾶς pâs Adj-Acc-Sg-M son G5207 υἱὸν υἱός huiós N-Acc-Sg-M whom G3739 ὃν ὅς hós Rela-Acc-Sg-M He receives G3858 παραδέχεται παραδέχομαι paradéchomai V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P
7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
εἰς παιδείαν ὑπομένετε ὡς υἱοῖς ὑμῖν προσφέρεται ὁ θεός τίς γὰρ υἱὸς ὃν οὐ παιδεύει πατήρ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing As G1519 εἰς eis Prep discipline G3809 παιδείαν παιδεία paideía N-Acc-Sg-F endure G5278 ὑπομένετε ὑπομένω hypoménō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-2P as G5613 ὡς hōs Conj sons G5207 υἱοῖς υἱός huiós N-Dat-Pl-M you G4771 ὑμῖν σύ sý Pers-Dat-Pl-2P is treating G4374 προσφέρεται προσφέρω prosphérō V-Pres-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M God G2316 θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M what G5101 τίς tís Inte-Nom-Sg-M for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj son [is there] G5207 υἱὸς υἱός huiós N-Nom-Sg-M whom G3739 ὃν ὅς hós Rela-Acc-Sg-M not G3756 οὐ ou Nega disciplines G3811 παιδεύει παιδεύω paideúō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P [his] father? G3962 πατήρ patḗr N-Nom-Sg-M
8 If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
εἰ δὲ χωρίς ἐστε παιδείας ἧς μέτοχοι γεγόνασιν πάντες ἄρα νόθοι καὶ οὐχ υἱοί ἐστε
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing If G1487 εἰ ei Conj however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj without G5565 χωρίς chōrís Prep you are G1510 ἐστε εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-2P of discipline G3809 παιδείας παιδεία paideía N-Gen-Sg-F of which G3739 ἧς ὅς hós Rela-Gen-Sg-F partakers G3353 μέτοχοι μέτοχος métochos Adj-Nom-Pl-M they have become G1096 γεγόνασιν γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-3P all G3956 πάντες πᾶς pâs Adj-Nom-Pl-M then G686 ἄρα ára Conj illegitimate children G3541 νόθοι νόθος nóthos Adj-Nom-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj not G3756 οὐχ οὐ ou Nega sons G5207 υἱοί υἱός huiós N-Nom-Pl-M you are G1510 ἐστε εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-2P
9 Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?
εἶτα τοὺς μὲν τῆς σαρκὸς ἡμῶν πατέρας εἴχομεν παιδευτὰς καὶ ἐνετρεπόμεθα οὐ πολὺ δὲ μᾶλλον ὑποταγησόμεθα τῷ πατρὶ τῶν πνευμάτων καὶ ζήσομεν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Furthermore G1534 εἶτα eîta Adv the G3588 τοὺς ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-M indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén Part of the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F flesh G4561 σαρκὸς σάρξ sárx N-Gen-Sg-F of us G1473 ἡμῶν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Pl-1P fathers G3962 πατέρας πατήρ patḗr N-Acc-Pl-M we were having G2192 εἴχομεν ἔχω échō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Pl-1P correctors G3810 παιδευτὰς παιδευτής paideutḗs N-Acc-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj we were respecting [them] G1788 ἐνετρεπόμεθα ἐντρέπω entrépō V-Imp-Pass-Ind-Pl-1P not G3756 οὐ ou Nega much G4183 πολὺ πολύς polýs Adj-Acc-Sg-N however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj more G3123 μᾶλλον mâllon Adv will we be in subjection G5293 ὑποταγησόμεθα ὑποτάσσω hypotássō V-2nd-Pass-Ind-Pl-1P to the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M Father G3962 πατρὶ πατήρ patḗr N-Dat-Sg-M the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-N of spirits G4151 πνευμάτων πνεῦμα pneûma N-Gen-Pl-N and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj will live? G2198 ζήσομεν ζάω záō V-Fut-Act-Ind-Pl-1P
