Hebrews 12:5

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} ye have forgotten {G1585} the exhortation {G3874} which {G3748} speaketh {G1256} unto you {G5213} as {G5613} unto children {G5207}, My {G3450} son {G5207}, despise {G3643} not {G3361} thou {G3643} the chastening {G3809} of the Lord {G2962}, nor {G3366} faint {G1590} when thou art rebuked {G1651} of {G5259} him {G846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Also you have forgotten the counsel which speaks with you as sons:

“My son, don’t despise the discipline of Adonai
or become despondent when he corrects you.

Berean Standard Bible

And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you.

American Standard Version

and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when thou art reproved of him;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 12:5 serves as a profound reminder to believers that the difficulties and trials experienced in life are often expressions of God's loving, fatherly discipline, not signs of His abandonment or displeasure. Quoting from Proverbs, the author admonishes the readers, who may be growing weary under persecution, not to treat God's corrective hand with contempt nor to lose heart when He reproves them, but rather to recognize these experiences as vital components of their spiritual formation and a confirmation of their status as His beloved children.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the climactic exhortation of the book of Hebrews, following the "Hall of Faith" in [Hebrews 11](/hebrews/11 "Hebrews 11 - The Hall of Faith") and immediately after the call to "run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus" in [Hebrews 12:1-3](/hebrews/12-1-3 "Hebrews 12:1-3 - Running the Race with Endurance"). The author has just presented Jesus as the ultimate example of endurance through suffering, who "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Faith")). The readers are facing significant opposition, potentially even "unto blood" ([Hebrews 12:4](/hebrews/12-4 "Hebrews 12:4 - Struggling Against Sin")), and the author anticipates their weariness and discouragement. Verse 5 introduces the concept of divine discipline as a theological framework to interpret their present struggles, offering comfort and a proper perspective on their trials. It sets the stage for a more extensive discussion of God's fatherly discipline in the verses that follow ([Hebrews 12:6-11](/hebrews/12-6-11 "Hebrews 12:6-11 - God's Discipline as a Sign of Love")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The recipients of the book of Hebrews were likely Jewish Christians in the first century, possibly in Rome, who were experiencing intense pressure to revert to Judaism due to persecution and social ostracism. They faced the loss of property, public shaming, and possibly imprisonment ([Hebrews 10:32-34](/hebrews/10-32-34 "Hebrews 10:32-34 - Enduring Persecution")). This context of suffering and potential apostasy is crucial for understanding the author's emphasis on perseverance and the true nature of their trials. In the Greco-Roman world, discipline (paideia) was a well-understood concept, often involving rigorous training and correction for children, particularly sons, to prepare them for their future roles. The author leverages this familiar societal concept, rooted in the Old Testament understanding of God's covenantal relationship with Israel, to explain God's interaction with His New Covenant people. The quotation from Proverbs 3:11-12, a wisdom text, would resonate deeply with a Jewish audience familiar with the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament).
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 12:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, the **Sovereignty of God** is underscored, as God is actively involved in the lives of His children, even through challenging circumstances. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Discipline as an Expression of Love** is paramount; the passage reframes suffering not as punishment for sin (though sin does have consequences), but as a loving act of a Father to His children, intended for their good and spiritual maturity. This is explicitly stated later, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth" ([Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")). Thirdly, **Perseverance and Endurance** are central, as the verse directly addresses the temptation to "faint" or "lose heart" under pressure, encouraging a resilient faith. Finally, the **Father-Child Relationship** between God and believers is highlighted, affirming their adoption and intimate connection with God, which distinguishes them from "illegitimate children" ([Hebrews 12:8](/hebrews/12-8 "Hebrews 12:8 - The Mark of True Sonship")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exhortation (Greek, _paráklēsis'_):** This word, from G3874, means "imploration, hortation, solace." In this context, it refers to a strong encouragement or appeal. It's not merely a suggestion but a powerful call to action or a comforting word, emphasizing the serious and beneficial nature of the message about God's discipline. The readers have "forgotten" this vital truth, implying a need to recall and re-embrace it.
