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專一注視耶穌

12 所以,我們既然有這麼多的見證人,像雲彩圍繞著我們,就應該脫下各樣的拖累,和容易纏住我們的罪,以堅忍的心奔跑那擺在我們面前的賽程; 專一注視耶穌,就是那位信心的創造者和完成者。他因為那擺在面前的喜樂,就忍受了十字架,輕看了羞辱,現在就坐在 神寶座的右邊。 這位忍受罪人那樣頂撞的耶穌,你們要仔細思想,免得疲倦灰心。

主必管教他所愛的

你們與罪惡鬥爭,還沒有對抗到流血的地步; 你們又忘記了那勸你們好像勸兒子的話,說:

“我兒!你不可輕看主的管教,

受責備的時候也不要灰心;

因為主所愛的,他必管教,

他又鞭打所收納的每一個兒子。”

為了接受管教,你們要忍受,因為 神待你們好像待兒子一樣;哪有兒子不受父親管教的呢? 作兒子的都受過管教。如果你們沒有受管教,就是私生子,不是兒子了。 還有,肉身的父親管教我們,我們尚且敬重他們;何況那萬靈的父,我們不是更要順服他而得生嗎? 10 肉身的父親照著自己的意思管教我們,只有短暫的日子;唯有 神管教我們,是為著我們的好處,使我們在他的聖潔上有分。 11 但是一切管教,在當時似乎不覺得快樂,反覺得痛苦;後來卻為那些經過這種操練的人,結出平安的果子來,就是義。

把下垂的手發軟的腿挺起來

12 所以,你們要把下垂的手和發軟的腿挺直起來; 13 也要把你們所走的道路修直,使瘸子不至於扭腳,反而得到復原。 14 你們要竭力尋求與眾人和睦,並且要竭力追求聖潔。如果沒有聖潔,誰也不能見主。 15 你們要小心,免得有人失去了 神的恩典;免得有苦根長起來纏繞你們,因而污染了許多人; 16 又免得有人成為淫亂的和貪戀世俗的,好像以掃一樣,為了一點點食物,竟把自己長子的名分出賣了。 17 你們知道,後來以掃想要承受祝福,卻被拒絕了;他雖然帶著眼淚尋求,還是沒有反悔的餘地。

不可違背那警戒人的 神

18 你們不是來到那座摸得著的山。那裡有烈火、密雲、幽暗、暴風、 19 號筒的響聲和說話的聲音;那些聽見這聲音的人,都請求 神不要再向他們多說話; 20 因為他們擔當不起那命令:“就是走獸挨近這山,也要用石頭把牠打死。” 21 當時,顯出的景象是那麼可怕,連摩西也說:“我非常恐懼戰兢。” 22 你們卻是來到錫安山和永活的 神的城,就是天上的耶路撒冷;在那裡有千萬的天使聚集, 23 有名字登記在天上眾長子的教會,有審判眾人的 神,有被成全的義人的靈魂, 24 有新約的中保耶穌,還有他所灑的血。這血所傳的信息比亞伯的血所傳的更美。

25 你們要謹慎,不要棄絕那位說話的,因為從前的人棄絕了那位在地上警戒他們的,尚且不能逃罪;何況現在我們背棄那位從天上警戒我們的呢? 26 當時他的聲音震動了地;現在他卻應許說:“下一次,我不但要震動地,還要震動天。” 27 “下一次”這句話,是表明那些被震動的,要像被造之物那樣被除去,好使那些不能震動的可以留存, 28 因此,我們既然領受了不能震動的國,就應該感恩,照著 神所喜悅的,用虔誠敬畏的心事奉他; 29 因為我們的 神是烈火。

仰望耶稣

12 既然有这么多见证人像云彩一般围绕着我们,我们就要放下一切重担,摆脱容易缠累我们的罪,以坚忍的心奔跑我们前面的赛程, 定睛仰望为我们的信心创始成终的耶稣。祂为了摆在前面的喜乐,就轻看羞辱,忍受了十字架的痛苦,如今已坐在上帝宝座的右边。 你们要思想忍受罪人如此顶撞的主,免得疲倦灰心。

爱的管教

其实你们与罪恶搏斗,还没有抵挡到流血的地步。 你们难道忘了那像劝勉儿子一样劝勉你们的话吗?“孩子啊,不可轻视主的管教,被祂责备的时候也不要灰心。 因为主管教祂所爱的人,责罚[a]祂收纳的儿子。”

