Hebrews 12:1

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Hebrews 12:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible 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.

King James Version 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,

American Standard Version ASV

Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, 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,

Bible in Basic English BBE

For this reason, as we are circled by so great a cloud of witnesses, putting off every weight, and the sin into which we come so readily, let us keep on running in the way which is marked out for us,

Free Bible Version FBV

For that reason, since we are surrounded by such a great crowd of people who gave evidence of their trust in God, let's get rid of everything that holds us back, the seductive sins that trip us up, and let's keep on running the race placed before us.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Wherefore, let vs also, seeing that we are compassed with so great a cloude of witnesses, cast away euery thing that presseth downe, and the sinne that hangeth so fast on: let vs runne with patience the race that is set before vs,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us, every weight having put off, and the closely besetting sin, through endurance may we run the contest that is set before us,

World English Bible WEB

Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Wherefore, seeing we also are encompassed 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,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And therefore we also having so great a cloud of witnesses over our head, laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us:

Translation for Translators T4T

We know about many people like that who showed they trusted in God. They are like a crowd of spectators who are cheering for us inside a stadium [MET]. Knowing that, we must put away all the things that hinder us, as a runner puts aside everything that would hinder him because they are heavy [MET]. Especially we must put away sinful actions that hinder us, as a runner sets aside clothes he does not need, clothes that would entangle him [MET]. Let us wholeheartedly strive to achieve what God has planned for us, as someone in a race wholeheartedly runs the course that is before him [MET].

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Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 12:1

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Hebrews 12:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK τοιγαρουν και ημεις τοσουτον εχοντες περικειμενον ημιν νεφος μαρτυρων ογκον αποθεμενοι παντα και την ευπεριστατον αμαρτιαν δι υπομονης τρεχωμεν τον προκειμενον ημιν αγωνα

τοιγαρουν toigaroun G5105 therefore Particle

και kai G2532 and Conj

ημεις egō G1473 I/we Pron-1NP

τοσουτον tosoutos G5118 so great Dem-ASN

εχοντες echō G2192 to have/be Verb-PAP-NPM

περικειμενον perikeimai G4029 to surround Verb-PNP-ASN

ημιν egō G1473 I/we Pron-1DP

νεφος nephos G3509 cloud Noun-ASN

μαρτυρων martus G3144 witness Noun-GPM

ογκον ogkos G3591 impediment Noun-ASM

αποθεμενοι apotithēmi G659 to put aside Verb-2AMP-NPM

παντα pas G3956 all Adj-ASM

και kai G2532 and Conj

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

ευπεριστατον euperistatos G2139 thwarting Adj-ASF

αμαρτιαν hamartia G266 sin Noun-ASF

δι dia G1223 through/because of Prep

υπομονης hupomonē G5281 perseverance Noun-GSF

τρεχωμεν trechō G5143 to run Verb-PAS-1P

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

προκειμενον prokeimai G4295 to set before Verb-PNP-ASM

ημιν egō G1473 I/we Pron-1DP

αγωνα agōn G73 fight Noun-ASM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 12:1

τοιγαρουν toigaroun G5105 "therefore" Particle

This word means therefore or consequently, used to show a conclusion. It is used in the New Testament, such as in 1 Thessalonians and Hebrews, to show a result of something. It is like saying 'so therefore' in English.

Definition: τοι-γαρ-οῦν an inferential particle, [in LXX: Job.22:10 24:22, Sir.41:16, al. ;] wherefore then, so therefore: 1Th.4:8, Heb.12:1 (Hat., Plat., al.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: there-(where-)fore See also: 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Hebrews 12:1.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ημεις egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1NP

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

τοσουτον tosoutos G5118 "so great" Dem-ASN

This word means so great or so much, used to describe quantity, amount, or size, as seen in Matthew 8:10 and Luke 7:9. It can also refer to time, such as in John 14:9, and is used to emphasize the magnitude of something.

Definition: τοσοῦτος, -αύτη, -οῦτο (Heb.7:22) and (elsewhere, as usually in Attic) -οῦτον, correlat. of ὅσος, of quantity, size, number, so great, so much, pl., so many: Mat.8:10 Luk.7:9, Heb.12:1, Rev.18:7, 16; of time, so long, χρόνος, Jhn.14:9, Heb.4:7; pl., Luk.15:29 (ἔτη), Jhn.12:37 21:11, 1Co.14:10; before ὥστε, Mat.15:33; absol.: pl., Jhn.6:9, Gal.3:4; of price, τοσούτου, Act.5:8; dative, τοσούτῳ κρείττων, Heb.1:4; τ. μᾶλλον ὅσῳ, Heb.10:25; καθ᾽ ὅσον . . . κατὰ τ., Heb.7:22.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: as large, so great (long, many, much), these many See also: 1 Corinthians 14:10; John 12:37; Hebrews 1:4.

εχοντες echō G2192 "to have/be" Verb-PAP-NPM

This Greek word means to have or hold something, like a possession or ability. It is used in many ways, such as having power or being with someone. The Bible uses it in Revelation 5:8 and 14:6.

