About Hebrews

Hebrews demonstrates Christ's superiority over all Old Testament institutions, calling readers to persevere.

Author: UnknownWritten: c. AD 64-68Reading time: ~4 minVerses: 29
Christ's SuperiorityNew CovenantFaithPriesthoodPerseveranceBetter

King James Version

Hebrews 12

29 verses with commentary

Jesus the Founder and Perfecter of Faith

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.</strong> This verse employs athletic imagery to describe the Christian life as a disciplined race requiring endurance. The "cloud of witnesses" (<em>nephos martyrōn</em>, νέφος...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about.**—Rather, *Therefore let us also*—*since we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses*—*having put away all encumbrance and the sin* . . . *run with patient endurance the race that is set before us, looking, *&c. (In so difficult a verse as this we need an exactness of translation which might not otherwise be desirable.) It is plain ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. But--**We see not man as yet exercising lordship over all things, "but rather, Him who was made a little lower than the angels (compare Lu 22:43), we behold (by faith: a different Greek verb from that for 'we see,' He 2:8, which expresses the impression which our eyes passively receive from objects around us; whereas, 'we behold,' or 'look at,' implies the direction and intention of one delib...
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Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. author: or, beginner

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.</strong> This verse presents Christ as both the supreme example and the enabling power for Christian endurance. "Looking unto" (<em>aphorōntes</em>, ἀφορῶντες) means looking away from all distraction...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Looking unto Jesus.**—As in Hebrews 2:9, the description precedes the mention of the name, “Looking unto the Author and Perfecter of (our) faith, Jesus.” The first word is very similar to that of Hebrews 11:26; the runner looks away from all other objects and fixes his gaze on One. Jesus is not directly spoken of as the Judge (2Timothy 4:8); but, as the next words show, He has Himself reache...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. For--**giving a reason why "the grace of God" required that Jesus "should taste death." **it became him--**The whole plan was (not only not derogatory to, but) highly becoming God, though unbelief considers it a disgrace [Bengel]. An answer to the Jews, and Hebrew Christians, whosoever, through impatience at the delay in the promised advent of Christ's glory, were in danger of apostasy, st...
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For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.</strong> The command 'consider' (<em>analogisasthe</em>, ἀναλογίσασθε, 'reckon up' or 'compare carefully') calls believers to meditate deeply on Christ's endurance. He faced ultimate 'contradiction of sinners'—rejection, mockery, false accusation, betrayal, abandonment, ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) The figure of the race is still continued, “For unless ye thus look unto Jesus ye will grow weary.” **Consider.**—Literally, *compare;* place your sufferings by the side of His. **Him that endured such contradiction.**—Rather, *Him that hath endured such gainsaying from sinners against themselves.* The word “gainsaying,” (Hebrews 6:16; Hebrews 7:7) is so frequently used in the LXX. for the reb...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. he that sanctifieth--**Christ who once for all consecrates His people to God (Jude 1, bringing them nigh to Him as the consequence) and everlasting glory, by having consecrated Himself for them in His being made "perfect (as their expiatory sacrifice) through sufferings" (He 2:10; He 10:10, 14, 29; Joh 17:17, 19). God in His electing love, by Christ's finished work, perfectly sanctifies them...
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God Disciplines His Children

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.</strong> This verse provides sobering perspective on the readers' persecution. Though facing opposition, they hadn't yet been martyred—'not yet resisted unto blood' (<em>oupō mechris haimatos antikatesteete</em>). Christ shed His blood; many Old Testament saints were killed (11:35-38); but these believers, though suffering, remaine...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Ye have not yet resisted unto blood.**—Still the general figure is retained, but for the footrace is substituted the contest of the pugilists. In Hebrews 12:1 sin was the hindrance which must be put aside; here it is the antagonist who must be subdued. It is interesting to note exactly the same transition in 1Corinthians 9:26. (See Note.) The contest has been maintained but feebly, for no bl...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

