Hebrews 12:15

KJV

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;

KJV (with Strong's)

Looking diligently {G1983} lest {G3361} any man {G5100} fail {G5302} of {G575} the grace {G5485} of God {G2316}; lest {G3361} any {G5100} root {G4491} of bitterness {G4088} springing {G5453} up {G507} trouble {G1776} you, and {G2532} thereby {G1223}{G5026} many {G4183} be defiled {G3392};

Complete Jewish Bible

See to it that no one misses out on God’s grace, that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble and thus contaminates many,

Berean Standard Bible

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.

American Standard Version

looking carefully lestthere beany man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 12:15 serves as a profound pastoral warning and exhortation to the Christian community, urging vigilant self-examination and mutual care to prevent spiritual decline. It highlights two critical dangers: failing to appropriate the ongoing grace of God and allowing a "root of bitterness" to spring up. The verse underscores that such individual spiritual maladies are not isolated but possess a contagious, defiling power that can trouble and corrupt the entire fellowship, emphasizing the interconnectedness and corporate responsibility within the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the climactic exhortations of the Epistle to the Hebrews, particularly in chapters 11-12. Following the "hall of faith" in [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Faith Chapter"), the author transitions in [Hebrews 12](/hebrews/12 "Hebrews 12 - The Discipline of God") to practical applications for enduring the Christian race. Having encouraged believers to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us" and to "look unto Jesus" ([Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Run the Race with Endurance")), the author then discusses divine discipline as a mark of sonship ([Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline")). The immediate preceding verse, [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness"), issues a call to "follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Verse 15 then provides specific, tangible threats that could undermine this pursuit of peace and holiness, acting as a vital safeguard for the community's spiritual well-being.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was likely a group of Jewish Christians undergoing significant persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism. They faced external pressures and internal struggles, which could lead to weariness, apathy, or even apostasy. The author's warnings throughout the letter, such as those against "drawing back unto perdition" ([Hebrews 10:39](/hebrews/10-39 "Hebrews 10:39 - Do Not Shrink Back")), reflect the real danger of spiritual compromise. The imagery of a "root of bitterness" would have resonated with their understanding of Old Testament warnings, particularly [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - A Root Bearing Gall and Wormwood"), which speaks of a "root that beareth gall and wormwood" as a source of idolatry and defilement within the covenant community. This Old Testament background underscores the corporate implications of individual sin, where one person's spiritual corruption could spread like a disease through the entire camp.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 12:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the epistle. It reinforces the theme of **Perseverance and Endurance** by highlighting specific pitfalls that could cause believers to falter in their faith journey. It deeply engages with the concept of **Divine Grace**, not merely as a one-time event but as an ongoing supply necessary for sustained spiritual life, warning against the failure to continually draw upon it. The verse also powerfully emphasizes **Corporate Responsibility and Interconnectedness** within the Christian community, demonstrating that individual spiritual health is inextricably linked to the well-being and purity of the entire body. Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, as the "root of bitterness" is presented as a defiling agent that hinders the pursuit of holiness called for in [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness"). The author's pastoral concern for the community's integrity is evident in this urgent exhortation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Looking diligently (Greek, _episkopéō'_):** From _epi_ (upon) and _skopéō_ (to look at, observe), this verb means "to oversee" or "to beware." It implies a careful, watchful oversight, not just of oneself but also of others within the community. It suggests a proactive, diligent vigilance, akin to a shepherd watching over his flock or an overseer tending to a task. This is not passive observation but active, protective attentiveness to prevent spiritual harm.
* **fail (Greek, _hysteréō'_):** This word means "to be later," "to be inferior," or "to fall short." It signifies a deficiency, a lack, or a coming behind. In the context of "grace of God," it refers to a failure to appropriate, benefit from, or remain in the sphere of God's continuous, empowering grace. It suggests a spiritual deficiency or falling away from the full experience and benefits of God's provision, rather than necessarily a loss of initial salvation.
* **bitterness (Greek, _pikría'_):** Derived from _pikrós_ (sharp, pungent), this noun denotes "acridity," "sourness," or "poison," both literally and figuratively. In a spiritual sense, it refers to a deep-seated resentment, ill will, or a harsh, embittered disposition. It is an internal poison that, if left unchecked, corrupts the individual's spirit and relationships.
* **defiled (Greek, _miaínō'_):** This verb means "to sully or taint," "to contaminate," or "to pollute," whether ceremonially or morally. It conveys the idea of something becoming impure or corrupted. When applied to the community, it indicates that the "root of bitterness" from one individual can spread its corrupting influence, staining the spiritual purity and health of many others within the fellowship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God;":** This opening clause establishes the primary exhortation: active vigilance. The command "looking diligently" (from _episkopéō_) implies a continuous, careful watchfulness, both individually and corporately. The danger to be guarded against is "failing of the grace of God." This does not necessarily denote a loss of salvation, but rather a failure to continuously draw upon, appropriate, or live by God's sustaining and transforming grace. It suggests a spiritual deficiency or a falling short of the life God intends, perhaps due to neglect, unbelief, or a return to old ways.
* **"lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you],":** This clause introduces a specific, insidious threat: a "root of bitterness." This powerful agricultural metaphor suggests something hidden, deep-seated, and potentially dormant, yet capable of "springing up" (growing) and causing significant harm. This bitterness, which can manifest as resentment, unforgiveness, or a grudge, is not merely a private emotion; it has the power to "trouble" or annoy the community, causing discord and disturbance. The imagery of a "root" emphasizes its deep, foundational nature and its potential for pervasive growth.
* **"and thereby many be defiled;":** This final clause reveals the devastating corporate impact of unchecked bitterness. The phrase "and thereby" (Greek, _diá taútēi_) indicates a direct causal link: the trouble caused by the root of bitterness leads to the defilement of many. The word "defiled" (Greek, _miaínō_) signifies contamination or pollution. This highlights the contagious nature of bitterness; it is not a private sin but one that, like a spiritual disease, can spread its corrupting influence throughout the fellowship, undermining its purity, harmony, and witness.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several powerful **Literary Devices** in this verse to convey his urgent warning. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the "root of bitterness." This vivid agricultural image, likely an allusion to [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - A Root Bearing Gall and Wormwood"), portrays bitterness as something hidden yet alive, capable of growing and producing noxious fruit that poisons the individual and contaminates the community. The concept of "springing up" further emphasizes the dynamic and invasive nature of this internal poison. The use of **Antithesis** is also subtle but present, contrasting the desired state of "grace of God" with the defiling effect of "bitterness." The verse also uses **Synecdoche** where "any man" and "many" represent individuals and the collective body, emphasizing the interconnectedness of personal spiritual health and corporate well-being. Finally, the overall tone is one of **Exhortation** and **Warning**, characteristic of the epistle's pastoral intent to guide believers toward steadfastness and purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 12:15 profoundly articulates the New Testament's emphasis on both individual spiritual responsibility and the corporate nature of the church. The "grace of God" is presented not as a static concept but as a dynamic, empowering force that believers must actively "look diligently" to receive and live within. Failing to appropriate this grace leaves one vulnerable to spiritual deficiency, making fertile ground for destructive attitudes like bitterness. The "root of bitterness" is a theological warning against unaddressed sin, particularly unforgiveness and resentment, which the New Testament consistently portrays as antithetical to the Spirit-filled life. Its ability to "defile many" underscores the profound interconnectedness of believers, where one person's unconfessed or unrepented sin can have a ripple effect, corrupting the spiritual health and unity of the entire community. This highlights the church as a living organism, where the health of each member impacts the whole.