10 Our 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.
οἱ μὲν γὰρ πρὸς ὀλίγας ἡμέρας κατὰ τὸ δοκοῦν αὐτοῖς ἐπαίδευον ὁ δὲ ἐπὶ τὸ συμφέρον εἰς τὸ μεταλαβεῖν τῆς ἁγιότητος αὐτοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the G3588 οἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-M Indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén Part for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj during G4314 πρὸς πρός prós Prep a few G3641 ὀλίγας ὀλίγος olígos Adj-Acc-Pl-F days G2250 ἡμέρας ἡμέρα hēméra N-Acc-Pl-F according to G2596 κατὰ κατά katá Prep which G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N is seeming good G1380 δοκοῦν δοκέω dokéō V-Pres-Act-Acc-Sg-N to them G846 αὐτοῖς αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Pl-M they were disciplining [us] G3811 ἐπαίδευον παιδεύω paideúō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Pl-3P [He] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj for G1909 ἐπὶ ἐπί epí Prep which G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N is [our] benefitting G4851 συμφέρον συμφέρω symphérō V-Pres-Act-Acc-Sg-N in order G1519 εἰς eis Prep the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N to share G3335 μεταλαβεῖν μεταλαμβάνω metalambánō V-2nd-Act of the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F holiness G41 ἁγιότητος ἁγιότης hagiótēs N-Gen-Sg-F of Him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M
11 No 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.
πᾶσα δὲ παιδεία πρὸς μὲν τὸ παρὸν οὐ δοκεῖ χαρᾶς εἶναι ἀλλὰ λύπης ὕστερον δὲ καρπὸν εἰρηνικὸν τοῖς δι᾽ αὐτῆς γεγυμνασμένοις ἀποδίδωσιν δικαιοσύνης
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing All G3956 πᾶσα πᾶς pâs Adj-Nom-Sg-F now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj discipline G3809 παιδεία paideía N-Nom-Sg-F for G4314 πρὸς πρός prós Prep indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén Part those G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N being present G3918 παρὸν πάρειμι páreimi V-Pres-Act-Acc-Sg-N not G3756 οὐ ou Nega it seems G1380 δοκεῖ δοκέω dokéō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P of joy G5479 χαρᾶς χαρά chará N-Gen-Sg-F to be G1510 εἶναι εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act but G235 ἀλλὰ ἀλλά allá Conj of grief G3077 λύπης λύπη lýpē N-Gen-Sg-F afterward G5306 ὕστερον ὕστερος hýsteros Adj-Acc-Sg-N however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj [the] fruit G2590 καρπὸν καρπός karpós N-Acc-Sg-M peaceable G1516 εἰρηνικὸν εἰρηνικός eirēnikós Adj-Acc-Sg-M to those G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-M through G1223 δι᾽ διά diá Prep it G846 αὐτῆς αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-F trained G1128 γεγυμνασμένοις γυμνάζω gymnázō V-Perf-Pass-Dat-Pl-M it yields G591 ἀποδίδωσιν ἀποδίδωμι apodídōmi V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P righteousness G1343 δικαιοσύνης δικαιοσύνη dikaiosýnē N-Gen-Sg-F
12 Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.
Διὸ τὰς παρειμένας χεῖρας καὶ τὰ παραλελυμένα γόνατα ἀνορθώσατε
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Therefore G1352 Διὸ διό dió Conj the G3588 τὰς ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-F drooped G3935 παρειμένας παρίημι paríēmi V-Perf-Pass-Acc-Pl-F hands G5495 χεῖρας χείρ cheír N-Acc-Pl-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N enfeebled G3886 παραλελυμένα παραλύω paralýō V-Perf-Pass-Acc-Pl-N knees G1119 γόνατα γόνυ góny N-Acc-Pl-N do lift up G461 ἀνορθώσατε ἀνορθόω anorthóō V-Aor-Act-Imp-Pl-2P
13 Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
καὶ τροχιὰς ὀρθὰς ποιεῖτε τοῖς ποσὶν ὑμῶν ἵνα μὴ τὸ χωλὸν ἐκτραπῇ ἰαθῇ δὲ μᾶλλον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj paths G5163 τροχιὰς τροχιά trochiá N-Acc-Pl-F straight G3717 ὀρθὰς ὀρθός orthós Adj-Acc-Pl-F do make G4160 ποιεῖτε ποιέω poiéō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Pl-2P for the G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-M feet G4228 ποσὶν πούς poús N-Dat-Pl-M of you G4771 ὑμῶν σύ sý Pers-Gen-Pl-2P so that G2443 ἵνα hína Conj not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-N lame G5560 χωλὸν χωλός chōlós Adj-Nom-Sg-N may be disabled G1624 ἐκτραπῇ ἐκτρέπω ektrépō V-2nd-Pass-Sub-Sg-3P may be healed G2390 ἰαθῇ ἰάομαι iáomai V-Aor-Pass-Sub-Sg-3P however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj rather G3123 μᾶλλον mâllon Adv
14 Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Εἰρήνην διώκετε μετὰ πάντων καὶ τὸν ἁγιασμόν οὗ χωρὶς οὐδεὶς ὄψεται τὸν κύριον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Peace G1515 Εἰρήνην εἰρήνη eirḗnē N-Acc-Sg-F do pursue G1377 διώκετε διώκω diṓkō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Pl-2P with G3326 μετὰ μετά metá Prep all G3956 πάντων πᾶς pâs Adj-Gen-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M holiness G38 ἁγιασμόν ἁγιασμός hagiasmós N-Acc-Sg-M which G3739 οὗ ὅς hós Rela-Gen-Sg-M without G5565 χωρὶς χωρίς chōrís Prep no [one] G3762 οὐδεὶς οὐδείς oudeís Adj-Nom-Sg-M will behold G3708 ὄψεται ὁράω horáō V-Fut-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M Lord G2962 κύριον κύριος kýrios N-Acc-Sg-M
15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.
ἐπισκοποῦντες μή τις ὑστερῶν ἀπὸ τῆς χάριτος τοῦ θεοῦ μή τις ῥίζα πικρίας ἄνω φύουσα ἐνοχλῇ καὶ δι᾽ αὐτῆς μιανθῶσιν πολλοί
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing observing G1983 ἐπισκοποῦντες ἐπισκοπέω episkopéō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Pl-M lest G3361 μή mḗ Nega any G5100 τις τὶς tìs Inde-Nom-Sg-M be failing G5302 ὑστερῶν ὑστερέω hysteréō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M of G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó Prep the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F grace G5485 χάριτος χάρις cháris N-Gen-Sg-F the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M lest G3361 μή mḗ Nega any G5100 τις τὶς tìs Inde-Nom-Sg-F root G4491 ῥίζα rhíza N-Nom-Sg-F of bitterness G4088 πικρίας πικρία pikría N-Gen-Sg-F up G507 ἄνω ánō Adv springing G5453 φύουσα φύω phýō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-F may trouble [you] G1776 ἐνοχλῇ ἐνοχλέω enochléō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj through G1223 δι᾽ διά diá Prep this G846 αὐτῆς αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-F may be defiled G3392 μιανθῶσιν μιαίνω miaínō V-Aor-Pass-Sub-Pl-3P many G4183 πολλοί πολύς polýs Adj-Nom-Pl-M
