Hebrews 12:12

KJV

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} lift up {G461} the hands {G5495} which hang down {G3935}, and {G2532} the feeble {G3886} knees {G1119};

Complete Jewish Bible

So,

strengthen your drooping arms,
and steady your tottering knees;

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.

American Standard Version

Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 12:12 serves as a powerful exhortation to believers, urging them to overcome spiritual weariness and renew their commitment to the Christian race. It is a direct call to action, flowing from the preceding discussion on God's loving discipline and the call to persevere in faith, encouraging the readers to actively strengthen themselves against discouragement and exhaustion in their spiritual journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a direct consequence and practical application of the preceding passage in [Hebrews 12:1-11](/hebrews/12-1-11 "Hebrews 12:1-11 - The Race of Faith and God's Discipline"). The author has just encouraged believers to "[run with patience the race that is set before us](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Running the Race of Faith")" and to "[look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Faith")". He then explains that the trials and difficulties they endure are not arbitrary suffering but are actually God's loving discipline, intended to refine them, teach them righteousness, and lead them to holiness. Therefore, the opening word "Wherefore" (Greek: _dió_, "for this reason" or "therefore") links this call for renewed strength directly to the understanding of God's beneficial, though sometimes painful, correction. It is a command to respond actively to the truth about divine discipline, moving from passive endurance to active restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "hands which hang down" and "feeble knees" was a common idiom in the ancient world, particularly in Greek and Roman cultures, to describe physical exhaustion, discouragement, or a lack of resolve. Athletes, soldiers, or laborers who were worn out would exhibit these physical signs. The audience of Hebrews, likely Jewish Christians facing persecution or social ostracism, would have been intimately familiar with physical and spiritual fatigue. They were tempted to abandon their faith due to external pressures and internal struggles, much like a runner who is about to collapse. The author uses this vivid, relatable imagery to underscore the urgency of their spiritual condition and the need for renewed vigor, drawing on the common experience of physical exertion and its debilitating effects.
* **Key Themes:** The primary message of [Hebrews 12:12](/hebrews/12-12 "Hebrews 12:12 - Lift Up Your Hands and Knees") is a direct command to shake off discouragement and exhaustion that can afflict believers. The "hands which hang down" and "feeble knees" are vivid, ancient metaphors for spiritual fatigue, a lack of resolve, or a tendency to give up under pressure. This verse is an urgent call to renewed effort and steadfastness in faith, emphasizing **perseverance and resilience** despite challenges. Believers are urged not to succumb to weakness but to actively strengthen themselves for the ongoing spiritual journey, understanding that while trials may lead to weariness, they should not lead to abandonment of faith. Furthermore, having understood that God's discipline is for their good (as explained in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for Our Good")), believers are now called to respond with **active engagement** and vigor rather than remaining disheartened. This strength is not just for individual benefit but also for the community, as implied by the collective address in the letter, reinforcing the theme of mutual encouragement found elsewhere in the book (e.g., [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Mutual Encouragement in the Community")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wherefore (Greek, _dió_):** This conjunctive adverb signals a logical consequence or conclusion drawn from what has just been stated. In this context, it explicitly links the command to "lift up" to the preceding theological explanation of God's discipline in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - The Purpose of God's Discipline"). Because God disciplines those He loves for their good, the appropriate response is not despair but renewed effort and strength.
* **lift up (Greek, _anorthóō_):** This verb means "to straighten up," "to set upright again," or "to restore." It implies a proactive, intentional effort to regain proper posture, vigor, and spiritual health. It is not merely a passive hope for improvement, but an active command to take steps to overcome spiritual weakness and discouragement, restoring what has become lax or drooping.
* **hang down (Greek, _paríēmi_):** This word, used in the perfect passive participle, literally means "to let by" or "to relax." When applied to "hands," it depicts a state of profound weakness, weariness, or despondency, where the hands are limp and unable to perform their function. It signifies a loss of spiritual energy and effectiveness, a state of giving up.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down":** This clause serves as a direct command to the readers, urging them to actively combat spiritual lethargy and despondency. The "hands which hang down" symbolize a state of exhaustion, weakness, and an inability to work or fight effectively in the spiritual realm. The command to "lift up" these hands signifies a call to renewed vigor, purposeful action, and a restoration of spiritual strength and resolve. It implies a conscious decision to shake off discouragement and re-engage with the spiritual race.
* **"and the feeble knees;":** This second clause parallels the first, reinforcing the imagery of profound weariness and instability. "Feeble knees" represent a lack of steadfastness, an inability to stand firm, or a tendency to collapse under pressure. Just as weak knees make it impossible to run or stand, spiritual "feeble knees" indicate a wavering faith or a readiness to give up the Christian walk. The implicit command, carried over from "lift up," is to strengthen these knees, enabling the believer to stand firm, endure, and continue the journey without faltering.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several powerful **literary devices** in this verse. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "hands which hang down" and "feeble knees" are vivid, common idioms for spiritual exhaustion, discouragement, and a loss of resolve. These physical images effectively convey a spiritual state of weakness and the temptation to give up. The verse also functions as a direct **Exhortation**, a strong call to action, commanding the readers to actively counter this weariness. Furthermore, there is clear **Parallelism** between the two phrases, "hands which hang down" and "feeble knees," both describing a state of spiritual debilitation and reinforcing the urgent need for restoration. This use of imagery and direct address makes the command both relatable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 12:12 is deeply rooted in the broader biblical theology of perseverance and God's sanctifying work. It underscores the truth that while God's discipline can be painful, its ultimate purpose is to produce righteousness and holiness. The call to "lift up" and strengthen oneself is a theological response to understanding God's good intentions, transforming potential despair into renewed resolve. This aligns with the New Testament's consistent emphasis on active faith, resilience in suffering, and the pursuit of holiness as a necessary outcome of salvation, not merely passive reception. It also implicitly connects to the communal aspect of faith, as believers are called to strengthen themselves not in isolation, but within the context of the body of Christ, where mutual encouragement is vital.