你们要忍受管教,上帝对待你们如同对待自己的儿子。哪有儿子不受父亲管教的呢? 做子女的都会受管教,如果没人管教你们,那你们就是私生子,不是儿子。 再者,我们的生身父亲管教我们,我们尚且敬重他们,何况是万灵之父上帝管教我们,我们岂不更要顺服祂并得到生命吗? 10 我们的生身父亲是按自己以为好的标准暂时管教我们,但上帝是为了我们的益处而管教我们,使我们可以在祂的圣洁上有份。 11 被管教的滋味绝不好受,当时都很痛苦,但事后那些受过管教的人会收获公义和平安的果子。 12 所以,你们要举起下垂的手,挺直发酸的腿, 13 修直脚下的路,使瘸腿的人不致扭伤脚,反得痊愈。

切勿违背上帝

14 你们要尽力与大家和睦相处,并要追求圣洁的生活,因为不圣洁的人不能见主。 15 你们要谨慎,以免有人失去上帝的恩典,长出苦毒的根扰乱你们,玷污众人。 16 要小心,免得有人像以扫那样淫乱、不敬虔。他为了一时的口腹之欲,卖了自己长子的名分。 17 你们知道,他后来想要承受父亲对长子的祝福,却遭到拒绝,虽然声泪俱下,终无法使父亲回心转意。

18 你们并非来到那座摸得到、有火焰、乌云、黑暗、狂风、 19 号角声和说话声的西奈山,听见这些声音的人都哀求不要再向他们说话了。 20 因为他们承担不了所领受的命令:“即便是动物靠近这山,也要用石头打死它!” 21 那情景实在可怕,就连摩西也说:“我吓得发抖。”

22 但你们现在来到了锡安山,永活上帝的城邑,天上的耶路撒冷,欢聚着千万天使的地方。 23 这里有名字记录在天上的众长子的教会,有审判众人的上帝和已达到纯全的义人的灵魂, 24 还有新约的中保耶稣和祂所流的血。这血比亚伯的血发出更美的信息。

25 你们必须谨慎,切勿拒绝对你们说话的上帝。因为以色列人违背了在地上警戒他们的人,尚且逃脱不了惩罚,何况我们违背从天上警戒我们的上帝呢? 26 那时上帝的声音震动了大地,但现在祂应许说:“再一次,我不单要震动地,还要震动天。” 27 “再一次”这句话是指上帝要挪去可以被震动的受造之物,使不能被震动的可以长存。 28 那么,既然我们承受的是一个不能被震动的国度,就要感恩,用虔诚和敬畏的心事奉上帝,讨祂喜悦。 29 因为我们的上帝是烈火。

Footnotes

  1. 12:6 责罚”希腊文是“鞭打”之意。

The Lord’s Discipline

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,[a] we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For[b] the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.[c] Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up. You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed[d] in your struggle against sin. And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons?

My son, do not scorn[e] the Lord’s discipline
or give up when he corrects[f] you.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.”[g]

Endure your suffering[h] as discipline;[i] God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you do not experience discipline,[j] something all sons[k] have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons. Besides, we have experienced discipline from[l] our earthly fathers[m] and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life?[n] 10 For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness. 11 Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful.[o] But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness[p] for those trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen[q] your listless hands and your weak knees,[r] 13 and make straight paths for your feet,[s] so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed.

Do Not Reject God’s Warning

14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness,[t] for without it no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up[u] and causing trouble, and through it many become defiled. 16 And see to it that no one becomes[v] an immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.[w] 17 For you know that[x] later when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance, although he sought the blessing[y] with tears. 18 For you have not come to something that can be touched,[z] to a burning fire and darkness and gloom and a whirlwind 19 and the blast of a trumpet and a voice uttering words[aa] such that those who heard begged to hear no more.[ab] 20 For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”[ac] 21 In fact, the scene[ad] was so terrifying that Moses said, “I shudder with fear.”[ae] 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, the city[af] of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the assembly 23 and congregation of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous, who have been made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator[ag] of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of something better than Abel’s does.[ah]

25 Take care not to refuse the one who is speaking! For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less shall we, if we reject the one who warns from heaven? 26 Then his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven too.”[ai] 27 Now this phrase “once more” indicates the removal of what is shaken, that is, of created things, so that what is unshaken may remain. 28 So since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us give thanks, and through this let us offer worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe. 29 For our God is indeed a devouring fire.[aj]

