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Hebrews 4-12
American Standard Version

4 Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed we have had [a]good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because [b]it was not united by faith with them that heard. 3 [c]For we who have believed do enter into that rest; even as he hath said,

[d][e]As I sware in my wrath,
[f]They shall not enter into my rest:

although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he hath said somewhere of the seventh day on this wise, [g]And God rested on the seventh day from all his works; 5 and in this place again,

[h][i]They shall not enter into my rest.

6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some should enter thereinto, and they to whom [j]the good tidings were before preached failed to enter in because of disobedience, 7 he again defineth a certain day, To-day, saying in David so long a time afterward (even as hath been said before),

[k]To-day if ye shall hear his voice,
Harden not your hearts.

8 For if [l]Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest hath himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall [m]after the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14 Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.

5 For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 who can bear gently with the ignorant and erring, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity; 3 and by reason thereof is bound, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh the honor unto himself, but when he is called of God, even as was Aaron. 5 So Christ also glorified not himself to be made a high priest, but he that spake unto him,

[n]Thou art my Son,
This day have I begotten thee:

6 as he saith also in another place,

[o]Thou art a priest for ever
After the order of Melchizedek.

7 Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him [p]from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, 8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the [q]author of eternal salvation; 10 named of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

11 Of [r]whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become dull of hearing. 12 For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again [s]that some one teach you the rudiments of the [t]first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. 13 For every one that partaketh of milk is [u]without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. 14 But solid food is for [v]fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

6 Wherefore leaving [w]the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto [x]perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 [y]of the teaching of [z]baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For as touching those who were once enlightened [aa]and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and [ab]tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; [ac]seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7 For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: 8 but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned.

9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that [ad]accompany salvation, though we thus speak: 10 for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the [ae]fulness of hope even to the end: 12 that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

13 For when God made promise to Abraham, since he could swear by none greater, he sware by himself, 14 saying, [af]Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 15 And thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men swear by the greater: and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation. 17 Wherein God, being minded to show more abundantly unto the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, [ag]interposed with an oath; 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us: 19 which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil; 20 whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

7 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God), abideth a priest continually.

4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the chief spoils. 5 And they indeed of the sons of Levi that receive the priest’s office have commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though these have come out of the loins of Abraham: 6 but he whose genealogy is not counted from them hath taken tithes of Abraham, and hath blessed him that hath the promises. 7 But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there one, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 And, so to say, through Abraham even Levi, who receiveth tithes, hath paid tithes; 10 for he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.

11 Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it hath the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be reckoned after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For he of whom these things are said [ah]belongeth to another tribe, from which no man hath given attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests. 15 And what we say is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest, 16 who hath been made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an [ai]endless life: 17 for it is witnessed of him,

[aj]Thou art a priest for ever
After the order of Melchizedek.

18 For there is a disannulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh unto God. 20 And inasmuch as it is not without the taking of an oath 21 (for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath [ak]by him that saith [al]of him,

[am]The Lord sware and will not repent himself,
Thou art a priest for ever);

22 by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant. 23 And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing: 24 but he, because he abideth for ever, [an]hath his priesthood [ao]unchangeable. 25 Wherefore also he is able to save [ap]to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 who needeth not daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people: for this he did once for all, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appointeth men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, appointeth a Son, perfected for evermore.

8 [aq]Now [ar]in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a minister of [as]the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that this high priest also have somewhat to offer. 4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are those who offer the gifts according to the law; 5 who serve that which is a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses is warned of God when he is about to [at]make the tabernacle: for, [au]See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was showed thee in the mount. 6 But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second. 8 For [av]finding fault with them, he saith,

[aw]Behold, the days come, saith the Lord,
That I will [ax]make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;
9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers
In the day that I took them by the hand to lead them forth out of the land of Egypt;
For they continued not in my covenant,
And I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
10 For this is the covenant that [ay]I will make with the house of Israel
After those days, saith the Lord;
I will put my laws into their mind,
And on their heart also will I write them:
And I will be to them a God,
And they shall be to me a people:
11 And they shall not teach every man his fellow-citizen,
And every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord:
For all shall know me,
From the least to the greatest of them.
12 For I will be merciful to their iniquities,
And their sins will I remember no more.