Definition: ἔχω, [in LXX for אָצֵל (ἐχόμενος), יֵשׁ,בַּעַל, etc., 59 words in all ;] (on the Aktionsart of the various tenses, see M, Pr., 110, 145, 150, 183), to have, as in cl., in various senses and constructions. __I. Trans.; __1. 1. to have, hold, hold fast, etc.; __(a) to hold, as, in the hand: Rev.5:8 14:6, al.; ἐν τ. χειρί, Rev.1:16 10:2, al.; __(b) of arms and clothing, = φέρω, φορέω, to bear, wear: Mat.3:4 22:12, al.; so frequently present ptcp. (LS, see word, A, I, 6; Bl., 74, 2), Mrk.11:13, Jhn.18:10, Rev.9:17, al.; __(with) of a woman, ἐν γαστρὶ ἔ, to be with child: Mrk.13:17, Rom.9:10; __(d) to hold fast, keep: Luk.19:20; metaphorically, of the mind and conduct, Mrk.16:8 (cf. Job.21:6, Isa.13:8; Deiss., BS, 293; Field, Notes, 44f.), Jhn.14:21, Rom.1:28, 1Ti.3:9, 2Ti.1:13, Rev.6:9, al.; __(e) to involve: Heb.10:35 (LXX), Jas.1:4, 1Jn.4:18; (f) = Lat. habere (Bl., §34, 5; 73, 5), to hold, consider: with accusative and predic. ptcp., Luk.14:18; with accusative, before ὡς, Mat.14:5; εἰς (Hebraism), Mat.21:46; on (Bl., §70, 2), Mrk.11:32. __2. to have, possess; __(a) in general, with accusative of thing(s): Mat.19:22, Mrk.10:22, Luk.12:19, Jhn.10:16, 1Co.11:22, al.; of wealth or poverty, absol., ἔχειν (neg. οὐκ, μή), Mat.13:12 25:29, 2Co.8:12; ἐκ τ. ἔχειν, according to your means, 2Co.8:11; __(b) of relationship, association, and: πατέρα, Jhn.8:41; γυναῖκα (MM, xiv), 1Co.7:2; φίλον, Luk.11:5; βασιλέα, Jhn.19:15; ποιμένα, Mat.9:36; with dupl. accusative, Mat.3:9, al.; __(with) of parts or members: ὦτα, Mat.19:15; μέλη, Rom.12:4; θεμελίους, __(d) with accusative, as periphrasis of verb: μνεῖαν ἔ. (= μεμνῆσθαι), 1Th.3:6; ἀγάπην, Jhn.13:35; γνῶσιν, 1Co.8:1; πεποίθησιν, 2Co.3:4; θλίψιν, Jhn.16:33, etc. (Thayer, see word, I, 2, f., g.); __(e) of duty, necessity, etc.: ἀνάγκην, 1Co.7:37; νόμον, Jhn.19:7; ἐπιταγήν, 1Co.7:25; ἀγῶνα, Php.1:30; κρίμα, 1Ti.5:12; __(f) of complaints and disputes; κατά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.5:23, Mrk.11:25; id. before ὅτι, Rev.2:4, 20; with accusative before πρός, Act.24:19, al.; __(g) with inf., __(α) (cl.) to be able (Field, Notes, 14): Mat.18:25, Mrk.14:8 (sc. ποιῆσαι), Luk.12:4, Act.4:14, al; __(β) of necessity (BL, §69, 4): Luk.12:50, Act.23:17-19 28:19. __II. Intrans. (BL, §53, 1), to be in a certain condition: ἑτοίμως ἔ., with inf., Act.21:13, 2Co.12:14; ἐσχάτως (which see), Mrk.5:23; κακῶς, to be ill, Mat.4:24, al.; καλῶς, Mk 16:[18]; κομψότερον, Jhn.4:52; πῶς, Act.15:36; impers., ἄλλως εἴχει, it is otherwise, 1Ti.5:25; οὕτως, Act.7:1, al.; τὸ νῦν ἔχον, as things now are (Tob.7:11), Act.24:25. __III. Mid., -ομαι, to hold oneself fast, hold on or cling to, be next to: with genitive, τ. ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας, Heb.6:9 (Rendall, in l.); ptcp., ὁ ἐχόμενος, near, next: of place, Mrk.1:38; of time, τ. ἐχομένη (ἡμέρα, expressed or understood), Luk.13:33, Act.20:15 21:26; (σαββάτῳ), Act.13:44. (Cf. ἀν-, προσ-αν-, ἀντ-, ἀπ-, ἐν-, ἐπ-, κατ-, μετ-, παρ-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπερ-, ὑπ-έχω.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 628 NT verses. KJV: be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use See also: 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:12.

περικειμενον perikeimai G4029 "to surround" Verb-PNP-ASN

To surround or encircle something, like a cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 12:1. It can also mean to be hampered or restricted by something.