16 See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright.
μή τις πόρνος ἢ βέβηλος ὡς Ἠσαῦ ὃς ἀντὶ βρώσεως μιᾶς ἀπέδετο τὰ πρωτοτόκια ἑαυτοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing lest [there be] G3361 μή mḗ Nega any G5100 τις τὶς tìs Inde-Nom-Sg-M fornicator G4205 πόρνος pórnos N-Nom-Sg-M or G2228 ἢ ἤ ḗ Conj profane person G952 βέβηλος bébēlos Adj-Nom-Sg-M as G5613 ὡς hōs Conj Esau G2269 Ἠσαῦ Ēsaû N-Nom-Sg-M who G3739 ὃς ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Sg-M for G473 ἀντὶ ἀντί antí Prep meal G1035 βρώσεως βρῶσις brōsis N-Gen-Sg-F one G1520 μιᾶς εἷς heîs Adj-Gen-Sg-F sold G591 ἀπέδετο ἀποδίδωμι apodídōmi V-2nd-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N birthright G4415 πρωτοτόκια prōtotókia N-Acc-Pl-N of himself G1438 ἑαυτοῦ heautoû Refl-Gen-Sg-3P-M
17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.
ἴστε γὰρ ὅτι καὶ μετέπειτα θέλων κληρονομῆσαι τὴν εὐλογίαν ἀπεδοκιμάσθη μετανοίας γὰρ τόπον οὐχ εὗρεν καίπερ μετὰ δακρύων ἐκζητήσας αὐτήν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing You know G1492 ἴστε εἴδω eídō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Pl-2P for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj even G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj afterward G3347 μετέπειτα metépeita Adv wishing G2309 θέλων θέλω thélō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M to inherit G2816 κληρονομῆσαι κληρονομέω klēronoméō V-Aor-Act the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F blessing G2129 εὐλογίαν εὐλογία eulogía N-Acc-Sg-F he was rejected G593 ἀπεδοκιμάσθη ἀποδοκιμάζω apodokimázō V-Aor-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P of repentance G3341 μετανοίας μετάνοια metánoia N-Gen-Sg-F for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj place G5117 τόπον τόπος tópos N-Acc-Sg-M not G3756 οὐχ οὐ ou Nega he found G2147 εὗρεν εὑρίσκω heurískō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P although G2539 καίπερ kaíper Conj with G3326 μετὰ μετά metá Prep tears G1144 δακρύων δάκρυ dákry N-Gen-Pl-N having earnestly sought G1567 ἐκζητήσας ἐκζητέω ekzētéō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M her G846 αὐτήν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-F
18 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm;
Οὐ γὰρ προσεληλύθατε ψηλαφωμένῳ καὶ κεκαυμένῳ πυρὶ καὶ γνόφῳ καὶ ζόφῳ καὶ θυέλλῃ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Not G3756 Οὐ οὐ ou Nega for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj you have come to G4334 προσεληλύθατε προσέρχομαι prosérchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-2P [that] being touched G5584 ψηλαφωμένῳ ψηλαφάω psēlapháō V-Pres-Pass-Dat-Sg-N and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj kindled G2545 κεκαυμένῳ καίω kaíō V-Perf-Pass-Dat-Sg-N with fire G4442 πυρὶ πῦρ pŷr N-Dat-Sg-N and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to darkness G1105 γνόφῳ γνόφος gnóphos N-Dat-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to gloom G2217 ζόφῳ ζόφος zóphos N-Dat-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to storm G2366 θυέλλῃ θύελλα thýella N-Dat-Sg-F
19 to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken.
