King James Version

What Does Hebrews 12:3 Mean?

Hebrews 12:3 in the King James Version says “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

Hebrews 12:3 · KJV

Context

1

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,

2

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

3

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

4

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

5

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:

Read Hebrews 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. The command 'consider' (analogisasthe, 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, and crucifixion. When tempted to grow weary under persecution, believers should compare their suffering with Christ's, finding both perspective and motivation.

The danger is becoming 'wearied and faint in your minds' (kamēte tais psychais hymōn eklyomenoi, κάμητε ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν ἐκλυόμενοι, 'growing tired in your souls, losing heart'). Mental and spiritual exhaustion under prolonged trial can lead to abandoning faith. The antidote is fixing attention on Christ's greater suffering and perfect endurance. He faced infinitely worse opposition yet completed His mission without wavering.

This illustrates a fundamental gospel principle: Christ's work provides both example and enablement. We look to Him as pattern of faithful endurance, but also as the one who endured for us, accomplishing our salvation. His perfect obedience under suffering satisfies divine justice on our behalf and provides power through His Spirit for our own perseverance (Philippians 2:12-13). Meditation on Christ's passion both shames our complaints and strengthens our resolve.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Christ endured the ultimate contradiction—the sinless Son of God rejected by those He came to save, condemned by religious leaders who should have recognized Him, crucified by Roman authority meant to establish justice. The original readers, facing persecution from both Jewish and Roman sources, needed encouragement that their suffering was lighter than Christ's. Early Christian tradition records many first-century martyrdoms; believers needed endurance to maintain faith through extended opposition. Fixing attention on Christ's greater suffering provided both comfort (He understands) and challenge (don't give up when you haven't suffered as He did).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does comparing your struggles with Christ's suffering provide perspective on your current trials?
  2. What specific aspects of Christ's endurance most encourage you when facing opposition or weariness?
  3. In what areas are you growing 'weary' and need to renew your mind through meditating on Christ's greater suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἀναλογίσασθε1 of 18

“consider”

G357

to estimate, i.e., (figuratively) contemplate

γὰρ2 of 18

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τὸν3 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τοιαύτην4 of 18

“such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

ὑπομεμενηκότα5 of 18

“him that endured”

G5278

to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere

ὑπὸ6 of 18

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῶν7 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἁμαρτωλῶν8 of 18

“sinners”

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

εἰς9 of 18

“against”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀυτὸν10 of 18
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀντιλογίαν11 of 18

“contradiction”

G485

dispute, disobedience

ἵνα12 of 18
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ13 of 18
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

κάμητε14 of 18

“ye be wearied”

G2577

properly, to toil, i.e., (by implication) to tire (figuratively, faint, sicken)

ταῖς15 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψυχαῖς16 of 18

“minds”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

ὑμῶν17 of 18

“in your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐκλυόμενοι18 of 18

“and faint”

G1590

to relax (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

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 12:3 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 12:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:92 Corinthians 4:16Revelation 2:31 Corinthians 15:58Hebrews 12:2John 15:18-24

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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