* [Isaiah 35:3](/isaiah/35-3 "Isaiah 35:3 - Strengthen the Feeble Hands")
* [Job 4:4](/job/4-4 "Job 4:4 - Strengthening Feeble Knees")
* [Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 12:12 serves as a powerful and timeless reminder for every believer to actively combat spiritual fatigue and discouragement in their Christian walk. It acknowledges that weariness is a real and common experience, but it firmly asserts that it is not a permanent state nor an excuse for spiritual inaction. The command to "lift up" implies a proactive, intentional response to spiritual languishing. This might involve deepening one's prayer life, immersing oneself in God's Word for spiritual nourishment, seeking accountability and encouragement within a believing community, or confessing and repenting of sin that weighs down the spirit. Ultimately, it is a call to align one's will and actions with God's purpose, trusting that His discipline is for our good and that He provides the strength to endure and thrive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the specific "hands which hang down" or "feeble knees" in my spiritual life right now?**
* **How does understanding God's loving discipline (as described in Hebrews 12:5-11) empower me to "lift up" those areas of weakness?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to actively strengthen myself and renew my commitment to the spiritual race?**
* **How can I contribute to "lifting up" the hands and strengthening the knees of fellow believers in my community?**

### FAQ
**What does the imagery of "hands which hang down" and "feeble knees" truly mean in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: In a spiritual sense, "hands which hang down" and "feeble knees" are vivid metaphors for profound spiritual weariness, discouragement, and a lack of resolve. "Hands which hang down" signify an inability or unwillingness to act, to serve, or to engage in spiritual labor, indicative of a loss of purpose or energy. "Feeble knees" represent instability, a wavering faith, or a tendency to collapse under the weight of trials and temptations, making it difficult to stand firm or continue the spiritual journey. Together, they paint a picture of spiritual exhaustion that hinders progress in the Christian race. The command to "lift up" and strengthen them is an exhortation to actively overcome this spiritual malaise and re-engage with vigor and steadfastness, drawing on the strength God provides to persevere in faith, as seen in the call to "[run with patience the race that is set before us](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Running the Race of Faith")" and to "[lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Laying Aside Every Weight")".

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 12:12, while a direct exhortation to believers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Christ. He is not only the example of perfect perseverance, "[who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross"), despising the shame," but also the very source of our strength. When our hands hang down and our knees are feeble, it is through His indwelling Spirit that we are "[strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness](/colossians/1-11 "Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened by His Power")". Jesus' finished work on the cross and His resurrection provide the ultimate victory over sin and death, transforming our weakness into His strength. He is the one who "[gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Gives Power to the Faint")". Therefore, "lifting up" our hands and strengthening our knees is not by self-effort alone, but by fixing our eyes on "[Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Faith")," drawing from His inexhaustible grace that enables us to "[do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")". He is the ultimate physician who heals our spiritual infirmities and restores our vigor for the race set before us.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 35:3

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

Hebrews 12:3

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Ezekiel 21:7

And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak [as] water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].

Job 4:3

Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.

Job 4:4

Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.

Hebrews 12:5

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: