Hebrews 12:10

Translations

Modern

Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.

Traditional

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Literal

For indeed, for a few days according to that seeming good to them, they were disciplining us—but He for our benefitting, in order to share His holiness.

Latin

Et illi quidem in tempore paucorum dierum, secundum voluntatem suam erudiebant nos: hic autem ad id quod utile est in recipiendo sanctificationem ejus.

Original

Greek

English

Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.

Notes

Hebrews 12:10–11

There are at least two limits to a father's discipline:

His discipline or education lasts only a few years—children eventually leave home.
Fathers do their best with limited understanding.

In contrast, God's discipline lasts a lifetime and is always beneficial, based on his infinite knowledge and love. His goal is for us to share in his holiness. Although discipline is painful, it leads to a peaceful life of doing right. It helps God's children build harmonious relationships and make good choices (see also Romans 5:3 –4; 8:17, 28; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 1:12 –14; James 1:2 –4; 1 Peter 1:7; 4:14).

Hebrews 12:1–17

The author encourages listeners to keep following Jesus, who is the ultimate example of faithfulness. They should:

imitate him in his suffering (Hebrews 12:1 –4),
endure God's discipline (12:5 –13), and
live peacefully with others (12:14 –17).

Theme notes and profiles

Endurance God’s Anger God’s Covenant Love Oppression of God’s People Retribution The Holiness of God’s People The Righteous Suffer Understanding Job

Related verses

2 Peter 1:4
Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Leviticus 11:44–45
For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground.
Titus 2:14
He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Ezekiel 36:25–27
I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols.
Ephesians 5:26–27
…to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
Leviticus 19:2
“Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.
Colossians 1:22
But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence—
Ephesians 4:24
…and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Psalm 17:15
As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:5
…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:15–16
But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do,

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Discipline God, Being and Attributes of Haggai, Book of Hebrews, Letter to the Hosea, Book of Proverbs, Book of Saints

Topics

Adoption: Subjects Saints to the Fatherly Discipline of God Afflictions and Adversities: Design of Afflictions and Adversities: Dispensation of God Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation In Afflictions Made Beneficial in Rendering Us Fruitful in Good Works Blessing: Spiritual, from God Chastisement: from God Holiness: Chastisements are Intended to Produce, in Saints Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Perseverance: General Scriptures Concerning Privileges of Saints: Profiting by Chastisement Resignation: General Scriptures Concerning Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Hebrews 12:10

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