Christian Standard Bible
Hebrews 12:1
1Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,
Hebrews 12:1 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)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,
- New International Version (NIV)Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
- English Standard Version (ESV)Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
- New King James Version (NKJV)Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Context of Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.
Read all of Hebrews 12Hebrews 12:1 word by word
Τοιγαροῦν καὶ ἡμεῖς τοσοῦτον ἔχοντες περικείμενον ἡμῖν νέφος μαρτύρων, ὄγκον ἀποθέμενοι πάντα καὶ τὴν εὐπερίστατον ἁμαρτίαν, δι᾽ ὑπομονῆς τρέχωμεν τὸν προκείμενον ἡμῖν ἀγῶναRead the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
- Whereforeτοιγαροῦνtoigaroun · thereforeG5105
- seeingἔχωechō · to have/beG2192
- weἐγώegō · I/weG1473
- alsoκαίkai · andG2532
- are compassed about withπερίκειμαιperikeimai · to surroundG4029
- so greatτοσοῦτοςtosoutos · so greatG5118
- a cloudνέφοςnephos · cloudG3509
- of witnessesμάρτυςmartus · witnessG3144
- let us lay asideἀποτίθημιapotithēmi · to put asideG659
- everyπᾶςpas · allG3956
- weightὄγκοςogkos · impedimentG3591
- the sinἁμαρτίαhamartia · sinG266
- which doth so easily besetεὐπερίστατοςeuperistatos · thwartingG2139
- let us runτρέχωtrechō · to runG5143
- withδιάdia · through/because ofG1223
- patienceὑπομονήhupomonē · perseveranceG5281
- the raceἀγώνagōn · fightG73
- that is set beforeπρόκειμαιprokeimai · to set beforeG4295
- ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
Cross-references for Hebrews 12:1
- Hebrews 11:2For by this our ancestors were approved.
- Isaiah 60:8Who are these who fly like a cloud, like doves to their shelters?
- Ezekiel 38:9You, all of your troops, and many peoples with you will advance, coming like a thunderstorm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.
- Luke 16:28because I have five brothers — to warn them, so that they won’t also come to this place of torment.’
- John 3:32He testifies to what he has seen and heard, and yet no one accepts his testimony.
- John 4:39Now many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of what the woman said when she testified, “He told me everything I ever did.”
- 1 Peter 5:12Through Silvanus, a faithful brother (as I consider him), I have written to you briefly in order to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!
- Revelation 22:16“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to attest these things to you for the churches. I am the Root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
- Matthew 10:37The one who loves a father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; the one who loves a son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
- Luke 8:14As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who, when they have heard, go on their way and are choked with worries, riches, and pleasures of life, and produce no mature fruit.
- Luke 9:59Then he said to another, “Follow me.” “Lord,” he said, “first let me go bury my father.”
- Luke 12:15He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”
- Luke 14:26“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters — yes, and even his own life — he cannot be my disciple.
- Luke 18:22When Jesus heard this, he told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell all you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
- Luke 21:34“Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly
- Romans 13:11Besides this, since you know the time, it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, because now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
Commentaries on Hebrews 12:1
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 1Wherefore - This is an inference drawn from the examples produced in the preceding chapter, and on this account both should be read in connection. Compassed about - Here is another allusion to the Olympic games: the agonistae, or contenders, were often greatly animated by the consideration that the eyes of the principal men of their country were fixed upon them; and by this they were induced to make the most extraordinary exertions. Cloud of witnesses…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 1Wherefore - In view of what has been said in the previous chapter. Seeing we also are encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses - The apostle represents those to whom he had referred in the previous chapter, as looking on to witness the efforts which Christians make, and the manner in which they live. There is allusion here, doubtless, to the ancient games. A great multitude of spectators usually occupied the circular seats in the amphitheater…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 1Chapter Outline An exhortation to be constant and persevere, The example of Christ is set forth, and the gracious design of God in all the sufferings believers endured. (1-11) Peace and holiness are recommended, with cautions against despising spiritual blessings. (12-17) The New Testament dispensation shown to be much more excellent than the Old. (18-29) Verses 1-11 The persevering obedience of faith in Christ, was the race set before the Hebrews…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1a great cloud of witnesses: The many faithful followers of God (Hebrews 11) show that God rewards a life of faith. let us throw off every encumbrance: In Greco-Roman writings, a race symbolizes the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight slows a runner, sin … easily entagles us and keeps us from living by faith.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1-29For We Are under, Not a Law of Terror, but the Gospel of Grace, to Despise Which Will Bring the Heavier Penalties, in Proportion to Our Greater Privileges. 1. we also--as well as those recounted in He 12:11. are compassed about--Greek, "have so great a cloud (a numberless multitude above us, like a cloud, 'holy and pellucid,' [Clement of Alexandria]) of witnesses surrounding us." The image is from a "race," an image common even in Palestine from the time…Read the comment
Topics related to Hebrews 12:1
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Hebrews 12
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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