Hebrews 12:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

NIV: "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

NASB: and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is impaired may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

CSB: and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.

NLT: Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

KJV: And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

NKJV: and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

This section of the book of Hebrews is meant to encourage Christians to persevere through hardships. The experiences of most Christians are not nearly so dire as those of martyrs of the faith (Hebrews 11:35–38; 12:4). That doesn't mean suffering is enjoyable (Hebrews 12:11), but it does have a purpose. Discipline is something all good fathers use to train their children. So, when we experience discipline from God, that's a sign that He's taking care for our spiritual growth. It can also mean God is correcting us, by using those struggles to convince us to turn away from sin. This section relies heavily on athletic imagery, including the concept of "running the race" we're assigned by God (Hebrews 12:1). Prior verses also compared God's discipline to athletic training (Hebrews 12:11) and encouraged the readers to be strong and active in their faith (Hebrews 12:12).

Here, sports terminology is again blended with spiritual instruction. Old Testament Scriptures such as Proverbs 4:26–27 warn about straying from the path God has given to us. "Turning aside," rather than keeping to the straight path, is often used as a metaphor for sin and disobedience (1 Samuel 12:20–21; Psalm 125:5; Isaiah 30:11). Other New Testament authors also use this idea to represent the difference between sin and righteousness (Romans 3:12; 2 Peter 2:15). In terms of running, staying on the right path is crucial. It not only means progressing towards the destination, it means avoiding dangers which lurk off of the intended route.

The writer again refers to the idea of God's discipline being used to "train" a Christian believer. In modern terms, this verse echoes something like physical therapy—sport-like training meant to strengthen a weakened body part. By keeping to the correct path, spiritually, that which is weak can be healed. In contrast, running off of the path can lead to harm, or making an existing injury even worse. This applies in both a personal and a corporate sense. The Bible makes it clear that we're meant to experience spiritual growth alongside other believers (Hebrews 10:25). Growing maturity in one believer ultimately benefits those with whom he fellowships, as well.

Hebrews 12:3–17 builds from a description of heroes of the faith, culminating in Jesus Christ. Those who came before were loved by God and honored by God, and yet they suffered hardships in this world. In this passage, the writer makes it clear that suffering is often God's way of building us up and training us, not necessarily a sign of His displeasure. Christians who respond to trials by seeking God, in faith, can avoid the fate of less-faithful men, like Esau.

Chapter 11 explained the victories of some of the Old Testament's greatest heroes. It also explained their sufferings and persecution. This chapter uses those examples as a ''cloud of witnesses'' to prove that God does not abandon us when we suffer. In many cases, He uses those experiences to ''train'' us, as if we were athletes, to make us stronger. In other cases, it's the same kind of discipline that a child receives from a loving father. Unlike the old covenant, which rightly inspired fear and dread, the new covenant offers us peace. As with any other matter of truth or falsehood, we should cling to what's true, so that we can be part of ''a kingdom that cannot be shaken.''

Hebrews chapter 12 builds on the example of the heroes of the faith mentioned in chapter 11. The main point of this lesson is that these figures endured suffering and hardship, yet held to their faith in God, which allowed them to achieve victory. Chapter 12, in particular, points out that earthly hardship is not a sign of God's displeasure, or abandonment. Rather, it's part of living in a fallen, godless world. And, in many cases, it's a form of ''training'' the Lord uses to mold us into more powerful instruments. This, as with other passages in Hebrews, leads into another explanation of why we should take these ideas seriously, and sets up a few final practical lessons in chapter 13.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.