* **Despise (Greek, _oligōréō'_):** From G3643, this means "to have little regard for, i.e., to disesteem." It describes a dismissive attitude towards God's chastening—treating it as insignificant, irrelevant, or even contemptible. This warns against a hardened heart that fails to recognize the divine purpose in suffering or correction, perhaps by attributing it to mere chance or misfortune, thereby missing the opportunity for growth.
* **Chastening (Greek, _paideía'_):** From G3809, this term signifies "tutorage, i.e., education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction." It is far richer than just "punishment." It encompasses the entire process of child-rearing, including instruction, moral training, and corrective discipline aimed at developing a child's character. When applied to God, it speaks of His active, loving involvement in shaping believers into spiritual maturity and holiness.
* **Faint (Greek, _eklýō'_):** From G1590, this means "to relax (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it refers to losing heart, growing weary, or giving up under pressure. It describes the spiritual exhaustion and despondency that can arise from prolonged trials or perceived setbacks, leading one to abandon hope or effort in the Christian race.
* **Rebuked (Greek, _elénchō'_):** From G1651, this means "to confute, admonish." It refers to a correction that exposes error, convicts of sin, or brings truth to light. It's a reproof that aims to bring about conviction and change, often through the revelation of one's shortcomings or missteps.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children,"**: The verse opens with a strong statement of forgetfulness, implying a lapse in memory or a failure to grasp a fundamental truth. The "exhortation" (paráklēsis) is a powerful encouragement or call that addresses them "as unto children," immediately establishing the loving, parental context of God's relationship with them. This sets the tone for the direct quotation that follows, emphasizing that the subsequent words are not harsh judgment but fatherly instruction.
* **"My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,"**: This is the first part of the direct quotation from Proverbs 3:11 (LXX). "My son" reinforces the intimate, familial relationship. The command "despise not" (mḗ oligōréō) warns against a dismissive or contemptuous attitude towards God's "chastening" (paideía). This "chastening" is explicitly identified as coming "of the Lord" (kýrios), underscoring its divine origin and purposeful nature. It's a warning against treating God's corrective hand lightly or failing to see its value.
* **"nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:"**: This is the second part of the quotation, from Proverbs 3:11 (LXX) or 3:12 (LXX). It presents the alternative, equally dangerous, negative response to God's discipline: "fainting" (mḗ eklýō), which means to lose heart, grow weary, or give up. This occurs "when thou art rebuked" (elénchō), indicating that God's discipline often involves a reproof or conviction that reveals error. The phrase "of him" (hypó autoú) again emphasizes the divine source of this correction, urging believers to endure and learn rather than succumb to despair.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 12:5 is rich in literary technique, primarily employing **Quotation** and **Analogy**, with an underlying **Antithetical Parallelism**. The verse directly quotes from the Septuagint (LXX) version of Proverbs 3:11-12, lending scriptural authority and continuity to the author's argument. This **Quotation** serves to ground the New Covenant experience of divine discipline in the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament, demonstrating God's consistent character across dispensations. The phrase "as unto children" and the direct address "My son" establish a clear **Parent-Child Analogy**, which is foundational to the entire discussion of discipline in [Hebrews 12](/hebrews/12 "Hebrews 12 - God's Discipline"). This analogy highlights the loving, formative, and ultimately beneficial nature of God's actions, akin to a good earthly father's care. Furthermore, the two negative commands, "despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him," create an **Antithetical Parallelism**. They present two contrasting, yet equally improper, responses to divine discipline: one is a hardened, dismissive attitude ("despise"), and the other is a despondent, despairing one ("faint"). This rhetorical structure effectively covers the spectrum of unhelpful reactions, urging the readers towards a balanced, humble, and enduring reception of God's corrective love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 12:5 is foundational to understanding the nature of God's relationship with His people, revealing His active and loving involvement in their sanctification. It redefines suffering and trials not as random misfortune or punitive judgment, but as purposeful "paideia"—divine training and education designed to conform believers to the image of Christ and lead them into greater holiness. This perspective transforms the experience of hardship from a cause for despair into an evidence of divine sonship and a pathway to spiritual maturity. It underscores that God's ultimate goal for His children is their good, their righteousness, and their participation in His holiness, a process that often requires corrective and formative discipline.

