English Standard Version
Hebrews 12:1
1Therefore, 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,
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,
- 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,
- New Living Translation (NLT)Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Context of Hebrews 12:1
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, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
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 it the people of old received their commendation.
- Isaiah 60:8Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows?
- Ezekiel 38:9You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you.
- Luke 16:28for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.'
- John 3:32He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony.
- John 4:39Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me all that I ever did."
- 1 Peter 5:12By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
- Revelation 22:16"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."
- Matthew 10:37Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
- Luke 8:14And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.
- Luke 9:59To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."
- Luke 12:15And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
- Luke 14:26"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
- Luke 18:22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
- Luke 21:34"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.
- Romans 13:11Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now 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
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries