Hebrews 12:7

Translations

Modern

Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

Traditional

If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Literal

It is for discipline that you endure; God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

Latin

In disciplina perseverate. Tamquam filiis vobis offert se Deus: quis enim filius, quem non corripit pater?

Original

Greek

English

Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

Notes

Hebrews 12:7–8

discipline … God is treating you as sons: Fathers in Greco-Roman and Jewish families played a key role in raising their children. They believed discipline was essential for preparing children for adulthood. Fatherly discipline, in this case facing hardships in life, is a sign of legitimate relationship. Not having to face hardships may on the surface seem like a blessing, but might instead reflect a lack of genuine relationship.

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

Deuteronomy 8:5
So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.
Proverbs 13:24
He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.
Proverbs 29:15
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
Proverbs 29:17
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.
Proverbs 23:13–14
Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
2 Samuel 7:14
I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.
Job 34:31–32
Suppose someone says to God, ‘I have endured my punishment; I will offend no more.
1 Kings 2:24–25
And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!”
1 Samuel 3:13
I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them.
1 Samuel 2:29
Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’
1 Kings 1:6
(His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.)

Glossary

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

Topics

Adoption: Spiritual Adoption: Subjects Saints to the Fatherly Discipline of God Afflictions and Adversities of Saints: Exhibit the Love and Faithfulness of God Afflictions and Adversities: Design of Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation In Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Afflictions: Exhibit the Love and Faithfulness of God Chastisement: from God Parental Discipline Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Correct Them Parents: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Perseverance: General Scriptures Concerning Reproof: God Gives Reproof to his own Children Resignation: General Scriptures Concerning

Hebrews 12:7

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