καὶ σάλπιγγος ἤχῳ καὶ φωνῇ ῥημάτων ἧς οἱ ἀκούσαντες παρῃτήσαντο μὴ προστεθῆναι αὐτοῖς λόγον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj of a trumpet G4536 σάλπιγγος σάλπιγξ sálpinx N-Gen-Sg-F to [the] sound G2279 ἤχῳ ἦχος ēchos N-Dat-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to a voice G5456 φωνῇ φωνή phōnḗ N-Dat-Sg-F of declaration G4487 ῥημάτων ῥῆμα rhēma N-Gen-Pl-N which G3739 ἧς ὅς hós Rela-Gen-Sg-F those G3588 οἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-M having heard G191 ἀκούσαντες ἀκούω akoúō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Pl-M they excused themselves G3868 παρῃτήσαντο παραιτέομαι paraitéomai V-Aor-Mid-Ind-Pl-3P [asking] not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega to be addressed G4369 προστεθῆναι προστίθημι prostíthēmi V-Aor-Pass to them G846 αὐτοῖς αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Pl-M [the] word G3056 λόγον λόγος lógos N-Acc-Sg-M
20 For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”
οὐκ ἔφερον γὰρ τὸ διαστελλόμενον κἂν θηρίον θίγῃ τοῦ ὄρους λιθοβοληθήσεται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing not [able] G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega they were bearing G5342 ἔφερον φέρω phérō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Pl-3P for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj which G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N is being commanded: G1291 διαστελλόμενον διαστέλλομαι diastéllomai V-Pres-Pass-Acc-Sg-N If even G2579 κἂν κἄν kán Adv a beast G2342 θηρίον thēríon N-Nom-Sg-N shall touch G2345 θίγῃ θιγγάνω thingánō V-2nd-Act-Sub-Sg-3P the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-N mountain G3735 ὄρους ὄρος óros N-Gen-Sg-N it will be stoned G3036 λιθοβοληθήσεται λιθοβολέω lithoboléō V-Fut-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P
21 The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
καί οὕτως φοβερὸν ἦν τὸ φανταζόμενον Μωϋσῆς εἶπεν ἔκφοβός εἰμι καὶ ἔντρομος
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καί kaí Conj after that G3779 οὕτως οὕτω hoútō Adv fearful G5398 φοβερὸν φοβερός phoberós Adj-Nom-Sg-N was G1510 ἦν εἰμί eimí V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the [thing] G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-N appearing [that] G5324 φανταζόμενον φαντάζω phantázō V-Pres-Pass-Nom-Sg-N Moses G3475 Μωϋσῆς Μωσεύς Mōseús N-Nom-Sg-M said G2036 εἶπεν ἔπω épō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P Greatly afraid G1630 ἔκφοβός ἔκφοβος ékphobos Adj-Nom-Sg-M I am G1510 εἰμι εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-1P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj trembling G1790 ἔντρομος éntromos Adj-Nom-Sg-M
22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels
ἀλλὰ προσεληλύθατε Σιὼν ὄρει καὶ πόλει θεοῦ ζῶντος Ἰερουσαλὴμ ἐπουρανίῳ καὶ μυριάσιν ἀγγέλων πανηγύρει
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing But G235 ἀλλὰ ἀλλά allá Conj you have come to G4334 προσεληλύθατε προσέρχομαι prosérchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-2P Zion G4622 Σιὼν Σιών Siṓn N-Dat-Sg-F Mount G3735 ὄρει ὄρος óros N-Dat-Sg-N and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to [the] city G4172 πόλει πόλις pólis N-Dat-Sg-F of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M [the] living G2198 ζῶντος ζάω záō V-Pres-Act-Gen-Sg-M to Jerusalem G2419 Ἰερουσαλὴμ Ἱερουσαλήμ Hierousalḗm N-Dat-Sg-F [the] heavenly G2032 ἐπουρανίῳ ἐπουράνιος epouránios Adj-Dat-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to myriads G3461 μυριάσιν μυριάς myriás N-Dat-Pl-F of angels G32 ἀγγέλων ἄγγελος ángelos N-Gen-Pl-M general assembly G3831 πανηγύρει πανήγυρις panḗgyris N-Dat-Sg-F