Definition: περί-κειμαι [in LXX: Ep. Je 24, 58, 4Ma.12:3 * ;] __1. to lie round about: μύλος, λίθος (RV, were hanged about), Mrk.9:42, Luk.17:2; νεφος μαρτύρων, Heb.12:1. __2. to have around one, be clothed with: Act.28:20; figuratively, ἀσθένειαν, Heb.5:2.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: be bound (compassed) with, hang about See also: Acts 28:20; Hebrews 12:1; Hebrews 5:2.

ημιν egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1DP

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

νεφος nephos G3509 "cloud" Noun-ASN

A cloud is a large visible mass of water vapor in the sky, like the one mentioned in Hebrews 12:1, often used to describe a dense gathering of people.

Definition: νέφος, -ους, τό [in LXX for עָב, שַׁחַק, עָנַן ;] a mass of clouds, a cloud (cf. νεφέλη); metaphorically as in Hom., Hdt., al.), of a dense throng: Heb.12:1.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: cloud See also: Hebrews 12:1.

μαρτυρων martus G3144 "witness" Noun-GPM

This word means a witness, someone who sees or experiences something and can testify to it. In the Bible, it appears in Matthew 18:16 and Acts 10:41. It can also refer to a martyr.

Definition: μάρτυς (Æolic μάρτυρ), -υρος, ὁ (also ἡ), [in LXX for עֵד ;] a witness: Act.10:41, 1Ti.6:12, 2Ti.2:2, Heb.12:1 (Westc., in l); in forensic sense, Mat.18:16 26:65, Mrk.14:63, Act.6:13 7:58, 2Co.13:1, 1Ti.5:19, Heb.10:28; with genitive obj., Luk.24:48, Act.1:22 2:32 3:15 5:32 10:39 26:16, 1Pe.5:1; with genitive poss., Act.1:8 13:31, Rev.11:3; with dative of person(s), Luk.11:48, Act.22:15; of Christ, Rev.1:5 3:14; of God, Rom.1:9, 2Co.1:23, Php.1:8, 1Th.2:5 2:10; of those who have witnessed for Christ by their death (in later Xn. lit., martyr: Swete, Ap., 35), Act.22:20, Rev.2:13 17:6.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 34 NT verses. KJV: martyr, record, witness See also: 1 Peter 5:1; Acts 13:31; Hebrews 10:28.

ογκον ogkos G3591 "impediment" Noun-ASM

This word means 'burden' or 'hindrance', like a weight that slows you down. In Hebrews 12:1, it's used to describe the things that get in the way of our faith.

Definition: ὄγκος, -ου, ὁ bulk, mass; metaphorically, an encumbrance: Heb.12:1.† SYN.: βάρος, a weight; φορτίον, a burden, that which is borne (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: weight See also: Hebrews 12:1.

αποθεμενοι apotithēmi G659 "to put aside" Verb-2AMP-NPM

To put something aside or away, like taking off a garment, as seen in Acts 7:58 and Romans 13:12. This can also mean to stop doing something, like laying aside bad habits. It's about letting go of something that's holding you back.

Definition: ἀπο-τίθημι [in LXX chiefly for נוּחַ hi. ;] to put off or aside; in NT always mid., __(a) to put of from oneself as a garment: τ. ἱμάτια, Act.7:58; metaphorically, in ethical sense, to put of, lay aside: Rom.13:12, Eph.4:22, 25, Col.3:8, Heb.12:1, Jas.1:21, 1Pe.2:1; __(b) to stow away, put: ἐν τ. φυλακῇ (MM, see word), Mat.14:3.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: cast off, lay apart (aside, down), put away (off) See also: 1 Peter 2:1; Ephesians 4:25; Hebrews 12:1.

παντα pas G3956 "all" Adj-ASM

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ευπεριστατον euperistatos G2139 "thwarting" Adj-ASF

This word means to surround or hinder someone. In Hebrews 12:1, it talks about sins that easily beset or surround us, hindering our progress.

Definition: εὐ-περί-στατος, -ον (εὖ, περιΐστημι), of sins, readily besetting: Heb.12:1 (on form and sense of the word, see Westc., in l).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: which doth so easily beset See also: Hebrews 12:1.

αμαρτιαν hamartia G266 "sin" Noun-ASF

In the Bible, sin refers to missing the mark or falling short of God's standards, as seen in Romans. It's a principle of action that leads to guilt and fault. Jesus teaches about sin in various parables.

