King James Version
What Does Hebrews 12:16 Mean?
“Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.”
Context
14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
15
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
16
Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17
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
18
For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
Commentary
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.
**Who for one morsel of meat.**—Better, *who for one meal sold his own birthright* (Genesis 25:29-34). We cannot suppose that the writer has in thought the material rights of the firstborn, such as his claim on pre-eminence and, possibly (see Deuteronomy 21:17), on a larger share of his father’s possessions. Tradition relates that, up to the time of Aaron, priestly functions were discharged by each firstborn son (comp. Numbers 3:5-12); and to the line of the firstborn would seem to belong that “blessing of Abraham” (Genesis 28:4) which every one who shared Abraham’s faith would earnestly desire to possess.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Hebrews 12:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Hebrews 12:16
Genesis 25:31-34
→1 Corinthians 6:15-20
→Revelation 22:15
→Hebrews 13:4
→Mark 7:21
→1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge