Hebrews 12:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} consider {G357} him that endured {G5278} such {G5108} contradiction {G485} of {G5259} sinners {G268} against {G1519} himself {G846}, lest {G3363} ye be wearied {G2577} and faint {G1590} in your {G5216} minds {G5590}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, think about him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you won’t grow tired or become despondent.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 12:3 serves as a profound exhortation to believers, urging them to fix their gaze on Jesus Christ as the supreme example of endurance and steadfastness. By deeply contemplating His unwavering resolve in the face of intense opposition and "contradiction of sinners," the passage provides a vital antidote to spiritual weariness and mental exhaustion, empowering believers to persevere in their faith journey without losing heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 12:3 is the climactic point of an impassioned appeal for perseverance that begins in [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - The Race of Faith"). Following the "Hall of Faith" in [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Faith Chapter"), where numerous Old Testament saints are celebrated for their enduring faith, the author shifts focus to Jesus as the "author and finisher of our faith" in [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer of Faith"). This verse, [Hebrews 12:3](/hebrews/12-3 "Hebrews 12:3 - Consider Jesus"), directly builds upon the preceding verses by providing the practical application and the ultimate motivation for running the Christian race with endurance: a focused consideration of Christ's suffering and triumph. It functions as a direct command to prevent spiritual fatigue by meditating on Jesus' perfect example.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the book of Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians facing significant persecution, social ostracization, and the temptation to revert to Judaism to escape hardship. They were experiencing "a great conflict of sufferings" ([Hebrews 10:32](/hebrews/10-32 "Hebrews 10:32 - Suffering for Christ")), including public insults, imprisonment, and confiscation of property. The author's repeated emphasis on endurance and the superiority of Christ over the Old Covenant system directly addresses their specific struggles and the spiritual dangers of apostasy. The imagery of a "race" would have resonated with the Greco-Roman athletic games, common in their culture, symbolizing the disciplined and arduous nature of the Christian life.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Christ's Supremacy and Exemplary Role**, presenting Jesus not only as the sacrifice for sin but also as the ultimate model for faith and endurance, having "endured the cross, despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus' Endurance")). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Perseverance and Steadfastness** in the Christian walk, acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare and external opposition while providing the divine means to overcome weariness. Finally, it touches upon the **Nature of Suffering and Opposition** for believers, framing it not as a sign of God's displeasure but as a shared experience with Christ, a necessary part of the "discipline" that leads to righteousness ([Hebrews 12:7-11](/hebrews/12-7-11 "Hebrews 12:7-11 - God's Discipline")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consider (Greek, _analogízomai'_):** From G357, this word means "to estimate" or "to contemplate." It implies more than a casual glance; it's a deep, deliberate, and sustained reflection, a careful weighing of facts. The command is to actively and thoroughly evaluate Jesus' experience, not merely to acknowledge it.
* **Endured (Greek, _hypoménō'_):** From G5278, meaning "to stay under," "remain," "undergo," or "bear trials with fortitude." It signifies not just passive suffering but an active, persistent steadfastness in the face of adversity. Jesus didn't just experience contradiction; He *remained* steadfast *under* it.
* **Contradiction (Greek, _antilogía'_):** From G485, this term denotes "dispute," "gainsaying," "opposition," or "strife." It refers to verbal opposition, rebellion, and active hostility. Jesus faced not just disagreement, but a profound and unjust rebellion against His divine authority and truth, particularly from the religious leaders of His day.
* **Wearied (Greek, _kámnō'_):** From G2577, meaning "to toil," "to tire," "to faint," or "to sicken." It speaks to physical and mental exhaustion.
* **Faint (Greek, _eklýō'_):** From G1590, meaning "to relax," "to lose heart," or "to give up." This word describes a complete loss of resolve, leading to spiritual collapse. The combination of "wearied" and "faint" paints a vivid picture of profound mental and spiritual exhaustion that can lead to abandoning one's faith.
* **Minds (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** From G5590, referring to the "soul," "life," or "mind." In this context, it points to the inner being, the seat of one's thoughts, emotions, and will. The warning is against weariness and fainting in one's innermost self, leading to a loss of spiritual vitality and resolve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself":** This opening clause provides the imperative and the object of focus. The "For" (G1063, _gár_) indicates a reason or explanation for the preceding exhortation to run the race. Believers are commanded to "consider" (G357, _analogízomai_) Jesus, implying a deep, analytical meditation. The specific aspect to consider is His endurance (G5278, _hypoménō_) of "such contradiction" (G485, _antilogía_) from "sinners" (G268, _hamartōlós_) directed "against himself" (G1519, _eis_ G846, _autós_). This highlights the severity and injustice of the opposition Jesus faced, emphasizing that He, though sinless, bore the full brunt of human hostility.
* **"lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds":** This clause states the purpose and warning behind the exhortation. The phrase "lest" (G3363, _hína mḗ_) signifies a preventative measure. The goal of considering Christ's endurance is to prevent the readers from becoming "wearied" (G2577, _kámnō_) and "faint" (G1590, _eklýō_). These two words together describe a state of utter exhaustion and loss of spiritual resolve. This weariness and fainting are specifically located "in your minds" (G5216, _hymōn_ G5590, _psychḗ_), indicating a deep internal discouragement that affects one's will, emotions, and spiritual vitality, potentially leading to a complete abandonment of faith.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several powerful literary devices in [Hebrews 12:3](/hebrews/12-3 "Hebrews 12:3 - The Call to Consider Jesus"). The overarching **Exhortation** is clear, a direct command to the readers to engage in active contemplation. This verse functions as a **Cause and Effect** statement: considering Christ's endurance (cause) prevents spiritual weariness and fainting (effect). There is a strong element of **Contrast** between the "contradiction of sinners" faced by the sinless Christ and the potential weariness of believers. The use of the terms "wearied" (_kámnō_) and "faint" (_eklýō_) creates a **Merism** or a **Doubling** effect, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the spiritual exhaustion the author seeks to prevent. It's not just physical tiredness, but a deep, soul-level depletion. Furthermore, the entire passage, including this verse, is part of an extended **Metaphor** of the Christian life as a "race" ([Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - The Race of Faith")), where endurance is paramount, and Jesus is the ultimate pacesetter and finisher.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 12:3 profoundly connects the believer's experience of suffering and opposition to that of Jesus Christ, establishing a pattern of redemptive endurance. It underscores the theological truth that suffering is not a sign of God's abandonment but often a refining process and a shared experience with the Savior. By fixing our gaze on Christ's perfect endurance of contradiction, we are reminded that He is not a distant, unfeeling deity, but one who fully entered into human suffering, yet without sin. This shared experience of adversity, when viewed through the lens of Christ's victory, transforms potential despair into a catalyst for perseverance, rooting our strength not in our own resolve, but in His finished work and enduring example.