Definition: ἁμαρτία, -ας, ἡ (ἁμαρτάνω, which see), [in LXX chiefly for חַטָּאת and cogn. forms, also for פֶּשַׁע ,עָוֹן, etc. ;] prop. a missing the mark; in cl. (see reff. to CR in MM, VGT, see word); __(a) guilt, sin (Plat., Arist., al.); __(b) more freq., from Æsch. down, a fault, failure. In NT (as LXX) always in ethical sense; __1. as a principle and quality of action, = τὸ ἁμαρτάνειν, a sinning, sin: Rom.5:12, 13 20; ὑφ᾽ ἁμαρτίαν εἶναι, Rom.3:9; ἐπιμένειν, Rom.6:1; ἀποθνήσκειν, νεκρὸν εἶναι τῇ ἁ., Rom.6:2, 11; τὴν ἀ. γινώσκειν, Rom.7:7; σῶμα τῆς ἁ., Rom.6:6; ἀπάτη τῆς ἁ., Heb.3:13; personified as a ruling principle, ἁ. βασιλεύει, κυριεύει, etc., Rom.5:21 6:12, 14 7:17, 20; δουλεύειν, Rom.6:6; δοῦλος τῆς ἁ., ib. 17; νόμος τῆς ἁ., Rom.7:23 8:2; δύναμις τῆς ἁ., 1Co.15:56 (cf. Gen.4:7). __2. As a generic term (disting. fr. the specific terms ἁμάρτημα, which see, etc.) for concrete wrongdoing, violation of the divine law, sin: Jhn.8:46, Jas.1:15, al.; ποιεῖν (τὴν) ἁ., Jhn.8:34, 2Co.11:7, 1Jn.3:8; εἴχειν ἁ., Jhn.9:41 15:22, 24 19:11, 1Jn.1:8; in pl. ἁμαρτίαι, sin in the aggregate, 1Th.2:16 (see Milligan, in l.); ποιεῖν ἁμαρτίας, Jas.5:15; πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν, Jas.5:20, 1Pe.4:8; ἄφεσις ἁμαρτιῶν, Mat.26:28, Mrk.1:4, al.; ἐν ἁμαρτίαις εἶναι, 1Co.15:17; collectively, αἴρειν τὴν ἁ. τ. κόσμου, Jhn.1:29; ἀποθνήσκειν ἐν τῇ ἁ., Jhn.8:21. __3. = ἁμάρτημα, a sinful deed, a sin: Mat.12:31, Act.7:60, 1Jn.5:16. SYN.: see: ἁμάρτημα. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 151 NT verses. KJV: offence, sin(-ful) See also: 1 Corinthians 15:3; John 8:34; 1 Peter 2:22.

δι dia G1223 "through/because of" Prep

Means through or because of, like in Matthew 2:12 where the wise men left by another route. It shows cause or occasion, as in 1 Corinthians 3:15, being saved through fire. It can also describe a state or condition, like in Romans.

Definition: διά (before a vowel δ᾽, exc. Rom.8:10, 2Co.5:7, and in (Proper name)s; Tdf., Pr., 94), prep. with genitive, accusative, as in cl.; __1. with genitive, through; __(i) of Place, after verbs of motion or action: Mat.2:12 12:43, Mrk.2:23, Luk.4:30, Jhn.4:4, 2Co.11:33, al.; σώζεσθαι (διας-) δ. πυρός, ὕδατος, 1Co.3:15, 1Pe.3:20; βλέπειν δ. ἐσόπτρου, 1Co.13:12; metaphorically, of a state or condition: Rom.14:20, 2Co.2:4 5:7, 10; δ. γράμματος, ἀκροβυστίας (Lft., Notes, 263, 279), Rom.2:27 4:11; δι ̓ὑπομενῆς, Rom.8:25. __(ii) Of Time; __(a) during which: Mat.26:61, Mrk.14:58, Luk.5:5; δ. παντὸς τοῦ ζῆν, Heb.2:15; δ. παντός (διαπαντός in Mrk.5:5, Luk.24:53), always, continually, Mat.18:10, Act.2:25" (LXX) 10:2 24:16, Rom.11:10" (LXX), 2Th.3:16, Heb.9:6 13:15. __(b) within which: Act.1:3; δ. νυκτός, Act.5:19 16:9 17:10 23:31; __(with) after which (Field, Notes, 20; Abbott, JG, 255f.): Mrk.2:1, Act.24:17, Gal.2:1. __(iii) Of the Means or Instrument; __(1) of the efficient cause (regarded also as the instrument): of God, Rom.11:36, 1Co.1:9, Gal.4:7, Heb.2:10 7:21; of Christ, Rom.1:8 5:1, 17, 1Co.15:21, 1Pe.4:11, al.; δ. τ. ὑμῶν δεήσεως, Rom.1:12, 2Co.1:4, Gal.4:23, al.; __(2) of the agent, instrument or means; __(a) with genitive of person(s), Mat.11:2, Luk.1:70, Jhn.1:17, Act.1:16, Rom.2:16, 1Co.1:21, Eph.1:5, Heb.2:14, Rev.1:1, al.; ὑπὸ τ. κυρίου δ. τ. προφήτου (δ. τ. κυρίου, 1Th.4:2 (M, Th., in l.); Lft., Rev., 121f.), Mat.1:22 2:15, Rom.1:2; δ. ἐπιστολῆς ὡς δ. ἡμῶν (Field, Notes, 202), 2Th.2:2; δ. Σ. (NTD, 22), 1Pe.5:12; __(b) with genitive of thing(s) (where often the simple dative is used in cl.; Jannaris, Gr., 375), Jhn.11:4, Act.5:12; δ. τ. πίστεως, Rom.3:30; δ. λόγου θεοῦ, 1Pe.1:23; δ. παραβολῆς, Luk.8:4; δουλεύειν δ. τ. ἀγάπης, Gal.5:13; δ. ἐπαγγελίας, Gal.3:18, __2. C. accusative; __(i) rarely, as with genitive, through (Hom), δ. μέσον Σαμαρίας (ICC, in l.; Bl., §42, 1; Robertson, Gr., 581), Luk.17:11. __(ii) by reason of, because of, for the sake of; __(a) with accusative of person(s) (M, Pr., 105), Mrk.2:27, Jhn.6:57 11:42, Rom.8:20; __(b) with accusative of thing(s), δ. φθόνον, Mat.27:18, Mrk.15:10; δ. φόβον, Jhn.7:13 20:19; δ. ἀγάπην, Eph.2:4; δ. τοῦτο, freq., for this cause, therefore, Mat.6:25, Mrk.6:14, Luk.11:49, Jhn.6:65, al.; id. before ὅτι, Jhn.5:16 10:17, al.; δ. τί, why, Mat.9:11, 14 Mrk.2:18, Jhn.7:45, al.; δ. τό, with inf., Mrk.5:4, Luk.9:7, Jas.4:2. __3. In composition, __(1) through, as in διαβαίνω; __(2) of separation, asunder, as in διασπάω; __(3) of distribution, abroad, as in διαγγέλλω; __(4) of transition, as διαλλάσσω; __(5) of "perfective" action (M, Pr., 112f., 115f.), as διαφύγω, διακαθαρίζω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Peter 1:3.

