Hebrews 12:23

Translations

Modern

…in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

Traditional

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Literal

…and to the assembly, to the church of the firstborn having been enrolled in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous having been perfected,

Latin

…et ecclesiam primitivorum, qui conscripti sunt in cælis, et judicem omnium Deum, et spiritus justorum perfectorum,

Original

Greek

English

…in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

Notes

Hebrews 12:23

The word translated as assembly is usually translated "church." It refers to God's gathered people.
God's firstborn children are those who are part of the new covenant (see Hebrews 1:6; 2:10 –13).
The idea that God's people have their names written in heaven shows God's special care for them (see also Exodus 32:32; Psalm 69:28; Isaiah 4:3; Daniel 12:1; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5).
For God's children, God as judge is the one who defends them (see Psalms 9:8; 58:11; 94:2; Isaiah 11:4; Jeremiah 22:16).
Those who have died are now made perfect through Christ's sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14).

Hebrews 12:18–24

This passage compares the old covenant with the new one. The old covenant is represented by Mount Sinai (12:18 –21). It was impersonal, frightening, and unapproachable. The mountain shook with loud sounds, flashes of light, and fearful power. The new covenant is represented by Mount Zion (12:22 –24). It is personal, welcoming, and joyful.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses God’s New Covenant Hope Beyond Judgment Jerusalem Making Sense of the Exile The Church as God’s Temple The Law and the Spirit The New Order The Old Realm and the New Worship in Jerusalem Zion

Related verses

James 1:18
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.
Luke 10:20
Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Hebrews 11:40
God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.
Revelation 20:15
And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Genesis 18:25
Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
Revelation 14:4
These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
Exodus 4:22
Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son,
Psalm 94:2
Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render a reward to the proud.
Hebrews 6:10–12
For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
Psalm 96:13
…before the LORD, for He is coming—He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.
Hebrews 9:27
Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,
2 Thessalonians 1:5–7
All this is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment. And so you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.

Hebrews 12:23

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Parallels

Glossary

Topics