Hebrews 12:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.

NIV: See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.

NASB: that there be no sexually immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.

CSB: And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal.

NLT: Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal.

KJV: Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

NKJV: lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

In this passage, Christians are instructed to maintain a Christ-honoring lifestyle, even in the face of persecution (Hebrews 12:3–4). Earlier verses commanded believers to seek peace and personal holiness (Hebrews 12:14). This section also warned against those who defy God and corrupt others as a result (Hebrews 12:15). Whether a troublemaker is not actually saved, or a believer who rebels, their presence creates corruption and interferes with others' ability to "run the race" given them by God (Hebrews 12:1).

This verse continues by cautioning against what seem to be two separate problems: sexual immorality and ungodliness. Sexual sin is a frequent topic of biblical warnings. Few sins are as tempting, pervasive, or damaging as those related to sex. This is why Scripture so often commands Christians to maintain sexual purity (Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:3). Christians are not immune to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), so we need to be vigilant about what we say and do.

Separately, the writer refers to Esau and his careless treatment of his own birthright. As the oldest son (Genesis 25:24–26), Esau would have been entitled to various benefits. And yet, his actions show that he did not take this blessing seriously (Genesis 25:34), as mentioned in this verse. The event referenced here occurred when Esau sold his birthright to his younger twin brother, Jacob (Genesis 25:29–33). Hungry or not, manipulated or not, Esau should not have treated his birthright in such a flippant way.

Of course, the more valuable an object is, the more respectful of it we ought to be. Esau's view of his birthright showed disinterest, disrespect, and negligence. That's rightly seen as something despicable. When a person applies that same attitude towards God, it's infinitely worse. The Greek word used here is bebēlos, a word which also means profane, or, as in some translations, unholy.

This is a key point made in chapter 12. This passage commended holiness—then referred to Esau's reckless, casual attitude as something unholy. That parallels earlier warnings not to be careless (Hebrews 2:1), lazy (Hebrews 5:11–14), or defiant (Hebrews 10:26–31) when it comes to our faith. As the following verse indicates, Esau's recklessness resulted in a loss of blessing (Genesis 27:36–37). This, again, reinforces earlier warnings given in the book of Hebrews about the loss Christians suffer when they disobey (Hebrews 3:7–11; 4:11).

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.