υπομονης hupomonē G5281 "perseverance" Noun-GSF

Perseverance or endurance, like patiently waiting for something, as described in Luke 8:15 and Romans 5:3-4 where believers endure hardships with hope.

Definition: ὑπο-μονή, -ῆς, ἡ (ὑπομένω) [in LXX for מִקְוֶה and cogn. forms; frequently in 4Mac ;] __1. a remaining behind (Arist.). __2. patient enduring, endurance: Luk.8:15 21:19, Rom.5:3-4 15:4-5, 2Co.6:4 12:12, Col.1:11, 2Th.1:4, 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:10, Tit.2:2, Heb.10:36, Jas.1:3-4 5:11, 2Pe.1:6, Rev.2:2-3, 19 13:10 14:12; δι᾽ ὑπομονῆς, Rom.8:25, Heb.12:1; with genitive of person(s), 2Th.3:5 (ICC, in l), Rev.3:10; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.2:7, 2Co.1:6, 1Th.1:3; before ἐν, Rev.1:9.† SYN.: see: μακροθυμία, and cf. Hort on Jas.1:3 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 31 NT verses. KJV: enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting) See also: 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Luke 8:15; Hebrews 10:36.

τρεχωμεν trechō G5143 "to run" Verb-PAS-1P

This word means to run or walk hastily, used in passages like Mark 5:6 and John 20:2 to describe physical movement. It can also be used metaphorically to describe effort or swiftness, as in Romans 9:16 and Galatians 2:2.

Definition: τρέχω [in LXX chiefly for רוּץ ;] to run: Mrk.5:6, Jhn.20:2, 4, 1Co.9:24 9:26; with inf., Mat.28:8; before ἐπί, Luk.24:12 [T [WH] R, mg., om.]; εἰς, Rev.9:9; ptcp., δραμών, with indic., Mat.27:48, Mrk.15:36, Luk.15:20. Metaphorical, from runners in a race, of swiftness or of effort to attain an end: Rom.9:16, Gal.2:2 5:7, Php.2:16; τ. ἀγῶνα (Hdt., Eur., al.), Heb.12:1; ὁ λόγος τ. κυρίου (cf. Psa.147:4), ἕως τάχους δραμεῖται ὁ λ. αὐτοῦ), 2Th.3:1 (cf. εἰς-, κατα-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ἐπι-συν-, ὑπο-τρέχω) δράμω, obsol., to run, see: τρέχω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: have course, run See also: 1 Corinthians 9:24; Luke 15:20; Hebrews 12:1.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

προκειμενον prokeimai G4295 "to set before" Verb-PNP-ASM

To set before or be present in someone's mind, as in Hebrews 6:18 and 12:1-2 where examples are set forth. This word means to be an example or to present oneself. It's about being a model or a representation.

Definition: πρό-κειμαι [in LXX: Exo.39:18 (36), Num.4:7 (פָּנִים), etc. ;] used as pass. of προτίθημι; __1. to be set before one, to be set forth: Heb.6:18 12:1-2, Ju 7. __2. to present oneself, be present: 2Co.8:12 (see Mey., in l).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: be first, set before (forth) See also: 2 Corinthians 8:12; Hebrews 12:1; Hebrews 6:18.

ημιν egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1DP

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

αγωνα agōn G73 "fight" Noun-ASM

This word means a struggle or fight, like the challenges of the Christian life. It appears in Philippians 1:30 and 1 Timothy 6:12.