13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. But that which is becoming old and waxeth aged is nigh unto vanishing away.

9 Now even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service, and its sanctuary, a sanctuary of this world. 2 For there was a tabernacle prepared, the first, wherein [az]were the candlestick, and the table, and [ba]the showbread; which is called the Holy place. 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holy of holies; 4 having a golden [bb]altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein [bc]was a golden pot holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5 and above it cherubim of glory overshadowing [bd]the mercy-seat; of which things we cannot now speak severally. 6 Now these things having been thus prepared, the priests go in continually into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the services; 7 but into the second the high priest alone, once in the year, not without blood, which he offereth for himself, and for the [be]errors of the people: 8 the Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holy place hath not yet been made manifest, while the first tabernacle is yet standing; 9 which is a figure for the time present; according to which are offered both gifts and sacrifices that cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshipper perfect, 10 being only (with meats and drinks and divers washings) carnal ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.

11 But Christ having come a high priest of [bf]the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh: 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through [bg]the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse [bh]your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of a new [bi]covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first [bj]covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where a [bk]testament is, there must of necessity [bl]be the death of him that made it. 17 For a [bm]testament is of force [bn]where there hath been death: [bo]for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth. 18 Wherefore even the first covenant hath not been dedicated without blood. 19 For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses unto all the people according to the law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, [bp]This is the blood of the [bq]covenant which God commanded to you-ward. 21 Moreover the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry he sprinkled in like manner with the blood. 22 And according to the law, I may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission.

23 It was necessary therefore that the copies of the things in the heavens should be cleansed with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us: 25 nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place year by year with blood not his own; 26 else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the [br]end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin [bs]by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And inasmuch as it is [bt]appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment; 28 so Christ also, having been once offered to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time, apart from sin, to them that wait for him, unto salvation.

10 For the law having a shadow of the good things to come, not the very image of the things, [bu]can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect them that draw nigh. 2 Else would they not have ceased to be offered? because the worshippers, having been once cleansed, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance made of sins year by year. 4 For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith,

[bv]Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not,
But a body didst thou prepare for me;
6 In whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hadst no pleasure:
7 Then said I, Lo, I am come (In the roll of the book it is written of me)
To do thy will, O God.

8 Saying above, Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein (the which are offered according to the law), 9 then hath he said, Lo, I am come to do thy will. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 [bw]By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every [bx]priest indeed standeth day by day ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, the which can never take away sins: 12 but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for [by]sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 henceforth expecting till his enemies be made the footstool of his feet. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also beareth witness to us; for after he hath said,

16 [bz]This is the covenant that [ca]I will make with them
After those days, saith the Lord:
I will put my laws on their heart,
And upon their mind also will I write them;

then saith he,

17 And their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 and having a great priest over the house of God; 22 let us draw near with a true heart in [cb]fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil [cc]conscience: and having our body washed with pure water, 23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: 24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a [cd]fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. 28 A man that hath set at nought Moses’ law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses: 29 of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified [ce]an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that said, [cf]Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, [cg]The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were enlightened, ye endured a great conflict of sufferings; 33 partly, being made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used. 34 For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that [ch]ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward. 36 For ye have need of [ci]patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise.

37 [cj]For yet a very little while,
He that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry.
38 But [ck]my righteous one shall live by faith:
And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not [cl]of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the [cm]saving of the soul.

11 Now faith is [cn]assurance of things hoped for, a [co]conviction of things not seen. 2 For therein the elders had witness borne to them. 3 By faith we understand that the [cp]worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, [cq]God bearing witness [cr]in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: [cs]for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God: 6 and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, [ct]dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose [cu]builder and maker is God. 11 By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised: 12 wherefore also there sprang of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as the sand, which is by the sea-shore, innumerable. 13 These all died [cv]in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own. 15 And if indeed they had been mindful of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. 17 By faith Abraham, being tried, [cw]offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; 18 even he [cx]to whom it was said, [cy]In Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 accounting that God is able to raise up, even from the dead; from whence he did also in a figure receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 accounting the reproach of [cz]Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he [da]kept the passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were swallowed up. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, having received the spies with peace. 32 And what shall I more say? for the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens. 35 Women received their dead by a resurrection: and others were [db]tortured, not accepting [dc]their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 and others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38 (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth. 39 And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise, 40 God having [dd]provided some better thing concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

12 Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every [de]weight, and the sin which [df]doth so easily beset us, and let us run with [dg]patience the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus the [dh]author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against [di]himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin: 5 and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons,

[dj]My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord,
Nor faint when thou art reproved of him;
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 [dk]It is for chastening that ye endure; God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of [dl]spirits, and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. 11 All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness. 12 Wherefore [dm]lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees; 13 and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame be not [dn]turned out of the way, but rather be healed.

14 Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 looking carefully [do]lest there be any man that [dp]falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled; 16 [dq]lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one mess of meat sold his own birthright. 17 For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was [dr]rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought it diligently with tears.

18 For ye are not come unto [ds]a mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them; 20 for they could not endure that which was enjoined, [dt]If even a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned; 21 and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, [du]I exceedingly fear and quake: 22 but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, [dv]and to [dw]innumerable hosts of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better [dx]than that of Abel. 25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned them on earth, much more shall not we escape who turn away from him [dy]that warneth from heaven: 26 whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, [dz]Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have [ea]grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with [eb]reverence and awe: 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 4:2 Or, a gospel
  2. Hebrews 4:2 Many ancient authorities read they were.
  3. Hebrews 4:3 Some ancient authorities read We therefore.
  4. Hebrews 4:3 Ps. 95:11.
  5. Hebrews 4:3 Or, So
  6. Hebrews 4:3 Greek If they shall enter.
  7. Hebrews 4:4 Gen. 2:2.
  8. Hebrews 4:5 Ps. 95:11.
  9. Hebrews 4:5 Greek If they shall enter.
  10. Hebrews 4:6 Or, the gospel was
  11. Hebrews 4:7 Ps. 95:7f.
  12. Hebrews 4:8 Greek Jesus. Compare Acts 7:45.
  13. Hebrews 4:11 Or, into. Greek in.
  14. Hebrews 5:5 Ps. 2:7.
  15. Hebrews 5:6 Ps. 110:4.
  16. Hebrews 5:7 Or, out of
  17. Hebrews 5:9 Greek cause.
  18. Hebrews 5:11 Or, which
  19. Hebrews 5:12 Or, that one teach you which are the rudiments
  20. Hebrews 5:12 Greek beginning.
  21. Hebrews 5:13 Or, inexperienced in
  22. Hebrews 5:14 Or, perfect
  23. Hebrews 6:1 Greek the word of the beginning of Christ.
  24. Hebrews 6:1 Or, full growth
  25. Hebrews 6:2 Some ancient authorities read, even the teaching of
  26. Hebrews 6:2 Or, washings
  27. Hebrews 6:4 Or, having both tasted of . . . and being made . . . and having tasted etc.
  28. Hebrews 6:5 Or, tasted the word of God that it is good
  29. Hebrews 6:6 Or, the while
  30. Hebrews 6:9 Or, belong to
  31. Hebrews 6:11 Or, full assurance
  32. Hebrews 6:14 Gen. 22:16f.
  33. Hebrews 6:17 Greek mediated.
  34. Hebrews 7:13 Greek hath partaken of. See 2:14.
  35. Hebrews 7:16 Greek indissoluble.
  36. Hebrews 7:17 Ps. 110:4.
  37. Hebrews 7:21 Or, through
  38. Hebrews 7:21 Or, unto
  39. Hebrews 7:21 Ps. 110:4.
  40. Hebrews 7:24 Or, hath a priesthood that doth not pass to another
  41. Hebrews 7:24 Or, inviolable
  42. Hebrews 7:25 Greek completely.
  43. Hebrews 8:1 Or, Now to sum up what we are saying: We have etc.
  44. Hebrews 8:1 Greek upon.
  45. Hebrews 8:2 Or, holy things
  46. Hebrews 8:5 Or, complete
  47. Hebrews 8:5 Ex. 25:40.
  48. Hebrews 8:8 Some ancient authorities read finding fault with it, he saith unto them etc.