12. (Psa 22:22.) Messiah declares the name of the Father, not known fully as Christ's Father, and therefore their Father, till after His crucifixion (Joh 20:17), among His brethren ("the Church," that is, the congregation), that they in turn may praise Him (Psa 22:23). At Psa 22:22, which begins with Christ's cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" and details minutely His sorrows, passe...
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And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:</strong> The author quotes Proverbs 3:11-12, reminding readers of Scripture's teaching on divine discipline. 'Ye have forgotten' (<em>eklelēsthe</em>, ἐκλέλησθε, 'you have completely forgotten') suggests they once knew ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) In this cowardly avoidance of trouble and persecution they have been shrinking from that chastening which every son receives from the Lord. **Which speaketh unto you.**—Better, *which holds converse* (or, *reasoneth*)* with you as with sons.* The words which follow are taken from Proverbs 3:11-12, and agree with the text of the LXX., except that for “son” we have “my son,” and for “reproveth” ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. I will put my trust in him--**from the Septuagint, Is 8:17, which immediately precedes the next quotation, "Behold, I and the children," &amp;c. The only objection is the following words, "and again," usually introduce a new quotation, whereas these two are parts of one and the same passage. However, this objection is not valid, as the two clauses express distinct ideas; "I will put my trust...
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For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.</strong> This verse establishes that divine discipline proves love, not rejection. The logic contradicts human instinct—we associate love with comfort and hardship with abandonment. But God's love seeks our ultimate good (holiness and maturity), which often requires painful correction. 'Whom the Lord loveth ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **And scourgeth.**—As the words stand in our Hebrew text, the meaning is “even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” A very slight change in one word, however, will yield the sense in which the clause was understood by the Greek translators, and which is here retained. For the purpose of this quotation the difference between the two renderings is not material.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

14. He who has thus been shown to be the "Captain (Greek, 'Leader') of salvation" to the "many sons," by trusting and suffering like them, must therefore become man like them, in order that His death may be efficacious for them [Alford]. **the children--**before mentioned (He 2:13); those existing in His eternal purpose, though not in actual being. **are partakers of--**literally, "have (in Hi...
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If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?</strong> This verse calls for active endurance of discipline, promising it confirms sonship. 'If ye endure' (<em>ei hypomenete</em>, εἰ ὑπομένετε) isn't questioning whether they will endure but instructing how to interpret endurance—as evidence that 'God dealeth with you as with s...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **If ye endure chastening.**—The whole weight of ancient evidence is in favour of a change in the first Greek word. Two translations are then possible: (1) “It is for chastening that ye endure:” the troubles that come upon you are for discipline—are not sent in anger, but in fatherly love. (2) “Endure for chastening:” bear the trial, instead of seeking to avoid it by unworthy and dangerous con...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15. fear of death--**even before they had experienced its actual power. **all their lifetime--**Such a life can hardly be called life. **subject to bondage--**literally, "subjects of bondage"; not merely liable to it, but enthralled in it (compare Ro 8:15; Ga 5:1). Contrast with this bondage, the glory of the "sons" (He 2:10). "Bondage" is defined by Aristotle, "The living not as one chooses...
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But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.</strong> This verse delivers sobering warning: absence of divine discipline indicates illegitimate relationship with God. 'Without chastisement' (<em>chōris paideias</em>, χωρὶς παιδείας) describes professing believers who live without experiencing God's corrective work. Since 'all' (<em>pantō...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Whereof all are partakers.**—Better, *whereof all* (God’s children) *have been made partakers.* Were it possible that they have never known this fatherly “chastening,” it must be that they are not sons whom a father acknowledges, and for whose training he has care.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16. For verily--**Greek, "For as we all know"; "For as you will doubtless grant." Paul probably alludes to Is 41:8; Jr 31:32, Septuagint, from which all Jews would know well that the fact here stated as to Messiah was what the prophets had led them to expect. **took not on him, &amp;c.--**rather, "It is not angels that He is helping (the present tense implies duration); but it is the seed of A...
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Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?</strong> The argument proceeds from lesser to greater. If we respected ('gave reverence,' <em>enetrepometha</em>, ἐνετρεπόμεθα) earthly fathers who disciplined us, how much more should we submit to our heavenly Father? ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Furthermore we have had fathers.**—Rather, *Furthermore we had the fathers of our flesh as chasteners *(*i.e., *to chasten us). The thought of the former verses has been, “He chastens as a lather.” From likeness we here pass to contrast. The contrast drawn is between our natural parents and “the Father of spirits” (comp. Numbers 16:22; Numbers 27:16; Zechariah 12:1)—the Creator of all spirit...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. Wherefore--**Greek, "Whence." Found in Paul's speech, Ac 26:19. **in all things--**which are incidental to manhood, the being born, nourished, growing up, suffering. Sin is not, in the original constitution of man, a necessary attendant of manhood, so He had no sin. **it behooved him--**by moral necessity, considering what the justice and love of God required of Him as Mediator (compare ...
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For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. after: or, as seemed good, or, meet to them