* [Ephesians 4:31-32](/ephesians/4-31-32 "Ephesians 4:31-32 - Put Away Bitterness and Be Kind")
* [Galatians 5:7-9](/galatians/5-7-9 "Galatians 5:7-9 - A Little Leaven")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 12:15 issues a timeless call to profound spiritual vigilance, both for ourselves and for one another within the community of faith. It challenges us to actively examine the hidden recesses of our hearts, seeking out any nascent seeds of resentment, unforgiveness, or ungratefulness that might be taking root. The warning against "failing of the grace of God" serves as a crucial reminder that spiritual vitality is not a given, but requires continuous reliance on and appropriation of God's empowering grace in every aspect of our lives. We are called to cultivate a heart of gratitude and forgiveness, recognizing that bitterness, though seemingly personal, possesses a destructive, contagious power that can poison not only our own souls but also the harmony and purity of the entire body of Christ. This verse compels us to engage in proactive spiritual hygiene, fostering an environment of grace, reconciliation, and mutual accountability where the defiling effects of sin are swiftly identified and addressed, preserving the health and witness of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "failing of the grace of God" look like in my own life, and how can I more diligently appropriate His ongoing grace?**
* **Are there any "roots of bitterness" (unforgiveness, resentment, unaddressed grievances) that I am allowing to fester in my heart, and what steps can I take to uproot them?**
* **How does my personal spiritual health impact the well-being and purity of my local church community, and what is my responsibility in preventing corporate defilement?**
* **In what ways can I "look diligently" over my brothers and sisters in Christ, offering encouragement, support, and gentle correction to prevent bitterness from springing up among us?**

### FAQ
**What does "fail of the grace of God" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Hebrews 12:15, "fail of the grace of God" (Greek: _hysteréō_) does not necessarily mean losing one's salvation, but rather falling short of, or failing to appropriate and benefit from, God's ongoing supply of grace. It speaks to a spiritual deficiency or a failure to continually draw upon the divine enablement and favor that God provides for living the Christian life. It implies a state of spiritual neglect or apathy where one is no longer actively relying on or experiencing the transforming power of God's grace, potentially leading to spiritual stagnation or a return to old patterns of sin. This concept is closely related to the warnings throughout Hebrews about not "shrinking back" ([Hebrews 10:39](/hebrews/10-39 "Hebrews 10:39 - Do Not Shrink Back")) and the importance of perseverance.

**Why is bitterness singled out as such a dangerous sin?**

Answer: Bitterness is singled out because of its insidious and contagious nature. It is described as a "root" (Greek: _rhíza_), implying that it is deep-seated, hidden, and grows from within. Unlike overt acts of sin, bitterness can fester unnoticed, slowly poisoning the individual's spirit with resentment, unforgiveness, and ill will. The danger is not confined to the individual; the verse explicitly states that it can "trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled" (Greek: _miaínō_). This highlights its corporate impact: one person's bitterness can spread like a spiritual contagion, corrupting relationships, fostering division, and undermining the purity and unity of the entire community. It stands in stark contrast to the call for peace and holiness in [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 12:15, with its urgent warning against failing God's grace and succumbing to bitterness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's grace, the one through whom "grace and truth came" ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")). To "fail of the grace of God" is to turn away from the very source of life and strength found in Christ, who offers not only initial salvation but also daily sustenance and empowerment for holy living ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - My Grace Is Sufficient for You")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate antidote to the "root of bitterness." His life exemplifies perfect forgiveness, even as He cried, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" from the cross ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Father, Forgive Them")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He provides the power to forgive those who have wronged us, enabling us to "put away all bitterness" as we have been forgiven in Him ([Ephesians 4:31-32](/ephesians/4-31-32 "Ephesians 4:31-32 - Put Away Bitterness and Be Kind")). Christ's work on the cross not only purifies individuals but also creates a new community, His body, where unity and love are paramount, and the defiling effects of sin are overcome by His cleansing blood ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - The Blood of Jesus Cleanses Us")). Thus, remaining in Christ and drawing from His inexhaustible grace is the only way to avoid spiritual deficiency and prevent the poisonous spread of bitterness within the church.

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

Hebrews 3:12

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Deuteronomy 29:18

Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

Galatians 5:4

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

2 Corinthians 6:1

¶ We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2 John 1:8

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Hebrews 4:1

¶ Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.