1Therefore, we also, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every hindrance and the sin that so readily entangles, let us run with endurance the public contest set before us, [12:2] looking to Jesus — the pioneer 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. [12:3] For consider the one who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
HEB 12:1-3
A Call to Endurance
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st century, athletic competitions, particularly footraces, were a central part of Greco-Roman culture, often held in stadia during public games. These events were not merely physical contests but also metaphors for moral and philosophical endurance. The imagery of 'laying aside every weight' would resonate with athletes who stripped down to compete unencumbered. The 'easily entangling sin' evokes the pervasive moral challenges of daily life, particularly in a society where honor and shame were paramount. The 'race' was not just a sprint but a grueling test of perseverance, akin to the gladiatorial struggles familiar to audiences. Jesus, described as the 'founder and perfecter' , is portrayed as the ultimate trailblazer who endured the shame of the cross—a dishonorable death in Roman eyes—yet triumphed, seated at God’s right hand. This exhortation to endurance would have been particularly poignant for a community facing social ostracism or persecution, urging them to fix their gaze on Jesus’ example.
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How other translations render this
HEB 12:1
- 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,
- BSB
- 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.
- Koinōnos
- Therefore, we also, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every hindrance and the sin that so readily entangles, let us run with endurance the public contest set before us,
HEB 12:2
- KJV
- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- BSB
- Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author 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.
- Koinōnos
- looking to Jesus — the pioneer 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.
HEB 12:3
- KJV
- For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
- BSB
- Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
- Koinōnos
- For consider the one who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
HEB 12:1
- weight:The word translated 'weight' here refers to any impediment or burden that hinders progress, like excess baggage that slows a runner in a race.
- easily entangling:The term translated 'easily entangling' describes something that readily surrounds, hinders, or thwarts, like a garment that trips a runner.
- race:The word translated 'race' evokes a public athletic contest or struggle, often with spectators, not just a simple running event.
HEB 12:2
- founder:The word translated 'founder' carries the sense of a pioneer, originator, or one who leads the way, not just someone who establishes something.