Hebrews 12:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

NIV: because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.'

NASB: FOR WHOM THE Lord LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE PUNISHES EVERY SON WHOM HE ACCEPTS.'

CSB: for the Lord disciplines the one he lovesand punishes every son he receives.

NLT: For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.'

KJV: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

NKJV: For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”

This verse closes out a quotation from Proverbs 3:11–12. That passage indicates that a loving father—especially God—takes an active role in the growth of a child (Ephesians 6:4). God purposefully corrects us when we make mistakes, and places us in situations that we can use for spiritual development. As stated in earlier verses, even victorious heroes of the faith were subject to earthly suffering. The greatest example of all was Jesus, who suffered terribly despite being sinless (Hebrews 12:3). And yet, Jesus saw His hardships as part of God's good plan (Hebrews 12:2).

The point being made is that Christians should not respond to persecution or hardships with bitterness or despair. This is especially true if and when our experiences are not as extreme as those others have endured. On the contrary, we should see God's discipline—His "training"—as a sign that He is engaged in our lives and has a plan and purpose for us to fulfill.

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.

Accessed 4/29/2024 4:37:00 AM