Definition: ἀγών, -ῶνος, ὁ (ἄγω), [in LXX: Isa.7:13 (לאה), Est.4:17, Wis.4:2 10:12, II Mac.6, 4Mac .5 * ;] __1. a gathering, esp. for games. __2. a place of assembly. __3. a contest, struggle, trial; metaphorically (MM, VGT, see word), __(a) of the Christian life as a contest and struggle: Php.1:30, 1Th.2:2, 1Ti.6:12, 2Ti.4:7 Heb.12:1; __(b) solicitude, anxiety: Col.2:1. † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: conflict, contention, fight, race See also: 1 Thessalonians 2:2; Colossians 2:1; Hebrews 12:1.

Study Notes — Hebrews 12:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Hebrews 12:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 12:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 12:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 12:1
Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 12:1
Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 12:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 12:1
Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 12:1
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 12:1
Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 12:1
Sermons on Hebrews 12:1

Context — A Call to Endurance

1Therefore, 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.

2Let 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. 3Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Timothy 4:7	I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2	1 Corinthians 9:24–27	Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
3	Philippians 2:16	as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
4	Luke 21:34	But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
5	Hebrews 10:35–39	So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
6	Philippians 3:10–14	I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.
7	Galatians 5:7	You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?
8	1 Peter 2:1	Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.
9	Romans 12:12	Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.
10	Colossians 3:5–8	Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Hebrews 12:1 Summary

This verse is telling us to get rid of anything that's holding us back from following God, like sin or distractions, and to keep running the race of faith with endurance. We can do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, who is the one who helps us have faith, as seen in Hebrews 12:2. It's like running a marathon, but instead of getting tired and giving up, we can trust in God's power and promises to help us keep going, as seen in Philippians 4:13. By trusting in Him, we can run the race of faith with endurance and finish strong, as described in 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be surrounded by a 'great cloud of witnesses'?

This refers to the many faithful believers who have gone before us, as seen in Hebrews 11, and are now watching us from heaven, cheering us on as we run the race of faith, as described in Hebrews 12:1.

What kind of 'encumbrance' should we throw off?

This can include any weight or sin that hinders our walk with God, such as the kind of selfish desires and worldly distractions warned against in 1 John 2:15-17, and the sin that easily entangles us, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:1.

How can we 'run with endurance'?

We can do this by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, as Hebrews 12:2 says, and by trusting in His power and promises, such as those found in Philippians 4:13 and Isaiah 40:31.

What is the 'race set out for us'?

This refers to the journey of faith and obedience that God has called each of us to, as described in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Timothy 4:7-8, which requires perseverance and trust in Him, as seen in Hebrews 12:1.

Reflection Questions

What are some 'encumbrances' in my life that I need to throw off in order to run the race of faith with endurance?
How can I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and trust in His power and promises when faced with challenges and temptations?
What are some ways I can 'run with endurance' in my daily life, such as in my relationships, work, and worship?
How can I remember that I am surrounded by a 'great cloud of witnesses' and let that encourage me to persevere in my faith?

Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about,...., As the Israelites were encompassed with the pillar of cloud, or with the clouds of glory in the wilderness, as the Jews say; [See comments on 1

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 12:1

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 12:1

HEBREWS CHAPTER 13 An exhortation to patience and constancy enforced by the example of Christ. The benefit of God’ s chastisements. Exhortation to peace and holiness. The dispensation of the law compared with the privileges of the gospel. The danger of refusing the word from heaven. The Spirit proceeds in this chapter in his exhortation or counsel unto duties worthy of the former doctrine of Christ, and suitable to the foregoing examples, enumerated . Wherefore seeing; he introduceth it with an illative particle, toigaroun seeing all those worthies finished their course through faith, and received not the promise since made good to us, therefore is there something to be inferred. We also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses; we, I Paul, and you Hebrews, having enjoyed the better things provided by God for us, we are so much the more obliged; as also having such a multitude of witnesses of so vast worth and dignity, as all the Old Testament believers were, distilling, like a cloud, abundant influences, from their example, in doing and suffering for God, through faith, on our souls, to make us persevering in the faith to the end, as they did; and so compassing us about, as we cannot want either direction or encouragement to it, whenever we look into their histories for it. Let us lay aside every weight; like the Grecian and Roman racers, who laid aside their cumbersome garments, so as they might more easily and lightly run their race; in allusion to which, it is the concern of every Christian to lay aside, or put away, all his worldly cumbrances, which would clog him in his race, his corrupt self, the world, &c., . And the sin which doth so easily beset us: the evil weight inward is the old man, the corrupt nature, which remaineth in every Christian, styled by Paul, the body of death, ; but especially each Christian’ s own personal iniquity, which sticks and cleaves nearer to him than his garments, and which made David so careful about it, in ; that which is so compassing and clasping him about, that he is so far from running, he cannot move for it, . This they are to mortify in them. And let us run with patience the race that is set before us; how distant soever the goal is, which finisheth the race of a Christian’ s life, yet the way passing to it, though it be troublesome and long, and being set to us by God himself, must be patiently, strenously, and constantly run, that they may obtain it, ,33 Lu 13:24 ,14 . The cloud of witnesses have so run it before them for their direction and encouragement.

Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 12:1

1 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, Ver. 1. With so great a cloud] Or, cluster of witnesses, whose depositions we should hearken to, and rest in. Justin Martyr confesseth of himself, that seeing the pious lives and patient sufferings of the saints, he concluded that this was the truth they professed, and sealed with their blood. These, in things imitable, are as the cloud that led Israel; but in things unwarrantable (for in many things we fail all) as the black of the cloud, which whoso followeth with the Egyptians, is like to be drowned as they. Let us lay aside every weight] ογκος, or burden, or swelth. He that runs in a race will not have a burden upon his back, or shut up himself in a straight jacket. The sin which doth so easily beset us] ευπεοιστατος, or that sticks so close to us, or that troubles and puzzles us, or that curbs and girds us in, that we cannot run at liberty. Inordinate passions (saith one) come like foul weather, before we send for them; they often prevent all action of the will; but good affections are so overlaid with sin (which compasseth us about), that if we gather not wind under their wing (so ponderous the flesh is) they cannot mount up to purpose. Let us run with patience] This seems to be a contradiction (as one observeth), for running is active, patience passive; but he that here runs without patience never gets to the end of the race; for in the race of God’ s commandments, men have foul play; one rails, another stops him, &c. The race] Gr. αγωνα, the strife race, for we must run and fight as we run, strive also to outstrip our fellow racers.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 12:1

(1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about.—Rather, Therefore let us also—since we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses—having put away all encumbrance and the sin . . . run with patient endurance the race that is set before us, looking, &c. (In so difficult a verse as this we need an exactness of translation which might not otherwise be desirable.) It is plain that the chief thought is, “Let us run our race with patient endurance, looking unto Jesus the Author . . . of our faith;” so that here again we have the thought which the writer is never weary of enforcing, the need of faith and patience for all who would inherit the promises. The connection is chiefly with the last verses of Hebrews 11, which are, indeed, a summary of the whole chapter. The purpose of God has been that those who throughout the past ages obtained witness of Him through their faith should not reach their consummation apart from us. To that consummation, then, let us press forward. Present to us in the view of Christ’s accomplished sacrifice, it is all future in regard of personal attainment. As those who have preceded us reached the goal, each one for himself, by faith and patient endurance, so must we. The thought of persevering effort crowned by a recompence of reward (Hebrews 6:12; Hebrews 6:18; Hebrews 10:35-39) very naturally suggested the imagery of the public games (by this time familiar even to Jews), to which St. Paul in his Epistles so frequently alludes. (See 1 Corinthians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:12-14; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; comp. Hebrews 10:32-33.) In these passages are called up the various associations of the great national festivals of Greece—the severe discipline of the competitors, the intenseness of the struggle, the rewards, “the righteous judge,” the crowd of spectators. Most of these thoughts are present here (Hebrews 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:4), and new joints of comparison are added, so that the scene is brought vividly before our eyes. It has been often supposed that the word “witnesses” is used in the sense of spectators of the race. To an English reader this idea is very natural (as “witnesses” may simply mean beholders), but there is no such ambiguity in the Greek word (martyres). The Greek fathers rightly understood it to signify those who bear witness, and the chief point of doubt seems to have been whether the sense is general, or whether the word bears its later meaning—martyrs, who have borne testimony with their blood. Those who thus encompass us, a countless “host (a “cloud” of witnesses), have had witness borne to them through their faith, and in turn stand forth as witnesses to faith, bearing testimony to its power and works. One and all ‘they offer encouragement to us in our own contest of faith, and for this reason they are mentioned here.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 12:1

CHAPTER XII. Having so many incitements to holiness, patience, and perseverance, we should lay aside every hinderance, and run with patience the race that is set before us, taking our blessed Lord for our example, 1-4. These sufferings are to be considered as fatherly chastisements from God, and to be patiently submitted to on account of the benefits to be derived from them, 5-11. They should take courage and go forward, 12, 13. Directions to follow peace with all men, and to take heed that they fall not from the grace of God, 14, 15. References to the case of Esau, 16, 17. The privileges of Christians, compared with those of the Jews, by which the superior excellence of Christianity is shown, 18-24. They must take care not to reject Jesus, who now addressed them from heaven, and who was shortly to be their Judge, 25-27. As they were called to receive a kingdom, they should have grace, whereby they might serve God acceptably, 28, 29. NOTES ON CHAP. XII. Verse 1. Wherefore] This is an inference drawn from the examples produced in the preceding chapter, and on this account both should be read in connection. Compassed about] Here is another allusion to the Olympic games: the agonistae, or contenders, were often greatly animated by the consideration that the eyes of the principal men of their country were fixed upon them; and by this they were induced to make the most extraordinary exertions. Cloud of witnesses] νεφοςμαρτυρων. Both the Greeks and Latins frequently use the term cloud, to express a great number of persons or things; so in Euripides, Phoeniss. ver. 257: νεφοςασπιδωνπυκνον, a dense cloud of shields; and Statius, Thebiad., lib. ix., ver. 120: jaculantum nubes, a cloud of spearmen. The same metaphor frequently occurs. Let us lay aside every weight] As those who ran in the Olympic races would throw aside every thing that might impede them in their course; so Christians, professing to go to heaven, must throw aside every thing that might hinder them in their Christian race. Whatever weighs down our hearts or affections to earth and sense is to be carefully avoided; for no man, with the love of the world in his heart, can ever reach the kingdom of heaven. The sin which doth so easily beset] ευπεριστατοναμαρτιαν. The well circumstanced sin; that which has every thing in its favour, time, and place, and opportunity; the heart and the object; and a sin in which all these things frequently occur, and consequently the transgression is frequently committed. ευπεριστατος is derived from ευ, well, περι, about, and ιστημι I stand; the sin that stands well, or is favourably situated, ever surrounding the person and soliciting his acquiescence. What we term the easily besetting sin is the sin of our constitution, the sin of our trade, that in which our worldly honour, secular profit, and sensual gratification are most frequently felt and consulted. Some understand it of original sin, as that by which we are enveloped in body, soul, and spirit.

Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 12:1

1–3. An exhortation to patient steadfastness1. Wherefore] The Greek word is a very strong particle of inference not found elsewhere in the N. T. except in 1 Thessalonians 4:8.seeing we also are compassed] The order of the Greek is “Let us also, seeing we are compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses … run with patience.”a cloud] A classical Greek and Latin, as well as Hebrew, metaphor for a great multitude. Thus Homer speaks of “a cloud of foot-soldiers.” We have the same metaphor in Isaiah 60:8, “who are these who fly as clouds” (Heb.). Here, as St Clemens of Alexandria says, the cloud is imagined to be “holy and translucent.”of witnesses] The word has not yet fully acquired its sense of “martyrs.” It here probably means “witnesses to the sincerity and the reward of faith.” The notion that they are also witnesses of our Christian race lies rather in the word περικείμενον, “surrounding us on all sides,” like the witnesses in a circus or a theatre (1 Corinthians 4:9).let us lay aside every weight] Lit., “stripping off at once cumbrance of every kind.” The word “weight” was used, technically, in the language of athletes, to mean “superfluous flesh,” to be reduced by training. The training requisite to make the body supple and sinewy was severe and long-continued. Metaphorically the word comes to mean “pride,” “inflation.”and the sin which doth so easily beset us] The six words “which doth so easily beset us” represent one Greek word, euperistaton, of which the meaning is uncertain, because it occurs nowhere else. It means literally “well standing round,” or “well stood around.” (1) If taken in the latter sense it is interpreted to mean (α) “thronged,” “eagerly encircled,” and so “much admired” or “much applauded,” and will thus put us on our guard against sins which are popular; or (β) “easily avoidable,” with reference to the verb peri-istaso, “avoid” (2 Timothy 2:16; Titus 3:9). The objections to these renderings are that the writer is thinking of private sins. More probably it is to be taken in the active sense, as in the A. V. and the R. V. of the sin which either (α) “presses closely about us to attack us;” or (β) which “closely clings (tenaciter inhaerens, Erasmus) to us” like an enfolding robe (statos chiton). The latter is almost certainly the true meaning, and is suggested by the participle apothemenoi, “stripping off” (comp. Ephesians 4:22). As an athlete lays aside every heavy or dragging article of dress, so we must strip away from us and throw aside the clinging robe of familiar sin. The metaphor is the same as that of the word apekdusasthai (Colossians 3:9), which is the parallel to apothesthai in Ephesians 4:22.

Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore - In view of what has been said in the previous chapter.

Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 12:1

1. Wherefore—In view of the facts of the episode of chapter 11—the glories of faith and its champions. Let us resume the exhortation begun at Hebrews 10:19, interrupted by chap.

Sermons on Hebrews 12:1

	Sermon	Description
	Distractions Are Dangerous by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jesus calling four fishermen, including Peter, to be his disciples. He highlights the significance of Jesus using fishing as a
	Repent, Repent, Repent by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for the final judgment. He mentions preaching for three and a half hours on the judgment seat and expresses his
	Short Excerpt by William Booth	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of salvation and its ability to deliver and purify the soul. The sermon encourages the listener to find joy in the salvation offer
	Watchman Nee - a Modern Day Vessel (Testimony by Stephen Kaung) by Watchman Nee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of breaking bread together as a way to remember the Lord. He shares the story of Lee Lung and his wife, who started breaking br
	Fasting by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of fasting as a form of worship. He begins by emphasizing the importance of fasting in secret, rather than seeking attention from
	Hebrews 11 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound need for faith and the power of prayer in the life of believers, reflecting on the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. He acknowledges the stru
	2012 – a Year to Consider Jesus by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the decline of Christianity in America and the lack of true discipleship. He criticizes the easy and shallow conversion process in many church