* [1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "Christ Our Example in Suffering")
* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ Through Suffering")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 12:3 offers a timeless and practical strategy for navigating the challenges of the Christian life. In a world that often brings opposition, discouragement, and spiritual fatigue, the command to "consider Him" is a lifeline. This "considering" is not a fleeting thought but a deep, meditative contemplation of Jesus' journey—His unwavering commitment to God's will, His patient endurance of injustice, and His ultimate triumph over sin and death. When we feel overwhelmed by the demands of faith, the criticisms of others, or the weariness of the spiritual battle, recalling Christ's steadfastness provides perspective and renewed strength. It reminds us that our struggles, however difficult, are not unique and that our Savior has already walked the path of profound opposition, emerging victorious. This reflection empowers us to resist the temptation to give up, encouraging us to press on with renewed vigor and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "contradictions" or forms of opposition are you currently facing in your life or faith journey?**
* **How does actively "considering" Jesus' endurance of suffering change your perspective on your own trials?**
* **In what ways do you tend to become "wearied and faint in your minds," and what practical steps can you take to combat this by focusing on Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important to "consider" Jesus' suffering, rather than just knowing about it?**

Answer: The Greek word for "consider" (_analogízomai_) implies a deep, analytical, and sustained contemplation, not just a superficial awareness. It's about weighing, evaluating, and drawing conclusions from Jesus' experience. Knowing about His suffering is historical fact, but "considering" it means allowing His example to deeply impact your perspective, emotions, and will. It's the difference between hearing a story and internalizing its profound lessons, allowing it to transform your resilience and prevent spiritual burnout. This active reflection provides the spiritual fuel to endure your own "race" without becoming "wearied and faint in your minds" ([Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - The Race of Faith")).

**Does "contradiction of sinners" only refer to verbal opposition?**

Answer: While "contradiction" (_antilogía_) often implies verbal gainsaying and dispute, in the context of Jesus' life, it encompasses a broader range of active hostility and rebellion. This included false accusations, rejection, plots against His life, physical abuse, and ultimately, His crucifixion. It represents a profound and unjust rebellion against His divine authority and truth, not just mere disagreement. The phrase emphasizes the depth of the opposition Jesus faced from a world hostile to God, highlighting the extent of His endurance.

**What does it mean to be "wearied and faint in your minds"?**

Answer: This phrase describes a state of profound spiritual and mental exhaustion that can lead to a loss of resolve and a desire to give up. "Wearied" (_kámnō_) suggests being tired or exhausted from toil, while "faint" (_eklýō_) means to relax, lose heart, or give up entirely. "In your minds" (_psychḗ_) indicates that this weariness affects the inner person—the will, emotions, and spiritual vitality. It's a warning against spiritual burnout, discouragement, and the temptation to abandon one's faith or calling due to the pressures and opposition of life. The antidote, as the verse states, is to fix one's gaze on Jesus' unwavering endurance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 12:3 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus not merely as an example, but as the very source and sustainer of the endurance it commands. He is not just a historical figure to be admired, but the living Lord who, through His finished work on the cross, empowers believers to run the race. His "contradiction of sinners" was not just a personal trial, but the very act by which He bore the sin of the world, fulfilling prophetic suffering ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")). His endurance unto death and subsequent resurrection ([Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")) secured our salvation and established Him as the "author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer of Faith")). Therefore, when we "consider Him," we are not merely drawing inspiration from a past event, but drawing strength from the One who now intercedes for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")) and whose Spirit indwells us, enabling us to "not grow weary in well doing" ([Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Do Not Grow Weary")). His triumph over all opposition guarantees that our perseverance, rooted in Him, will ultimately lead to eternal glory.

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

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2 Corinthians 4:16

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.

Revelation 2:3

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

1 Corinthians 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 3:1

¶ Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

John 15:18

¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.