* [Proverbs 3:11-12](/proverbs/3-11-12 "Proverbs 3:11-12 - The Source of the Exhortation")
* [Revelation 3:19](/revelation/3-19 "Revelation 3:19 - God Disciplines Those He Loves")
* [Job 5:17](/job/5-17 "Job 5:17 - Blessed is the One God Corrects")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 12:5 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities of life, particularly when facing adversity or spiritual correction. It challenges us to reframe our understanding of suffering, viewing it not as an anomaly or a sign of God's absence, but as a tangible expression of His intimate, fatherly love and commitment to our spiritual growth. When trials come, whether they are external pressures or internal struggles with sin, this verse calls us to neither dismiss their significance (despise) nor to succumb to despair (faint). Instead, we are invited to humbly receive God's corrective hand, trusting that His purposes are always good and ultimately lead to our maturity and holiness. Embracing this truth allows us to find purpose in pain, to learn from our mistakes, and to press on with endurance, knowing that the Lord is actively shaping us into the image of His Son.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react to difficult circumstances or personal failures? Do I tend to "despise" them by ignoring their potential lessons, or "faint" by losing hope?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might God be seeking to apply His "chastening" (paideia) for my growth and spiritual formation?**
* **How can understanding God's discipline as a sign of His love transform my perspective on current or past struggles?**
* **What practical steps can I take to receive God's correction with humility and endurance, rather than resistance or despair?**

### FAQ
**Is all suffering in life a result of God's discipline?**

Answer: Not all suffering is directly punitive discipline for specific sins, but all suffering can be used by God for our spiritual formation. Hebrews 12:5-11 specifically addresses "chastening" (paideia), which refers to God's loving training and correction of His children. This can come in various forms, including trials, difficulties, and even the natural consequences of our choices, all of which God can sovereignly use to teach, refine, and mature us. While some suffering is a direct result of sin (e.g., [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")), and some is simply part of living in a fallen world (e.g., [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")), God's fatherly discipline is distinct in its specific intent to sanctify His children, as seen in [Hebrews 12:10](/hebrews/12-10 "Hebrews 12:10 - Purpose of God's Discipline"). The key is to discern His hand and purpose in all circumstances, seeking to learn and grow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 12:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly exemplified both the reception and purpose of divine discipline. As the "author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")), Jesus Himself "learned obedience by the things which he suffered" ([Hebrews 5:8](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8 - Jesus Learned Obedience Through Suffering")), demonstrating that even the Son of God underwent a process of perfect human development and submission to the Father's will through hardship. His endurance of the cross, "despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross")), stands as the supreme example of not "fainting" under the ultimate "rebuke" and suffering. Through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, Jesus became the means by which believers are adopted into God's family, making them legitimate "sons" and daughters who are now recipients of this loving paideia. The discipline we experience is not arbitrary but is designed to conform us to the image of Christ, enabling us to "share in his holiness" ([Hebrews 12:10](/hebrews/12-10 "Hebrews 12:10 - Sharing in God's Holiness")), a holiness perfectly embodied by our Savior. Thus, God's discipline, far from being a sign of rejection, is a gracious work of the Spirit, leveraging life's difficulties to sanctify us and draw us closer to the perfect Son, Jesus Christ, who is our High Priest, interceding for us as we navigate the race of faith ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")).

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

Proverbs 3:11

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

Proverbs 3:12

For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son [in whom] he delighteth.

Job 5:17

¶ Behold, happy [is] the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

Job 5:18

For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Psalms 94:12

¶ Blessed [is] the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;