  49. Hebrews 8:8 Jer. 31:31ff.
  50. Hebrews 8:8 Greek accomplish.
  51. Hebrews 8:10 Greek I will covenant.
  52. Hebrews 9:2 Or, are
  53. Hebrews 9:2 Greek the setting forth of the loaves.
  54. Hebrews 9:4 Or, censer. 2 Chr. 26:19; Ezek. 8:11.
  55. Hebrews 9:4 Or, is
  56. Hebrews 9:5 Greek the propitiatory.
  57. Hebrews 9:7 Greek ignorances. Ecclus. 23:2f.
  58. Hebrews 9:11 Some ancient authorities read the good things that are come.
  59. Hebrews 9:14 Or, his eternal spirit
  60. Hebrews 9:14 Many ancient authorities read our.
  61. Hebrews 9:15 The Greek word here used signifies both covenant and testament.
  62. Hebrews 9:15 The Greek word here used signifies both covenant and testament.
  63. Hebrews 9:16 The Greek word here used signifies both covenant and testament.
  64. Hebrews 9:16 Greek be brought.
  65. Hebrews 9:17 The Greek word here used signifies both covenant and testament.
  66. Hebrews 9:17 Greek over the dead.
  67. Hebrews 9:17 Or, for doth it ever . . . liveth?
  68. Hebrews 9:20 Ex. 24:8.
  69. Hebrews 9:20 The Greek word here used signifies both covenant and testament.
  70. Hebrews 9:26 Or, consummation
  71. Hebrews 9:26 Or, by his sacrifice
  72. Hebrews 9:27 Greek laid up for. Col. 1:5; 2 Tim. 4:8.
  73. Hebrews 10:1 Many ancient authorities read they can.
  74. Hebrews 10:5 Ps. 40:6ff.
  75. Hebrews 10:10 Or, In
  76. Hebrews 10:11 Some ancient authorities read high priest.
  77. Hebrews 10:12 Or, sins, for ever sat down etc.
  78. Hebrews 10:16 Jer. 31:33f.
  79. Hebrews 10:16 Greek I will covenant.
  80. Hebrews 10:22 Or, full assurance
  81. Hebrews 10:22 Or, conscience, and our body washed with pure water: let us hold fast
  82. Hebrews 10:27 Or, jealousy
  83. Hebrews 10:29 Greek a common thing.
  84. Hebrews 10:30 Dt. 32:35.
  85. Hebrews 10:30 Dt. 32:36.
  86. Hebrews 10:34 Many ancient authorities read ye have your own selves for a better possession etc. Compare Lk. 9:25; 21:19.
  87. Hebrews 10:36 Or, stedfastness
  88. Hebrews 10:37 Hab. 2:3f.
  89. Hebrews 10:38 Some ancient authorities read the righteous one.
  90. Hebrews 10:39 Greek of shrinking back . . . but of faith.
  91. Hebrews 10:39 Or, gaining
  92. Hebrews 11:1 Or, the giving substance to
  93. Hebrews 11:1 Or, test
  94. Hebrews 11:3 Greek ages. Compare 1 Tim. 1:17 margin.
  95. Hebrews 11:4 The Greek text in this clause is somewhat uncertain.
  96. Hebrews 11:4 Or, over his gifts
  97. Hebrews 11:5 Or, for before his translation he hath had witness borne to him that he etc.
  98. Hebrews 11:9 Or, having taken up his abode in tents
  99. Hebrews 11:10 Or, architect
  100. Hebrews 11:13 Greek according to.
  101. Hebrews 11:17 Greek hath offered up.
  102. Hebrews 11:18 Or, of
  103. Hebrews 11:18 Gen. 21:12.
  104. Hebrews 11:26 Or, the Christ. Compare 1 Cor. 10:4.
  105. Hebrews 11:28 Or, instituted. Greek hath made.
  106. Hebrews 11:35 Or, beaten to death
  107. Hebrews 11:35 Greek the redemption.
  108. Hebrews 11:40 Or, foreseen
  109. Hebrews 12:1 Or, encumbrance
  110. Hebrews 12:1 Or, doth closely cling to us. Or, is admired of many
  111. Hebrews 12:1 Or, stedfastness
  112. Hebrews 12:2 Or, captain
  113. Hebrews 12:3 Many ancient authorities read themselves. Compare Num. 16:38.
  114. Hebrews 12:5 Prov. 3:11f.
  115. Hebrews 12:7 Or, Endure unto chastening
  116. Hebrews 12:9 Or, our spirits
  117. Hebrews 12:12 Greek make straight.
  118. Hebrews 12:13 Or, put out of joint
  119. Hebrews 12:15 Or, whether
  120. Hebrews 12:15 Or, falleth back from
  121. Hebrews 12:16 Or, whether
  122. Hebrews 12:17 Or, rejected (for he found no place of repentance), etc. Or, rejected; for . . . of repentance etc. Compare 6:6; 2 Esdr. 9:11; Wisd. 12:10.
  123. Hebrews 12:18 Or, a palpable and kindled fire
  124. Hebrews 12:20 Ex. 19:12f.
  125. Hebrews 12:21 Dt. 9:19.
  126. Hebrews 12:22 Or, and to innumerable hosts, the general assembly of angels, and the church etc.
  127. Hebrews 12:22 Greek myriads of angels.
  128. Hebrews 12:24 Or, than Abel
  129. Hebrews 12:25 Or, that is from heaven
  130. Hebrews 12:26 Hag. 2:6.
  131. Hebrews 12:28 Or, thankfulness. Compare 1 Cor. 10:30.
  132. Hebrews 12:28 Or, godly fear. Compare 5:7.
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Hebrews 4-12
New International Version

