Hebrews 12:1

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 have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 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

• Thereforeτοιγαροῦνtoigaroun · thereforeG5105
• since we haveἔχωechō · to have/beG2192
• soτοσοῦτοςtosoutos · so greatG5118
• a cloudνέφοςnephos · cloudG3509
• of witnessesμάρτυςmartus · witnessG3144
• surroundingπερίκειμαιperikeimai · to surroundG4029
• us, let us alsoκαίkai · andG2532
• layἀποτίθημιapotithēmi · to put asideG659
• everyπᾶςpas · allG3956
• encumbranceὄγκοςogkos · impedimentG3591
• and the sinἁμαρτίαhamartia · sinG266
• which so easilyεὐπερίστατοςeuperistatos · thwartingG2139
• runτρέχωtrechō · to runG5143
• enduranceὑπομονήhupomonē · perseveranceG5281
• the raceἀγώνagōn · fightG73
• that is setπρόκειμαιprokeimai · to set beforeG4295

Cross-references for Hebrews 12:1

• Hebrews 11:2For by it the men of old gained approval.
• Isaiah 60:8Who are these who fly like a cloud And like the doves to their lattices?
• Ezekiel 38:9You will go up, you will come like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your troops, and many peoples with you.”
• Luke 16:28for I have five brothers--in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
• John 3:32What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.
• John 4:39From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.”
• 1 Peter 5:12Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying 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 these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
• Matthew 10:37“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
• Luke 8:14The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
• Luke 9:59And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.”
• Luke 12:15Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist 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 possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
• Luke 21:34“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap;
• Romans 13:11Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we 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

• Afflictions and Adversities
• Decision
• Games
• Holiness
• Patience
• Perseverance
• Race
• Reward
• Righteous
• Sin

In the dictionaries

• Acceptably
• Aside
• Birthright
• Bitterness
• Carefully
• Chastening
• Cloud
• Contradiction
• Endure
• Finisher

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