Heb 12 | BSB | STEP | 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.

Hebrews 12

The Call to Endurance

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. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer 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. 3 Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary [and] lose heart.

God Disciplines His Sons

4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, {do} not make light of [the] Lord’s discipline, [or] lose heart [when] He rebukes you. 6 For [the] Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives [as a] son.” ^{▼▼Proverbs 3:11,12; see also LXX} 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined [by his] father? 8 If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 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? 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. 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a peaceful harvest of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore strengthen [your] limp hands and weak knees. 13 Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame {will} not be debilitated, but rather healed.

A Call to Holiness

14 Pursue peace with all [men] , as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. 15 Be careful that no one falls short of the grace of God, so that no root of bitterness will spring up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 [See to it] that [no one is] sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. 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.

An Unshakable Kingdom

18 For you have not come to [ a mountain that ] can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast [or] to a voice that [made] [its] hearers beg that no further word be spoken. 20 For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” ^{▼▼Exodus 19:12,13} 21 The sight was so terrifying [that] even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” ^{▼▼See Deuteronomy 9:19} 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 23 in joyful assembly, [to the] congregation of [the] firstborn, enrolled in heaven. [You have come] to God [the] judge of all [men] , to [the] spirits of [the] righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus [the] mediator of a new covenant, and to [the] sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than [the blood] of Abel. 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? 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.” ^{▼▼Haggai 2:6} 27 The [words] , “Once more,” signify the removal of what can be shaken— that is, created things— so that the unshakable may remain. 28 Therefore, [since] we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, [and so] worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. 29 For our God [is a] consuming fire. ^{▼▼Deuteronomy 4:24}