TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Hebrews 12:1–3. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here observe what is the great duty which the apostle urges upon the Hebrews, and which he so much desires they would comply with, and that is, to lay aside every weight, and the sin that did so easily beset them, and run with patience the race set before them. The duty consists of two parts, the one preparatory, the other perfective.
I.Preparatory: Lay aside every weight, and the sin, etc.
1.Every weight, that is, all inordinate affection and concern for the body, and the present life and world. Inordinate care for the present life, or fondness for it, is a dead weight upon the soul, that pulls it down when it should ascend upwards, and pulls it back when it should press forward; it makes duty and difficulties harder and heavier than they would be.
2.The sin that doth so easily beset us; the sin that has the greatest advantage against us, by the circumstances we are in, our constitution, our company. This may mean either the damning sin of unbelief or rather the darling sin of the Jews, an over-fondness for their own dispensation. Let us lay aside all external and internal hindrances.
II.Perfective:
Run with patience the race that is set before us. The apostle speaks in the gymnastic style, taken from the Olympic and other exercises.
1.Christians have a race to run, a race of service and a race of sufferings, a course of active and passive obedience.
2.This race is set before them; it is marked out unto them, both by the word of God and the examples of the faithful servants of God, that cloud of witnesses with which they are compassed about. It is set out by proper limits and directions; the mark they run to, and the prize they run for, are set before them.
3.This race must be run with patience and perseverance. There will be need of patience to encounter the difficulties that lie in our way, of perseverance to resist all temptations to desist or turn aside. Faith and patience are the conquering graces, and therefore must be always cultivated and kept in lively exercise.
4.Christians have a greater example to animate and encourage them in their Christian course than any or all who have been mentioned before, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ: Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, Heb 12:2. Here observe,
(1.)What our Lord Jesus is to his people: he is the author and finisher of their faith - the beginning, perfecter, and rewarder of it.
[1.]He is the author of their faith; not only the object, but the author. He is the great leader and precedent of our faith, he trusted in God; he is the purchaser of the Spirit of faith, the publisher of the rule of faith, the efficient cause of the grace of faith, and in all respects the author of our faith.
[2.]He is the finisher of our faith; he is the fulfiller and the fulfilling of all scripture-promises and prophecies; he is the perfecter of the canon of scripture; he is the finisher of grace, and of the work of faith with power in the souls of his people; and he is the judge and the rewarder of their faith; he determines who they are that reach the mark, and from him, and in him, they have the prize.
(2.)What trials Christ met with in his race and course.
[1.]He endured the contradiction of sinners against himself (Heb 12:3); he bore the opposition that they made to him, both in their words and behaviour. They were continually contradicting him, and crossing in upon his great designs; and though he could easily have both confuted and confounded them, and sometimes gave them a specimen of his power, yet he endured their evil manners with great patience. Their contradictions were levelled against Christ himself, against his person as God - man, against his authority, against his preaching, and yet he endured all.
[2.]He endured the cross - all those sufferings that he met with in the world; for he took up his cross betimes, and was at length nailed to it, and endured a painful, ignominious, and accursed death, in which he was numbered with the transgressors, the vilest malefactors; yet all this he endured with invincible patience and resolution.
[3.]He despised the shame. All the reproaches that were cast upon him, both in his life and at his death, he despised; he was infinitely above them; he knew his own innocency and excellency, and despised the ignorance and malice of his despisers.
(3.)What it was that supported the human soul of Christ under these unparalleled sufferings; and that was the joy that was set before him. He had something in view under all his sufferings, which was pleasant to him; he rejoiced to see that by his sufferings he should make satisfaction to the injured justice of God and give security to his honour and government, that he should make peace between God and man, that he should seal the covenant of grace and be the Mediator of it, that he should open a way of salvation to the chief of sinners, and that he should effectually save all those whom the Father had given him, and himself be the first-born among many brethren. This was the joy that was set before him.
(4.)The reward of his suffering: he has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Christ, as Mediator, is exalted to a station of the highest honour, of the greatest power and influence; he is at the right hand of the Father. Nothing passes between heaven and earth but by him; he does all that is done; he ever lives to make intercession for his people.
(5.)What is our duty with respect to this Jesus. We must,
[1.]Look unto him; that is, we must set him continually before us as our example, and our great encouragement; we must look to him for direction, for assistance, and for acceptance, in all our sufferings.
[2.]We must consider him, meditate much upon him, and reason with ourselves from his case to our own. We must analogize, as the word is; compare Christ's sufferings and ours; and we shall find that as his sufferings far exceeded ours, in the nature and measure of them, so his patience far excels ours, and is a perfect pattern for us to imitate.
(6.)The advantage we shall reap by thus doing: it will be a means to prevent our weariness and fainting (Heb 12:3): Lest you be weary and faint in your minds. Observe,
[1.]There is a proneness in the best to grow weary and to faint under their trials and afflictions, especially when they prove heavy and of long continuance: this proceeds from the imperfections of grace and the remains of corruption.
[2.]The best way to prevent this is to look unto Jesus, and to consider him. Faith and meditation will fetch in fresh supplies of strength, comfort, and courage; for he has assured them, if they suffer with him, they shall also reign with him: and this hope will be their helmet.
Historical interpretation
Six Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
“Consider him who,” for our love, “showed such” patience toward sinners, not toward those with whom he was in hostility but toward those who, because of their disbelief, appeared to be in tension within their own souls. Do not regret your afflictions, and do not lose your confidence amid the hour of your temptation.
"For consider," saith he, "Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." For if the sufferings of those near us arouse us, what earnestness will not those of our Master give us! What will they not work in us!
And passing by all else, he expressed the whole by the word "Contradiction"; and by adding "such." For the blows upon the cheek, the laughter, the insults, the reproaches, the mockeries, all these he indicated by "contradiction." And not these only, but also the things which befell Him during His whole life, of teaching.
For a great, a truly great consolation are both the sufferings of Christ, and those of the Apostles. For He so well knew that this is the better way of virtue, as even to go that way Himself, not having need thereof: He knew so well that tribulation is expedient for us, and that it becomes rather a foundation for repose. For hear Him saying, "If a man take not his cross, and follow after Me, he is not worthy of Me." (Matt. x. 38.) If thou art a disciple, He means, imitate the Master; for this is to be a disciple. But if while He went by the path of affliction, thou goest by that of ease, thou no longer treadest the same path, which He trod, but another. How then dost thou follow, when thou followest not? How shall thou be a disciple, not going after the Master? This Paul also says, "We are weak, but ye are strong; we are despised, but ye are honored." (1 Cor. iv. 10.) How is it reasonable, he means, that we should be striving after opposite things, and yet that you should be disciples and we teachers?
"Consider him." For if one who reflects on the afflictions of the brethren finds comfort in his own afflictions, how much more will he who weighs the afflictions of the Lord.
"from sinners," for it is greater that even sinners have endured these things. However, he calls contradictions mockery, scourges, ridicules, and whatever opposed his teachings and doctrines: similarly, the shouts with which they cried out under Pilate.
"so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." For if you weigh these things in your mind, you will be hardened against afflictions, knowing that you have become imitators of God.
"you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood." In the above, he testified to them that they had struggled greatly, where he says: You have endured a great race of afflictions: therefore, lest they be exalted by this, he now says: You have not yet contended perfectly; you need something else: which is also a kind of exhortation. For he says: You have come to persecutions, to the plundering of your possessions, but not to death: yet Jesus Christ went even to death.
"In your struggle against sin." It shows that sin passionately breathes and they themselves struggle in opposition. For it says, "resisted," as if in battle, as if also resisting sin.
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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. Following the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11, 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. This verse, Hebrews 12:3, 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), 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). 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).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
Meaning "to toil," "to tire," "to faint," or "to sicken." It speaks to physical and mental exhaustion.
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.
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. 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), 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.
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
FAQ
Why is it important to "consider" Jesus' suffering, rather than just knowing about it?
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).
Does "contradiction of sinners" only refer to verbal opposition?
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"?
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). His endurance unto death and subsequent resurrection (Philippians 2:8-9) secured our salvation and established Him as the "author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). 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) and whose Spirit indwells us, enabling us to "not grow weary in well doing" (Galatians 6:9). His triumph over all opposition guarantees that our perseverance, rooted in Him, will ultimately lead to eternal glory.