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.</strong> This verse contrasts human and divine discipline in duration, motivation, and goal. Human fathers disciplined 'for a few days' (limited to childhood) 'after their own pleasure' (<em>kata to dokoun autois</em>, κατὰ τὸ δοκοῦν αὐτοῖς, 'according to...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **After their own pleasure.**—Rather, *as seemed good unto them.* The contrast is continued here between human liability to mistake and the perfect knowledge of our heavenly Father, who seeks our profit, and cannot err in the means which He employs. There is a general resemblance between this verse and the last, the “few days” corresponding to the “fathers of our flesh;” and the last clause h...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18. For--**explanation of how His being made like His brethren in all things has made Him a merciful and faithful High Priest for us (He 2:17). **in that--**rather as Greek, "wherein He suffered Himself; having been tempted, He is able to succor them that are being tempted" in the same temptation; and as "He was tempted (tried and afflicted) in all points," He is able (by the power of sympathy...
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Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.</strong> This verse acknowledges discipline's painful reality while emphasizing its productive outcome. 'For the present' (<em>pros to paron</em>, πρὸς τὸ παρόν) admits that in the moment, chastening doesn't 'se...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Now no chastening . . .**—Better (the reading being slightly changed), *All chastening seemeth for the present time to be not joyous, but grievous.* The language, so far, would seem to be perfectly general, relating to all chastening, whether human or divine. The following clause may seem to confine our thought to the latter; but, with a lower sense of “righteousness,” the maxim is true of ...
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Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;</strong> This exhortation calls for renewed spiritual effort despite weariness. 'Wherefore' (<em>dio</em>, διό) connects to previous teaching on discipline's purpose—understanding that hardship serves beneficial ends should motivate renewed vigor. 'Lift up the hands which hang down' quotes Isaiah 35:3 (LXX), depicting exhau...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Wherefore.**—As in Hebrews 10:24, the writer passes from the thought of personal risk and duty, to speak (in Hebrews 12:12-17) of that which is binding on all members of a community. “Wherefore”—since the trouble which has brought discouragement should rather call forth thankfulness—“strengthen (literally, *make straight again, *restore to a right state) the weakened hands and the palsied k...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 3 He 3:1-19. The Son of God Greater than Moses, Wherefore Unbelief towards Him Will Incur a Heavier Punishment than Befell Unbelieving Israel in the Wilderness. As Moses especially was the prophet by whom "God in times past spake to the fathers," being the mediator of the law, Paul deems it necessary now to show that, great as was Moses, the Son of God is greater. Ebrard in Alford remark...
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And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. straight: or, even