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 12:1 tn Grk “having such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us.”
  2. Hebrews 12:2 tn Or “Because of”; or “Instead of.” The Greek prepostion can be understood either way. For discussion and sources see Wallace, ExSyn 367-68; cf. also BDAG 88 s.v. 1, “instead of, in place of” and s.v. 3 “(in exchange) for.”
  3. Hebrews 12:2 sn An allusion to Ps 110:1.
  4. Hebrews 12:4 tn Grk “until blood.”
  5. Hebrews 12:5 tn Or “disregard,” “think little of.”
  6. Hebrews 12:5 tn Or “reproves,” “rebukes.” The Greek verb ἐλέγχω (elenchō) implies exposing someone’s sin in order to bring correction.
  7. Hebrews 12:6 sn A quotation from Prov 3:11-12.
  8. Hebrews 12:7 tn Grk “endure,” with the object (“your suffering”) understood from the context.
  9. Hebrews 12:7 tn Or “in order to become disciplined.”
  10. Hebrews 12:8 tn Grk “you are without discipline.”
  11. Hebrews 12:8 tn Grk “all”; “sons” is implied by the context.
  12. Hebrews 12:9 tn Grk “we had our earthly fathers as discipliners.”
  13. Hebrews 12:9 tn Grk “the fathers of our flesh.” In Hebrews, “flesh” is a characteristic way of speaking about outward, physical, earthly life (cf. Heb 5:7; 9:10, 13), as opposed to the inward or spiritual dimensions of life.
  14. Hebrews 12:9 tn Grk “and live.” sn Submit ourselves…to the Father of spirits and receive life. This idea is drawn from Proverbs, where the Lord’s discipline brings life, while resistance to it leads to death (cf. Prov 4:13; 6:23; 10:17; 16:17).
  15. Hebrews 12:11 tn Grk “all discipline at the time does not seem to be of joy, but of sorrow.”
  16. Hebrews 12:11 tn Grk “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”
  17. Hebrews 12:12 tn Or “straighten.”
  18. Hebrews 12:12 sn A quotation from Isa 35:3. Strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees refers to the readers’ need for renewed resolve and fresh strength in their struggles (cf. Heb 10:36-39; 12:1-3).
  19. Hebrews 12:13 sn A quotation from Prov 4:26. The phrase make straight paths for your feet is figurative for “stay on God’s paths.”
  20. Hebrews 12:14 sn The references to peace and holiness show the close connection between this paragraph and the previous one. The pathway toward “holiness” and the need for it is cited in Heb 12:10 and 14. More importantly Prov 4:26-27 sets up the transition from one paragraph to the next: It urges people to stay on godly paths (Prov 4:26, quoted here in v. 13) and promises that God will lead them in peace if they do so (Prov 4:27 [LXX], quoted in v. 14).
  21. Hebrews 12:15 tn Grk “that there not be any root of bitterness,” but referring figuratively to a person who causes trouble (as in Deut 29:17 [LXX] from which this is quoted).sn An allusion to Deut 29:18.
  22. Hebrews 12:16 tn Grk “that there not be any,” continuing from v. 15.
  23. Hebrews 12:16 sn An allusion to Gen 27:34-41.
  24. Hebrews 12:17 tn Or a command: “for understand that.”
  25. Hebrews 12:17 tn Grk “it,” referring either to the repentance or the blessing. But the account in Gen 27:34-41 (which the author appeals to here) makes it clear that the blessing is what Esau sought. Thus in the translation the referent (the blessing) is specified for clarity.
  26. Hebrews 12:18 tn This describes the nation of Israel approaching God on Mt. Sinai (Exod 19). There is a clear contrast with the reference to Mount Zion in v. 22, so this could be translated “a mountain that can be touched.” But the word “mountain” does not occur here and the more vague description seems to be deliberate.
  27. Hebrews 12:19 tn Grk “a voice of words.”
  28. Hebrews 12:19 tn Grk “a voice…from which those who heard begged that a word not be added to them.”
  29. Hebrews 12:20 sn A quotation from Exod 19:12-13.
  30. Hebrews 12:21 tn Grk “that which appeared.”
  31. Hebrews 12:21 tn Grk “I am terrified and trembling.”sn A quotation from Deut 9:19.
  32. Hebrews 12:22 tn Grk “and the city”; the conjunction is omitted in translation since it seems to be functioning epexegetically—that is, explaining further what is meant by “Mount Zion.”
  33. Hebrews 12:24 tn The Greek word μεσίτης (mesitēs, “mediator”) in this context does not imply that Jesus was a mediator in the contemporary sense of the word, i.e., he worked for compromise between opposing parties. Here the term describes his function as the one who was used by God to enact a new covenant which established a new relationship between God and his people, but entirely on God’s terms.
  34. Hebrews 12:24 sn Abel’s shed blood cried out to the Lord for justice and judgment, but Jesus’ blood speaks of redemption and forgiveness, something better than Abel’s does (Gen 4:10; Heb 9:11-14; 11:4).
  35. Hebrews 12:26 sn A quotation from Hag 2:6.
  36. Hebrews 12:29 sn A quotation from Deut 4:24; 9:3.

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run(A) with perseverance(B) the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus,(C) the pioneer(D) and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,(E) scorning its shame,(F) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.(G) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary(H) and lose heart.