A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God

4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.(A) 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.[a](B) 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,
    ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”[b](C)

And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.”[c](D) 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”(E)

6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience,(F) 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

“Today, if you hear his voice,
    do not harden your hearts.”[d](G)

8 For if Joshua had given them rest,(H) God would not have spoken(I) later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,[e](J) just as God did from his.(K) 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.(L)

12 For the word of God(M) is alive(N) and active.(O) Sharper than any double-edged sword,(P) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.(Q) 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.(R) Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus the Great High Priest

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest(S) who has ascended into heaven,[f](T) Jesus the Son of God,(U) let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.(V) 15 For we do not have a high priest(W) who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are(X)—yet he did not sin.(Y) 16 Let us then approach(Z) God’s throne of grace with confidence,(AA) so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God,(AB) to offer gifts and sacrifices(AC) for sins.(AD) 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray,(AE) since he himself is subject to weakness.(AF) 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.(AG) 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.(AH)

5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory(AI) of becoming a high priest.(AJ) But God said(AK) to him,

“You are my Son;
    today I have become your Father.”[g](AL)

6 And he says in another place,

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.(AM)”[h](AN)

7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions(AO) with fervent cries and tears(AP) to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard(AQ) because of his reverent submission.(AR) 8 Son(AS) though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered(AT) 9 and, once made perfect,(AU) he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest(AV) in the order of Melchizedek.(AW)

Warning Against Falling Away(AX)

11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths(AY) of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!(AZ) 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant,(BA) is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature,(BB) who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.(BC)

6 Therefore let us move beyond(BD) the elementary teachings(BE) about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[i](BF) and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites,[j](BG) the laying on of hands,(BH) the resurrection of the dead,(BI) and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting,(BJ) we will do so.

4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened,(BK) who have tasted the heavenly gift,(BL) who have shared in the Holy Spirit,(BM) 5 who have tasted the goodness(BN) of the word of God(BO) and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen[k] away, to be brought back to repentance.(BP) To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God(BQ) all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed.(BR) In the end it will be burned.

9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends,(BS) we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.(BT) 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope(BU) for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate(BV) those who through faith and patience(BW) inherit what has been promised.(BX)

The Certainty of God’s Promise

13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself,(BY) 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”[l](BZ) 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.(CA)

16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.(CB) 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging(CC) nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised,(CD) he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,(CE) we who have fled to take hold of the hope(CF) set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,(CG) 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.(CH) He has become a high priest(CI) forever, in the order of Melchizedek.(CJ)

Melchizedek the Priest

7 This Melchizedek was king of Salem(CK) and priest of God Most High.(CL) He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,(CM) 2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” 3 Without father or mother, without genealogy,(CN) without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God,(CO) he remains a priest forever.