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.</strong> This continues the athletic/medical imagery with both individual and corporate applications. 'Make straight paths' (<em>trochias orthas poieite</em>, τροχιὰς ὀρθὰς ποιεῖτε) pictures runners creating clear, direct routes rather than wandering. Proverbs 4:26-27 urges...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **And make straight paths.**—Quoted with some slight changes from the Greek translation of Proverbs 4:26, “ponder” (or, more probably, *make even*)* “*the path of thy feet.” **Be turned out of the way.**—The difficulty in these words is concealed to some extent when they are separated from the following clause, as in the Authorised version; this separation, however, the Greek will not allow. ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2. He first notes the feature of resemblance between Moses and Christ, in order to conciliate the Hebrew Christians whom He addressed, and who still entertained a very high opinion of Moses; he afterwards brings forward Christ's superiority to Moses. **Who was faithful--**The Greek implies also that He still is faithful, namely, as our mediating High Priest, faithful to the trust God has assigne...
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Pursue Peace and Holiness

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.</strong> This verse combines two essential pursuits for believers: horizontal peace with others and vertical holiness before God. "Follow" (<em>diōkete</em>, διώκετε) means pursue actively, chase eagerly, hunt down—the verb conveys intensive effort, not passive hoping. The present imperative indicates continu...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Follow peace.**—More clearly (as our word “follow” is somewhat ambiguous), *follow after peace.* There is a manifest allusion to Psalm 34:14 (quoted also in 1Peter 3:11). This charge is general (Romans 12:18), and must not be limited to peace with fellow Christians (Romans 14:19). The two admonitions of this verse were admirably suited to a period of persecution. Let all make peace their ai...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. For--**assigning the reason why they should "consider" attentively "Christ" (He 3:1), highly as they regard Moses who resembled Him in faithfulness (He 3:2). **was--**Greek, "has been." **counted worthy of more glory--**by God, when He exalted Him to His own right hand. The Hebrew Christians admitted the fact (He 1:13). **builded the house--**Greek, "inasmuch as He hath more honor than ...
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Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; fail: or, fall from

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;</strong> This verse warns about two dangers: failing to obtain God's grace and allowing bitterness to spread. 'Looking diligently' (<em>episkopountes</em>, ἐπισκοποῦντες, 'overseeing' or 'watching carefully') indicates active pastoral oversight—believ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Lest any man fail.**—Rather, *whether any one be falling back from the grace of God.* The defection of one member of the community brings loss and danger to the whole body. The last words of Hebrews 10:26 will show what is implied in this “falling back from the grace of God.” **Any root of bitterness.**—It is clear that Deuteronomy 29:18, though not formally quoted, is before the writer’s m...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4. Someone must be the establisher of every house; Moses was not the establisher of the house, but a portion of it (but He who established all things, and therefore the spiritual house in question, is God). Christ, as being instrumentally the Establisher of all things, must be the Establisher of the house, and so greater than Moses.

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.</strong> This warning uses Esau as a sobering example of irreversible spiritual loss through prioritizing immediate gratification over eternal inheritance. The Greek word <em>pornos</em> (πόρνος, "fornicator") refers to sexual immorality, while <em>bebēlos</em> (βέβηλος, "profane") mea...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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. **W...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. faithful in all his house--**that is in all God's house (He 3:4). **servant--**not here the Greek for "slave," but "a ministering attendant"; marking the high office of Moses towards God, though inferior to Christ, a kind of steward. **for a testimony of, &amp;c.--**in order that he might in his typical institutions give "testimony" to Israel "of the things" of the Gospel "which were to b...
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For ye know how that afterward , when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. place: or, way to change his mind