23 in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
καὶ ἐκκλησίᾳ πρωτοτόκων ἀπογεγραμμένων ἐν οὐρανοῖς καὶ κριτῇ θεῷ πάντων καὶ πνεύμασιν δικαίων τετελειωμένων
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to [the] church G1577 ἐκκλησίᾳ ἐκκλησία ekklēsía N-Dat-Sg-F of [the] firstborn G4416 πρωτοτόκων πρωτότοκος prōtótokos Adj-Gen-Pl-M enrolled G583 ἀπογεγραμμένων ἀπογράφω apográphō V-Perf-Pass-Gen-Pl-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep [the] heavens G3772 οὐρανοῖς οὐρανός ouranós N-Dat-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to [the] judge G2923 κριτῇ κριτής kritḗs N-Dat-Sg-M God G2316 θεῷ θεός theós N-Dat-Sg-M of all G3956 πάντων πᾶς pâs Adj-Gen-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to [the] spirits G4151 πνεύμασιν πνεῦμα pneûma N-Dat-Pl-N of [the] righteous G1342 δικαίων δίκαιος díkaios Adj-Gen-Pl-M perfected G5048 τετελειωμένων τελειόω teleióō V-Perf-Pass-Gen-Pl-M
24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
καὶ διαθήκης νέας μεσίτῃ Ἰησοῦ καὶ αἵματι ῥαντισμοῦ κρεῖττον λαλοῦντι παρὰ τὸν Ἅβελ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj of a covenant G1242 διαθήκης διαθήκη diathḗkē N-Gen-Sg-F new G3501 νέας νέος néos Adj-Gen-Sg-F [the] mediator G3316 μεσίτῃ μεσίτης mesítēs N-Dat-Sg-M to Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦ Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-Dat-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to [the] blood G129 αἵματι αἷμα haîma N-Dat-Sg-N of sprinkling G4473 ῥαντισμοῦ ῥαντισμός rhantismós N-Gen-Sg-M better thing G2908 κρεῖττον κρεῖσσον kreîsson Adj-Acc-Sg-N speaking G2980 λαλοῦντι λαλέω laléō V-Pres-Act-Dat-Sg-M than G3844 παρὰ παρά pará Prep that of G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M Abel G6 Ἅβελ Ἄβελ Ábel N-Acc-Sg-M
25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven?
Βλέπετε μὴ παραιτήσησθε τὸν λαλοῦντα εἰ γὰρ ἐκεῖνοι οὐκ ἐξέφυγον ἐπὶ γῆς παραιτησάμενοι τὸν χρηματίζοντα πολὺ μᾶλλον ἡμεῖς οἱ τὸν ἀπ᾽ οὐρανῶν ἀποστρεφόμενοι
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing do take heed G991 Βλέπετε βλέπω blépō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Pl-2P lest G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega you may refuse G3868 παραιτήσησθε παραιτέομαι paraitéomai V-Aor-Mid-Sub-Pl-2P the [One] G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M speaking G2980 λαλοῦντα λαλέω laléō V-Pres-Act-Acc-Sg-M If G1487 εἰ ei Conj for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj they G1565 ἐκεῖνοι ἐκεῖνος ekeînos Demo-Nom-Pl-M not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega escaped G1628 ἐξέφυγον ἐκφεύγω ekpheúgō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-3P on G1909 ἐπὶ ἐπί epí Prep earth G1093 γῆς γῆ gē N-Gen-Sg-F having refused G3868 παραιτησάμενοι παραιτέομαι paraitéomai V-Aor-Mid-Nom-Pl-M the [One] G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M divinely instructing [them] G5537 χρηματίζοντα χρηματίζω chrēmatízō V-Pres-Act-Acc-Sg-M much G4183 πολὺ πολύς polýs Adj-Acc-Sg-N less G3123 μᾶλλον mâllon Adv we ourselves G1473 ἡμεῖς ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Nom-Pl-1P the G3588 οἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-M the [One] G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M from G575 ἀπ᾽ ἀπό apó Prep [the] heavens G3772 οὐρανῶν οὐρανός ouranós N-Gen-Pl-M turning away from G654 ἀποστρεφόμενοι ἀποστρέφω apostréphō V-Pres-Pass-Nom-Pl-M