God Disciplines His Children

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.(I) And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart(J) when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,(K)
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a](L)

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.(M) For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline(N)—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits(O) and live!(P) 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.(Q) 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace(R) for those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.(S) 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b](T) so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.(U)

Warning and Encouragement

14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone(V) and to be holy;(W) without holiness no one will see the Lord.(X) 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God(Y) and that no bitter root(Z) grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral,(AA) or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.(AB) 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears,(AC) he could not change what he had done.

The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy

18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm;(AD) 19 to a trumpet blast(AE) or to such a voice speaking words(AF) that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them,(AG) 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[c](AH) 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”[d](AI)

22 But you have come to Mount Zion,(AJ) to the city(AK) of the living God,(AL) the heavenly Jerusalem.(AM) You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn,(AN) whose names are written in heaven.(AO) You have come to God, the Judge of all,(AP) to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,(AQ) 24 to Jesus the mediator(AR) of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood(AS) that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.(AT)

25 See to it that you do not refuse(AU) him who speaks.(AV) If they did not escape when they refused him who warned(AW) them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?(AX) 26 At that time his voice shook the earth,(AY) but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”[e](AZ) 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken(BA)—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,(BB) let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,(BC) 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”[f](BD)

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 12:6 Prov. 3:11,12 (see Septuagint)
  2. Hebrews 12:13 Prov. 4:26
  3. Hebrews 12:20 Exodus 19:12,13
  4. Hebrews 12:21 See Deut. 9:19.
  5. Hebrews 12:26 Haggai 2:6
  6. Hebrews 12:29 Deut. 4:24

We Must Look Off to Jesus

12 Therefore, having so vast a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, and throwing off everything that hinders us and especially the sin that so easily entangles[a] us, let us keep running with endurance the race set before us, fixing our attention on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith, who, in view of[b] the joy set before him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Father Disciplines Us

Think about the one who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you may not become tired and give up. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your[c] blood. You have forgotten the encouragement that is addressed to you as sons:

“My son, do not think lightly of the Lord’s[d] discipline
    or give up when you are corrected by him.
For the Lord[e] disciplines the one he loves,
    and he punishes[f] every son he accepts.”[g]

What you endure disciplines you: God is treating you as sons. Is there a son whom his father does not discipline? Now if you are without any discipline, in which all sons share, then you are illegitimate and not God’s[h] sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them for it. We should submit even more to the Father of our spirits and live, shouldn’t we? 10 For a short time they disciplined us as they thought best, but God[i] does it for our good, so that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, for those who have been trained by it, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.

Live as God’s People

12 Therefore, strengthen your tired arms and your weak knees, 13 and straighten the paths of your life,[j] so that your lameness may not become worse, but instead may be healed.

14 Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up and causes you trouble, or many of you will become defiled. 16 No one should be immoral or godless like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterwards, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he could not find any opportunity to repent, even though he begged to repent[k] with tears.

18 You have not come to something[l] that can be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, to gloom, 19 to a trumpet’s blast, or to a voice that made the hearers beg that not another word be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the command that was given: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[m] 21 Indeed, the sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”[n] 22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, to tens of thousands of angels joyfully gathered together, 23 to the assembly[o] of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to a judge who is the God of all, to the spirits of righteous people who have been made perfect, 24 to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better message than Abel’s.

25 See to it that you do not ignore the one who is speaking. For if the hearers[p] did not escape when they ignored the one who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape[q] if we turn away from the one who is from heaven! 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also heaven.”[r] 27 The expression “once more”[s] signifies the removal of what can be shaken, that is, what he has made, so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and worship God in reverence and fear in a way that pleases him. 29 For “our God is an all-consuming fire.”[t]

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 12:1 Other mss. read distracts
  2. Hebrews 12:2 Or instead
  3. Hebrews 12:4 The Gk. lacks the point of shedding your
  4. Hebrews 12:5 MT source citation reads Lord
  5. Hebrews 12:6 MT source citation reads Lord
  6. Hebrews 12:6 Or whips
  7. Hebrews 12:6 Cf. Prov 3:11-12
  8. Hebrews 12:8 Lit. his
  9. Hebrews 12:10 Lit. he
  10. Hebrews 12:13 Lit. feet
  11. Hebrews 12:17 Lit. begged for it
  12. Hebrews 12:18 Other mss. read to a mountain
  13. Hebrews 12:20 Cf. Exod 19:12-13
  14. Hebrews 12:21 Cf. Deut 9:19
  15. Hebrews 12:23 Or church
  16. Hebrews 12:25 Lit. if they
  17. Hebrews 12:25 The Gk. lacks escape
  18. Hebrews 12:26 Cf. Hag 2:6
  19. Hebrews 12:27 Cf. Hag 2:6
  20. Hebrews 12:29 Cf. Deut 4:24