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.</strong> This refers to Esau, who traded his birthright for food (Genesis 25:29-34), then later sought to receive Isaac's blessing but was rejected (Genesis 27:30-40). 'He found no place of repentance' (<em>metanoias topo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **For ye know how that afterward . . .**—The meaning of the verse will be seen more clearly if one clause be placed in a parenthesis: “For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing he was rejected (for he found no place of repentance), though he sought it earnestly with tears.” The blessing of Jacob related in Genesis 27 is here viewed (apart from all attendant circu...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. But Christ--**was and is faithful (He 3:2). **as a son over his own house--**rather, "over His (God's, He 3:4) house"; and therefore, as the inference from His being one with God, over His own house. So He 10:21, "having an High Priest over the house of God." Christ enters His Father's house as the Master [OVER it], but Moses as a servant [IN it, He 3:2, 5] [Chrysostom]. An ambassador in th...
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For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,</strong> This begins contrasting Old and New Covenant experiences. 'The mount that might be touched' (<em>psēlaphōmenō orei</em>, ψηλαφωμένῳ ὄρει) refers to Mount Sinai where God gave the Law (Exodus 19-20). Though physical and touchable, it was forbidden to t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18-29) The exhortation to faithfulness is most impressively enforced by means of a comparison between the earlier revelation and that which is given in Christ. **The mount that might be touched.**—It appears certain that the word “mount” has no place in the true Greek text. Had this word been in the sentence as originally written, its absence from all our more ancient authorities would be inexpli...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7-11. Exhortation from Psa 95:7-11, not through unbelief to lose participation in the spiritual house. Seeing that we are the house of God if we hold fast our confidence ... (He 3:6). Jesus is "faithful," be not ye unfaithful (He 3:2, 12). The sentence beginning with "wherefore," interrupted by the parenthesis confirming the argument from Psa 95:7-11, is completed at He 3:12, "Take heed," &amp;c. ...
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And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:</strong> This continues describing Sinai's terror. The 'trumpet' (<em>salpingos</em>, σάλπιγγος) grew louder and louder (Exodus 19:19), announcing divine presence. The 'voice of words' (<em>phōnē rhēmatōn</em>) was God speaking the Ten Commandments ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) See Exodus 19:19 (“the voice of the trumpet”), Deuteronomy 4:12 (“the voice of the words”). **Intreated.**—“If we hear the voice of the Lord our God any more, then we shall die” (Deuteronomy 5:25; Exodus 20:19). Though God drew near to Israel, to reveal Himself, so terrible was His voice to them, so awful the penalties which fenced round their approach to Him, that they shrank back from heari...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7-11. Exhortation from Psa 95:7-11, not through unbelief to lose participation in the spiritual house. Seeing that we are the house of God if we hold fast our confidence ... (He 3:6). Jesus is "faithful," be not ye unfaithful (He 3:2, 12). The sentence beginning with "wherefore," interrupted by the parenthesis confirming the argument from Psa 95:7-11, is completed at He 3:12, "Take heed," &amp;c. ...
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(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:</strong> This explains Israel's terror—they 'could not endure' (<em>ouk epheron</em>, οὐκ ἔφερον, 'could not bear') God's commands, particularly the prohibition against touching Sinai. Even animals that accidentally touched the mountain faced ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) There is no sufficient reason for enclosing this verse and the next in a parenthesis. **And if so much as**.—Better, *If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned* (Exodus 19:12-13). The next clause, “or thrust through with a dart,” is absent from our best authorities; and has accidentally found its way into the text from Exodus 19:13.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7-11. Exhortation from Psa 95:7-11, not through unbelief to lose participation in the spiritual house. Seeing that we are the house of God if we hold fast our confidence ... (He 3:6). Jesus is "faithful," be not ye unfaithful (He 3:2, 12). The sentence beginning with "wherefore," interrupted by the parenthesis confirming the argument from Psa 95:7-11, is completed at He 3:12, "Take heed," &amp;c. ...
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And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:</strong> Even Moses, God's chosen mediator who knew Him face to face (Exodus 33:11; Deuteronomy 34:10), was terrified by Sinai's theophany. 'So terrible was the sight' (<em>phoberon ēn to phantazomenon</em>, φοβερὸν ἦν τὸ φαντα ζόμενον, 'fearful was the appearance') produced Moses' confession: 'I exceedingly fear...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **And so terrible was the sight that. . . .**—Better, *And *(*so fearful was the appearance*)* Moses said, I exceedingly fear and tremble.* Deuteronomy 9:19, as it stands in the Greek translation, contains these words in part (“I exceedingly fear”); there, however, they belong to a later time, when Moses was “afraid of the anger and hot displeasure” of the Lord against the worshippers of the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7-11. Exhortation from Psa 95:7-11, not through unbelief to lose participation in the spiritual house. Seeing that we are the house of God if we hold fast our confidence ... (He 3:6). Jesus is "faithful," be not ye unfaithful (He 3:2, 12). The sentence beginning with "wherefore," interrupted by the parenthesis confirming the argument from Psa 95:7-11, is completed at He 3:12, "Take heed," &amp;c. ...
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But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,</strong> This magnificent verse contrasts Sinai's terror with Zion's glory. 'But ye are come' (<em>proselēlythate</em>, προσεληλύθατε, perfect tense—'you have come and remain') indicates believers' present, permanent standing. Unlike Sinai (external, tempor...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22-24) “What it was to which Israel in the time of the Old Covenant drew nigh, we have now heard. Their drawing nigh was at the same time a standing afar off; the mount of the revelation might not be approached by them; the voice of God was too terrible to be borne; and yet it was only tangible material nature in which God at once manifested and concealed Himself. The true and inner communion wit...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7-11. Exhortation from Psa 95:7-11, not through unbelief to lose participation in the spiritual house. Seeing that we are the house of God if we hold fast our confidence ... (He 3:6). Jesus is "faithful," be not ye unfaithful (He 3:2, 12). The sentence beginning with "wherefore," interrupted by the parenthesis confirming the argument from Psa 95:7-11, is completed at He 3:12, "Take heed," &amp;c. ...
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To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, written: or, enrolled

