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 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. 2We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

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

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 11:2Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
• Isaiah 60:8“And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel, like doves to their nests?
• Ezekiel 38:9You and all your allies—a vast and awesome army—will roll down on them like a storm and cover the land like a cloud.
• Luke 16:28For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’
• John 3:32He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them!
• John 4:39Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!”
• 1 Peter 5:12I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
• Revelation 22:16“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.”
• Matthew 10:37“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.
• Luke 8:14The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.
• Luke 9:59He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
• Luke 12:15Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
• Luke 14:26“If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.
• Luke 18:22When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
• Luke 21:34“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,
• Romans 13:11This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer 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

• 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