26 At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.”
οὗ ἡ φωνὴ τὴν γῆν ἐσάλευσεν τότε νῦν δὲ ἐπήγγελται λέγων ἔτι ἅπαξ ἐγὼ σείσω οὐ μόνον τὴν γῆν ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸν οὐρανόν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing whose G3739 οὗ ὅς hós Rela-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F voice G5456 φωνὴ φωνή phōnḗ N-Nom-Sg-F the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F earth G1093 γῆν γῆ gē N-Acc-Sg-F shook G4531 ἐσάλευσεν σαλεύω saleúō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P at that time G5119 τότε tóte Adv now G3568 νῦν nŷn Adv however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj He has promised G1861 ἐπήγγελται ἐπαγγέλλω epangéllō V-Perf-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P saying G3004 λέγων λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M Yet G2089 ἔτι éti Adv once [more] G530 ἅπαξ hápax Adv I myself G1473 ἐγὼ ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Nom-Sg-1P will shake G4579 σείσω σείω seíō V-Fut-Act-Ind-Sg-1P not G3756 οὐ ou Nega only G3441 μόνον μόνος mónos Adj-Acc-Sg-N the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F earth G1093 γῆν γῆ gē N-Acc-Sg-F but G235 ἀλλὰ ἀλλά allá Conj also G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M heaven G3772 οὐρανόν οὐρανός ouranós N-Acc-Sg-M
27 The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain.
τὸ δὲ ἔτι ἅπαξ δηλοῖ τὴν τῶν σαλευομένων μετάθεσιν ὡς πεποιημένων ἵνα μείνῃ τὰ μὴ σαλευόμενα
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing This G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-N now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj Yet G2089 ἔτι éti Adv once [more] G530 ἅπαξ hápax Adv signifies G1213 δηλοῖ δηλόω dēlóō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P that G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F of the [things] G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-N being shaken G4531 σαλευομένων σαλεύω saleúō V-Pres-Pass-Gen-Pl-N removing G3331 μετάθεσιν μετάθεσις metáthesis N-Acc-Sg-F as G5613 ὡς hōs Conj created G4160 πεποιημένων ποιέω poiéō V-Perf-Pass-Gen-Pl-N so that G2443 ἵνα hína Conj may remain G3306 μείνῃ μένω ménō V-Aor-Act-Sub-Sg-3P the [things] G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-N not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega being shaken G4531 σαλευόμενα σαλεύω saleúō V-Pres-Pass-Nom-Pl-N
28 Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
Διὸ βασιλείαν ἀσάλευτον παραλαμβάνοντες ἔχωμεν χάριν δι᾽ ἧς λατρεύωμεν εὐαρέστως τῷ θεῷ μετὰ εὐλαβείας καὶ δέους
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Therefore G1352 Διὸ διό dió Conj a kingdom G932 βασιλείαν βασιλεία basileía N-Acc-Sg-F not to be shaken G761 ἀσάλευτον ἀσάλευτος asáleutos Adj-Acc-Sg-F receiving G3880 παραλαμβάνοντες παραλαμβάνω paralambánō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Pl-M we may have G2192 ἔχωμεν ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Pl-1P grace G5485 χάριν χάρις cháris N-Acc-Sg-F through G1223 δι᾽ διά diá Prep which G3739 ἧς ὅς hós Rela-Gen-Sg-F we may serve G3000 λατρεύωμεν λατρεύω latreúō V-Pres-Act-Sub-Pl-1P well pleasingly G2102 εὐαρέστως euaréstōs Adv the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M God G2316 θεῷ θεός theós N-Dat-Sg-M with G3326 μετὰ μετά metá Prep reverence G2124 εὐλαβείας εὐλάβεια eulábeia N-Gen-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj fear G6015 δέους N-Gen-Sg-N
29 “For our God is a consuming fire.”
καὶ γὰρ ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν πῦρ καταναλίσκον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Also G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M God G2316 θεὸς θεός theós N-Nom-Sg-M of us G1473 ἡμῶν ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Pl-1P [is] a fire G4442 πῦρ pŷr N-Nom-Sg-N consume G2654 καταναλίσκον καταναλίσκω katanalískō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-N
Hebrews 13
Study Notes — Hebrews 12
5 sectionsHebrews 12 is a stirring call to perseverance and faithfulness, urging believers to run the spiritual race with endurance by fixing their eyes on Jesus. The chapter moves from the metaphor of athletic competition (verses 1-3) through the necessity of God's discipline in our lives (verses 4-11), to a contrast between the old covenant at Mount Sinai and the new covenant blessings we enjoy in Christ (verses 12-29). Throughout, the writer emphasizes that our Christian faith is not a sprint but a marathon requiring patience, holiness, and unwavering trust in Jesus as both the originator and completer of our faith.
The opening image draws from chapter 11's "cloud of witnesses"—the Old Testament believers whose faith stories encourage us. We are called to lay aside every weight and the sin which easily entangles us, running with patient endurance. This is not about sinless perfection but about removing distractions and the particular sins that trip us up personally. The critical instruction is to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He began faith in us and will complete it; He is both our model and our strength. Jesus endured the cross—shame, agony, death—for the joy set before Him (our redemption and glory). When we grow weary or discouraged, we must consider Him that endured such contradiction, lest we faint spiritually.
Application: What weights and besetting sins are slowing your spiritual race? Identify them honestly and lay them aside. When tempted to give up on faith, look to Jesus's example of endurance.
The Hebrew Christians may have felt unpersecuted compared to others and thus questioned their standing with God. Verse 4 reminds them they have not yet resisted unto blood, implying greater trials may come. But the writer refocuses on a foundational truth: God's discipline proves sonship, not rejection. Quoting Proverbs 3:11-12, he explains that whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth. Just as earthly fathers correct their children, God disciplines His sons—because we are His. Verse 8 uses stark language: those without chastening are bastards, and not sons. This is not cruelty; it is evidence of covenant relationship. Earthly fathers discipline for their pleasure or convenience; God disciplines for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness (verse 10). Chastening is never pleasant in the moment, but it produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness in those who are trained by it.
Application: If you are experiencing difficulty, trials, or conviction of sin, receive it as the loving hand of your Father. Resist the urge to pull away; instead, submit and allow the Holy Spirit to produce Christ-likeness in you.
The writer calls for spiritual renewal: strengthen your weak hands and knees; make straight paths for your feet. This is practical exhortation to live wisely and carefully, so you and others are not led astray. Verses 14-15 stress follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. True holiness includes both vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationships with others. We must watch that no root of bitterness grows up to defile many, and that no one falls away from God's grace. Esau serves as a cautionary tale: he despised his spiritual birthright for temporary pleasure (verse 16) and found no place of repentance despite seeking it tearfully (verse 17). This underscores that spiritual carelessness has real consequences.
Application: Guard your heart against bitterness and complacency. Value your inheritance in Christ far more than any fleeting worldly gain.
Verses 18-21 paint the terrifying scene at Mount Sinai—fire, darkness, thunder, and God's holiness so overwhelming that even Moses trembled. But verses 22-24 contrast this with what believers have come to: mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. We have access to angels, the church of the firstborn, God the Judge, perfected saints, and most importantly, Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, whose blood speaks better things than that of Abel. Abel's blood cried out for judgment; Jesus's blood cries out for mercy and forgiveness. Yet this grace is not cheap. Verses 25-29 warn sternly: if Israel could not escape rejecting God's word on earth, how much less will we escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven? God's voice once shook the earth; He promises yet to shake heaven and earth, removing the shakeable so only the eternal kingdom remains. Therefore, we must serve God with reverence and godly fear; for our God is a consuming fire.