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,</strong> This continues describing believers' privileges. 'General assembly' (<em>panēgyrei</em>, πανηγύρει, 'festal gathering') pictures joyful celebration, contrasting with Sinai's terror. 'Church of the firstborn' (<em>ekklēsia prōto...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **And to God the Judge of all.**—The order of the Greek seems to require the rendering, *and to a Judge *(*who is*)* God of all.* Up to this point our thought has rested on the heavenly world and those who from the time of their creation have been its inhabitants. Men who have passed through this earthly life have no essential right to citizenship in the “heavenly Jerusalem.” They come before...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. Take heed--**to be joined with "wherefore," He 3:7. **lest there be--**Greek (indicative), "lest there shall be"; lest there be, as I fear there is; implying that it is not merely a possible contingency, but that there is ground for thinking it will be so. **in any--**"in any one of you." Not merely ought all in general be on their guard, but they ought to be so concerned for the safety ...
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And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. covenant: or, testament

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.</strong> This climaxes the list of New Covenant privileges. 'Jesus the mediator of the new covenant' (<em>diathēkēs neas mesitē Iēsou</em>) identifies Christ's central role. Moses mediated the Old Covenant; Jesus mediates a 'new' (<em>neas</em>, νέας, 'new in qualit...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.**—Rather, *a new covenant.* There is another change in the Greek which it is not easy to-express. In all other places in which we read of the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:8; Hebrews 8:13; Hebrews 9:15; Luke 22:20; 1Corinthians 11:25; 2Corinthians 3:6) a word is used which implies newness of kind and quality; here it is a covenant which is newly made...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. one another--**Greek, "yourselves"; let each exhort himself and his neighbor. **daily--**Greek, "on each day," or "day by day." **while it is called To-day--**while the "to-day" lasts (the day of grace, Lu 4:21, before the coming of the day of glory and judgment at Christ's coming, He 10:25, 37). To-morrow is the day when idle men work, and fools repent. To-morrow is Satan's to-day; he c...
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The Unshakeable Kingdom