4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch(CP) Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!(CQ) 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people(CR)—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed(CS) him who had the promises.(CT) 7 And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living.(CU) 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.

Jesus Like Melchizedek

11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people(CV) established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come,(CW) one in the order of Melchizedek,(CX) not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe,(CY) and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.(CZ) 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah,(DA) and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”[m](DB)

18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless(DC) 19 (for the law made nothing perfect),(DD) and a better hope(DE) is introduced, by which we draw near to God.(DF)

20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
    and will not change his mind:(DG)
    ‘You are a priest forever.’”[n](DH)

22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.(DI)

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.(DJ) 25 Therefore he is able to save(DK) completely[o] those who come to God(DL) through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.(DM)

26 Such a high priest(DN) truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners,(DO) exalted above the heavens.(DP) 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices(DQ) day after day, first for his own sins,(DR) and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all(DS) when he offered himself.(DT) 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness;(DU) but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son,(DV) who has been made perfect(DW) forever.

The High Priest of a New Covenant

8 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest,(DX) who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,(DY) 2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle(DZ) set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.

3 Every high priest(EA) is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices,(EB) and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.(EC) 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.(ED) 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy(EE) and shadow(EF) of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned(EG) when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”[p](EH) 6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant(EI) of which he is mediator(EJ) is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.(EK) 8 But God found fault with the people and said[q]:

“The days are coming, declares the Lord,
    when I will make a new covenant(EL)
with the people of Israel
    and with the people of Judah.
9 It will not be like the covenant
    I made with their ancestors(EM)
when I took them by the hand
    to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
    and I turned away from them,
declares the Lord.
10 This is the covenant(EN) I will establish with the people of Israel
    after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
    and write them on their hearts.(EO)
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.(EP)
11 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,(EQ)
    from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will forgive their wickedness
    and will remember their sins no more.(ER)”[r](ES)

13 By calling this covenant “new,”(ET) he has made the first one obsolete;(EU) and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

Worship in the Earthly Tabernacle

9 Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.(EV) 2 A tabernacle(EW) was set up. In its first room were the lampstand(EX) and the table(EY) with its consecrated bread;(EZ) this was called the Holy Place.(FA) 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,(FB) 4 which had the golden altar of incense(FC) and the gold-covered ark of the covenant.(FD) This ark contained the gold jar of manna,(FE) Aaron’s staff that had budded,(FF) and the stone tablets of the covenant.(FG) 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory,(FH) overshadowing the atonement cover.(FI) But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.

6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly(FJ) into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered(FK) the inner room,(FL) and that only once a year,(FM) and never without blood,(FN) which he offered for himself(FO) and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.(FP) 8 The Holy Spirit was showing(FQ) by this that the way(FR) into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. 9 This is an illustration(FS) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered(FT) were not able to clear the conscience(FU) of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food(FV) and drink(FW) and various ceremonial washings(FX)—external regulations(FY) applying until the time of the new order.

The Blood of Christ

11 But when Christ came as high priest(FZ) of the good things that are now already here,[s](GA) he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle(GB) that is not made with human hands,(GC) that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves;(GD) but he entered the Most Holy Place(GE) once for all(GF) by his own blood,(GG) thus obtaining[t] eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls(GH) and the ashes of a heifer(GI) sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit(GJ) offered himself(GK) unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences(GL) from acts that lead to death,[u](GM) so that we may serve the living God!(GN)

15 For this reason Christ is the mediator(GO) of a new covenant,(GP) that those who are called(GQ) may receive the promised(GR) eternal inheritance(GS)—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.(GT)

16 In the case of a will,[v] it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, 17 because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18 This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.(GU) 19 When Moses had proclaimed(GV) every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves,(GW) together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people.(GX) 20 He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.”[w](GY) 21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood,(GZ) and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.(HA)

23 It was necessary, then, for the copies(HB) of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one;(HC) he entered heaven itself,(HD) now to appear for us in God’s presence.(HE) 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place(HF) every year with blood that is not his own.(HG) 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world.(HH) But he has appeared(HI) once for all(HJ) at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.(HK) 27 Just as people are destined to die once,(HL) and after that to face judgment,(HM) 28 so Christ was sacrificed once(HN) to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time,(HO) not to bear sin,(HP) but to bring salvation(HQ) to those who are waiting for him.(HR)

Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All

10 The law is only a shadow(HS) of the good things(HT) that are coming—not the realities themselves.(HU) For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect(HV) those who draw near to worship.(HW) 2 Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.(HX) 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins.(HY) 4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats(HZ) to take away sins.(IA)

5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world,(IB) he said:

“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
    but a body you prepared for me;(IC)
6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings
    you were not pleased.
7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll(ID)—
    I have come to do your will, my God.’”[x](IE)

8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”(IF)—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.”(IG) He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy(IH) through the sacrifice of the body(II) of Jesus Christ once for all.(IJ)

11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices,(IK) which can never take away sins.(IL) 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins,(IM) he sat down at the right hand of God,(IN) 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool.(IO) 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect(IP) forever those who are being made holy.(IQ)

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies(IR) to us about this. First he says:

16 “This is the covenant I will make with them
    after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
    and I will write them on their minds.”[y](IS)

17 Then he adds:

“Their sins and lawless acts
    I will remember no more.”[z](IT)

18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

A Call to Persevere in Faith

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence(IU) to enter the Most Holy Place(IV) by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way(IW) opened for us through the curtain,(IX) that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest(IY) over the house of God,(IZ) 22 let us draw near to God(JA) with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,(JB) having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience(JC) and having our bodies washed with pure water.(JD) 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope(JE) we profess,(JF) for he who promised is faithful.(JG) 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,(JH) 25 not giving up meeting together,(JI) as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another(JJ)—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.(JK)

26 If we deliberately keep on sinning(JL) after we have received the knowledge of the truth,(JM) no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire(JN) that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.(JO) 29 How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God(JP) underfoot,(JQ) who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant(JR) that sanctified them,(JS) and who has insulted the Spirit(JT) of grace?(JU) 30 For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[aa](JV) and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”[ab](JW) 31 It is a dreadful thing(JX) to fall into the hands(JY) of the living God.(JZ)

32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light,(KA) when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering.(KB) 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution;(KC) at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.(KD) 34 You suffered along with those in prison(KE) and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.(KF) 35 So do not throw away your confidence;(KG) it will be richly rewarded.

36 You need to persevere(KH) so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.(KI) 37 For,

“In just a little while,
    he who is coming(KJ) will come
    and will not delay.”[ac](KK)

38 And,

“But my righteous[ad] one will live by faith.(KL)
    And I take no pleasure
    in the one who shrinks back.”[ae](KM)

39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

Faith in Action

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for(KN) and assurance about what we do not see.(KO) 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.(KP)

3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command,(KQ) so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended(KR) as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings.(KS) And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.(KT)

5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”[af](KU) For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him(KV) must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen,(KW) in holy fear built an ark(KX) to save his family.(KY) By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.(KZ)

8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance,(LA) obeyed and went,(LB) even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land(LC) like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents,(LD) as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.(LE) 10 For he was looking forward to the city(LF) with foundations,(LG) whose architect and builder is God.(LH) 11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age,(LI) was enabled to bear children(LJ) because she[ag] considered him faithful(LK) who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead,(LL) came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.(LM)

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised;(LN) they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance,(LO) admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.(LP) 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.(LQ) 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.(LR) Therefore God is not ashamed(LS) to be called their God,(LT) for he has prepared a city(LU) for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice.(LV) He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”[ah](LW) 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead,(LX) and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.(LY)

21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons,(LZ) and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.(MA)

23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born,(MB) because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.(MC)

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.(MD) 25 He chose to be mistreated(ME) along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace(MF) for the sake of Christ(MG) as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.(MH) 27 By faith he left Egypt,(MI) not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer(MJ) of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.(MK)

29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.(ML)

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.(MM)

31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.[ai](MN)

32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon,(MO) Barak,(MP) Samson(MQ) and Jephthah,(MR) about David(MS) and Samuel(MT) and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms,(MU) administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,(MV) 34 quenched the fury of the flames,(MW) and escaped the edge of the sword;(MX) whose weakness was turned to strength;(MY) and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.(MZ) 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again.(NA) There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging,(NB) and even chains and imprisonment.(NC) 37 They were put to death by stoning;[aj](ND) they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword.(NE) They went about in sheepskins and goatskins,(NF) destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves(NG) and in holes in the ground.

