if . Greek. ei . App-118 . without . Greek. choris. See Hebrews 4:15 . chastisement = chastening, as verses: Hebrews 12:5 , Hebrews 12:7 , Hebrews 12:11 . are = have become. partakers . Greek. metochos. See Hebrews 1:9 . bastards . i.e. fictitious. Greek. nothos. Only here. read more
But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.This is only to say that there are no exceptions, that God does not overlook any of his children in meting out the needed chastening; and that, should there appear to be any omissions, it is not a mark of divine favor but a total rejection and alienation from God. read more
Hebrews 12:8. Then are ye bastards, and not sons— The meaning is, "No care is taken of you; no concern is shewn about your welfare." read more
8. if ye be without—excluded from participation in chastisement, and wishing to be so. all—all sons: all the worthies enumerated in the eleventh chapter: all the witnesses (Hebrews 12:1). are—Greek, "have been made." then are ye bastards—of whom their fathers take no care whether they are educated or not; whereas every right-minded father is concerned for the moral well-being of his legitimate son. "Since then not to be chastised is a mark of bastardy, we ought [not to refuse, but] rejoice in... read more
B. Demonstrating Necessary Endurance 12:1-13The writer followed up his scriptural exposition with another final exhortation (chs. 12-13). This is a pattern he followed consistently throughout this epistle. He first called on his readers to persevere faithfully so they would not lose any of their reward. This section is chiastic.A A call to run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1-3) B Explanation of the role of suffering (Hebrews 12:4-11)A’ A call to renew commitment to endure (Hebrews 12:12-13) read more
2. The proper view of trials 12:4-11The writer put his readers’ sufferings in perspective so they might not overestimate the difficulty they faced in remaining faithful to God."Suffering comes to all; it is part of life, but it is not easy to bear. Yet it is not quite so bad when it can be seen as meaningful. . . . The writer points out the importance of discipline and proceeds to show that for Christians suffering is rightly understood only when seen as God’s fatherly discipline, correcting... read more
We need to remember, too, that God allows us to experience some opposition to make us stronger in the faith (Deuteronomy 8:5; Proverbs 3:11-12; James 1). It is easy to become discouraged when we encounter hard times. The Israelites certainly gave evidence of this when they left Egypt following the Exodus. Hebrews 12:5-11 constitute an exposition of Proverbs 3:11-12. Another value of divine discipline is that it prepares us to reign with Christ (cf. Hebrews 2:10). God’s discipline assures us... read more
12:8 partakers, (l-13) Metochos , see Note q at ch. 2.14. read more
The Contest. Endurance, Holiness, and Divine Communion proposed to the Sons of GodInspired by the example of those victorious heroes of faith who now encompass us, we ought to run our race patiently, looking to Jesus the supreme example of patient endurance (Hebrews 12:1-2). The present sufferings are the discipline of a loving Father, and are actually evidence of our being His children. Be brave, therefore, and help others to be the same (Hebrews 12:3-13). Beware of strife and impurity, taking... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:1-11
Discipline in the Christian life (12:1-11)The examples of true faith that the writer has just given should encourage the Jewish Christians to face their difficulties with similar perseverance. They must remove the sin that hinders, and strengthen themselves to withstand defeat. They will be encouraged to endure as they consider the sufferings that Jesus endured and the heavenly reward that he now enjoys (12:1-2).Whatever these Christians may have to endure, their sufferings are small when... read more