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:</strong> After describing New Covenant privileges, the author issues solemn warning. 'See that ye refuse not' (<em>blepete mē paraitēsēsthe</em>, βλέπετε μὴ παραιτήσησθε, 'watch that you do not reject') war...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Refuse not**.—In Hebrews 12:19 we have read that the Israelites entreated that they might no more hear the voice of God (literally, *deprecated* the speaking of more words). Twice in this verse the same word is used in the sense of declining to listen, with clear reference to the earlier verse. **Him that speaketh.**—God speaking to us from heaven (Hebrews 1:1-2). See below. **For if they e...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. For, &amp;c.--**enforcing the warning, He 3:12. **partakers of Christ--**(Compare He 3:1, 6). So "partakers of the Holy Ghost" (He 6:4). **hold--**Greek, "hold fast." **the beginning of our confidence--**that is, the confidence (literally, substantial, solid confidence) of faith which we have begun (He 6:11; 12:2). A Christian so long as he is not made perfect, considers himself as a b...
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Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.</strong> This quotes Haggai 2:6, describing a future shaking. At Sinai, God's voice shook the earth (Exodus 19:18; Psalm 68:8), demonstrating His power over creation. 'But now he hath promised' (<em>nyn de epēggeltai</em>, νῦν δὲ ἐπήγγελται) refers to Haggai's prop...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **Shook the earth.**—Exodus 19:18-19; Judges 5:4-5. The terrors of Sinai were, moreover, a type of a more terrible revelation of judgment, when not only shall the earth tremble, but the earth and the heaven shall be moved, and all that is transitory and mutable shall pass away. The words of Haggai 2:6 are taken as a prophecy of this consummation. The reference of the prediction of which this ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15. While it is said--**connected with He 3:13, "exhort one another ... while it is said, To-day": He 3:14, "for we are made partakers," &amp;c., being a parenthesis. "It entirely depends on yourselves that the invitation of the ninety-fifth Psalm be not a mere invitation, but also an actual enjoyment." Alford translates, "Since (that is, 'for') it is said," &amp;c., regarding He 3:15 as a proof...
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And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. are shaken: or, may be shaken

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.</strong> This interprets Haggai's prophecy. 'Yet once more' (<em>eti hapax</em>, ἔτι ἅπαξ, 'still once') indicates one final, definitive shaking—not ongoing shakings but ultimate judgment. 'The removing of those things that ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) This word, “Yet once more,” is equivalent to *once more only;* and the words “once more only will I move the heaven and the earth” must of necessity point to the final change, which issues in the removal of all that can pass away. **Which cannot be shaken.**—Literally, *which are not shaken.* The great difficulty of the verse is to ascertain on what word this clause depends. (1) If upon “remo...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16. For some--**rather interrogatively, "For WHO was it that, when they had heard (referring to 'if ye will hear,' He 3:15), did provoke (God)?" The "For" implies, Ye need to take heed against unbelief: for, was it not because of unbelief that all our fathers were excluded (Eze 2:3)? "Some," and "not all," would be a faint way of putting his argument, when his object is to show the universality ...
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Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: let: or, let us hold fast

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.</strong> This verse responds to the preceding description of cosmic shaking (v. 26-27) by contrasting earthly instability with the eternal stability of God's kingdom. "Wherefore" (<em>dio</em>, διό) connects this exhortation to previous teaching: bec...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Receiving a kingdom.**—These words clearly contain a reference to Daniel 7:18, “The saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom.” Nor can it well be doubted that the closing verses of Haggai 2 are also before the writer’s mind; after Hebrews 12:21, which repeats the words of Hebrews 12:6, quoted above, the prophet declares the overthrow of earthly kingdoms, and continues to His servan...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. But--**Translate, "Moreover," as it is not in contrast to He 3:16, but carrying out the same thought. **corpses--**literally, "limbs," implying that their bodies fell limb from limb.

For our God is a consuming fire.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For our God is a consuming fire.</strong> This concluding verse of chapter 12 quotes Deuteronomy 4:24, emphasizing God's holiness and intolerance of sin. 'Consuming fire' (<em>pyr katanaliskōn</em>, πῦρ καταναλίσκον) pictures fire that completely devours, leaving nothing. This attribute isn't contradicted by New Covenant grace but remains constant across both testaments. The God who reveal...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) A quotation from Deuteronomy 4:24. There these words follow a solemn warning against idolatry. This passage then belongs to the same class as Hebrews 10:27-28; Hebrews 10:30. (See the Notes.) Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18. to them that believed not--**rather as Greek, "to them that disobeyed." Practical unbelief (De 1:26).

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