39 These were all commended(NH) for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised,(NI) 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us(NJ) would they be made perfect.(NK)

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(NL) with perseverance(NM) the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus,(NN) the pioneer(NO) and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,(NP) scorning its shame,(NQ) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.(NR) 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary(NS) and lose heart.

God Disciplines His Children

4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.(NT) 5 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(NU) when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,(NV)
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[ak](NW)

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.(NX) For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline(NY)—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 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(NZ) and live!(OA) 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.(OB) 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace(OC) for those who have been trained by it.

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

Warning and Encouragement

14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone(OG) and to be holy;(OH) without holiness no one will see the Lord.(OI) 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God(OJ) and that no bitter root(OK) grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral,(OL) or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.(OM) 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears,(ON) 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;(OO) 19 to a trumpet blast(OP) or to such a voice speaking words(OQ) that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them,(OR) 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[am](OS) 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”[an](OT)

22 But you have come to Mount Zion,(OU) to the city(OV) of the living God,(OW) the heavenly Jerusalem.(OX) You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn,(OY) whose names are written in heaven.(OZ) You have come to God, the Judge of all,(PA) to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,(PB) 24 to Jesus the mediator(PC) of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood(PD) that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.(PE)

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

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

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 4:2 Some manuscripts because those who heard did not combine it with faith
  2. Hebrews 4:3 Psalm 95:11; also in verse 5
  3. Hebrews 4:4 Gen. 2:2
  4. Hebrews 4:7 Psalm 95:7,8
  5. Hebrews 4:10 Or labor
  6. Hebrews 4:14 Greek has gone through the heavens
  7. Hebrews 5:5 Psalm 2:7
  8. Hebrews 5:6 Psalm 110:4
  9. Hebrews 6:1 Or from useless rituals
  10. Hebrews 6:2 Or about baptisms
  11. Hebrews 6:6 Or age, 6 if they fall
  12. Hebrews 6:14 Gen. 22:17
  13. Hebrews 7:17 Psalm 110:4
  14. Hebrews 7:21 Psalm 110:4
  15. Hebrews 7:25 Or forever
  16. Hebrews 8:5 Exodus 25:40
  17. Hebrews 8:8 Some manuscripts may be translated fault and said to the people.
  18. Hebrews 8:12 Jer. 31:31-34
  19. Hebrews 9:11 Some early manuscripts are to come
  20. Hebrews 9:12 Or blood, having obtained
  21. Hebrews 9:14 Or from useless rituals
  22. Hebrews 9:16 Same Greek word as covenant; also in verse 17
  23. Hebrews 9:20 Exodus 24:8
  24. Hebrews 10:7 Psalm 40:6-8 (see Septuagint)
  25. Hebrews 10:16 Jer. 31:33
  26. Hebrews 10:17 Jer. 31:34
  27. Hebrews 10:30 Deut. 32:35
  28. Hebrews 10:30 Deut. 32:36; Psalm 135:14
  29. Hebrews 10:37 Isaiah 26:20; Hab. 2:3
  30. Hebrews 10:38 Some early manuscripts But the righteous
  31. Hebrews 10:38 Hab. 2:4 (see Septuagint)
  32. Hebrews 11:5 Gen. 5:24
  33. Hebrews 11:11 Or By faith Abraham, even though he was too old to have children—and Sarah herself was not able to conceive—was enabled to become a father because he
  34. Hebrews 11:18 Gen. 21:12
  35. Hebrews 11:31 Or unbelieving
  36. Hebrews 11:37 Some early manuscripts stoning; they were put to the test;
  37. Hebrews 12:6 Prov. 3:11,12 (see Septuagint)
  38. Hebrews 12:13 Prov. 4:26
  39. Hebrews 12:20 Exodus 19:12,13
  40. Hebrews 12:21 See Deut. 9:19.
  41. Hebrews 12:26 Haggai 2:6
  42. Hebrews 12:29 Deut. 4:24
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