Hebrews.
Before
CHRIST,
A.D. 64.
CHAP. 1.
God, who at many times and in many ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
5 For to which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. [1]
7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. [2]
8 But to the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. [3]
9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy companions.
10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thy hands:
11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall become old as doth a garment;
12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?
14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall inherit salvation?
CHAP. 2.
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. [4]
2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him ;
4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will? [5]
5 For to the angels he hath not put in subjection the world to come, concerning which we speak.
6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou didst crown him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: [6]
8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not made subject to him. But now we see not yet all things made subject to him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. [7]
10 For it was befitting for him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise to thee.
13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
14 Since then the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. [8]
17 Therefore in all things it behoved him to be made like his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to help them that are tempted.
CHAP. 3.
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. [9]
3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath built the house hath more honour than the house.
4 For every house is built by some man ; but he that built all things is God.
5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later;
6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.
7 Therefore as the Holy Spirit saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
10 Therefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
11 So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) [10]
12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end;
15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: yet not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness?
18 And to whom did he swear that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
CHAP. 4.
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 For to us was the gospel preached, as well as to them: but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it . [11] [12]
3 For we who have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 For he spoke in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God rested the seventh day from all his works.
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter into it, and they to whom it was first preached entered not because of unbelief: [13]
7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then he would not afterward have spoken of another day. [14]
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. [15]
10 For he that hath entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. [16]
12 For the word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is hidden in his sight: but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but who was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
CHAP. 5.
For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is beset with infirmity. [17]
3 And by reason of it he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
4 And no man taketh this honour to himself, but he that is called by God, as was Aaron.
5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said to him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears to him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; [18]
8 Though he was a Son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him;
10 Called by God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need of one to teach you again which are the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [19]
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. [20] [21]
CHAP. 6.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, [22]
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
4 For it is impossible for those who have been once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs useful for them by whom it is tilled, receiveth blessing from God: [23]
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is close to being cursed; whose end is to be burned.
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shown toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire each one of you to show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end:
12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself,
14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of every dispute.
17 In the same way God, willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: [24]
18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and one which entereth into that within the veil;
20 Where the forerunner hath for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
CHAP. 7.
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. [25]
4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they come from the loins of Abraham:
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes from Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. [26]
7 And without any dispute the less is blessed by the better.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
9 And as I may say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called 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 spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang from Judah; of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
18 For there is verily a setting aside of the former commandment on account of its weakness and unprofitableness.
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did ; by which we draw near to God. [27]
20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest :
21 For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said to him, The Lord swore and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek:) [28]
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not allowed to continue by reason of death:
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. [29]
25 Therefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. [30]
26 For such an high priest was befitting for us, who is holy, blameless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law maketh men high priests who have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. [31]
CHAP. 8.
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is seated on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. [32]
3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices: therefore it is of necessity that this man should have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: [33]
5 Who serve to the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished by God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shown to thee in the mount.
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. [34]
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will 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 when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: [35] [36]
11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and groweth old is ready to vanish away.
CHAP. 9.
Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and an earthly sanctuary. [37]
2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, in which was the lampstand, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary. [38]
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5 And over it the cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
6 Now when these things were thus prepared, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God .
7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
8 The Holy Spirit thus signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet revealed, while the first tabernacle was yet standing:
9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and various washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. [39]
11 But Christ became an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us .
13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctify to the purifying of the flesh:
14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [40]
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they who are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. [41]
17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
18 Hence even the first testament was not dedicated without blood. [42]
19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, [43]
20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath commanded you.
21 Moreover he sprinkled likewise with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
22 And almost all things are by the law cleansed with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ hath not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed to men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and to them that look for him he shall appear the second time without sin to salvation.
CHAP. 10.
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers to them perfect.
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once cleansed should have had no more conscience of sins. [44]
3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
5 Therefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: [45]
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8 Before when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure in them ; which are offered by the law;
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10 By that will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all .
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering often the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth waiting till his enemies are made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 Of this the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [46]
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, [47]
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; [48] 21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to stir up to love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much more severe punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, by which he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite to the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth to me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, 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 illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, while ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, while ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the plundering of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. [49]
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye may receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that is coming will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man shall draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back to perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
CHAP. 11.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [50]
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. [51]
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him : for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. [52]
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to move into a place which he should later receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore there sprang even from one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. [53]
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from which they came, they might have had opportunity to return.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: [54]
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from which also he received him in a figure.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. [55]
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he had come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect to the recompence of the reward. [56]
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land : which the Egyptians trying to do were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days.
31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, after she had received the spies with peace. [57]
32 And what more shall I say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, and, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. [58]
CHAP. 12.
Therefore seeing we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. [59]
3 For consider him that endured such hostility by sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted to blood, striving against sin.
5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh to you as to children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked by him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye are without chastisement, of which all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. [60]
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them who are exercised by it.
12 Therefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. [61]
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and by it many be defiled; [62]
16 Lest there be any immoral, or profane person, as Esau, who for one meal sold his birthright. 17 For ye know that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. [63]
18 For ye are not come to the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor to blackness, and to darkness, and tempest,
19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
20 For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with an arrow:
21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and tremble:)
22 But ye are come to mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, who are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, [64]
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. [65]
25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. [66]
28 Therefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: [67]
29 For our God is a consuming fire.
CHAP. 13.
Let brotherly love continue.
2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for by this some have entertained angels unawares.
3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them who suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
5 Let your manner of life be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me.
7 Remember them who have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their manner of life. [68]
8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
9 Be not carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied in them.
10 We have an altar, of which they have no right to eat who serve the tabernacle.
11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp.
12 Therefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate.
13 Let us go forth therefore to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach.
14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. [69]
16 But to do good and to share forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. [70]
18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, [71]
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. [72]
22 And I beseech you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation: for I have written a letter to you in few words.
23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
24 Greet all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy greet you.
25 Grace be with you all. Amen.
Written to the Hebrews from Italy, by Timothy. edit
- ↑ again...: or, when he bringeth again
- ↑ And of: Gr. And unto
- ↑ righteousness: Gr. rightness, or, straightness
- ↑ let...: Gr. run out as leaking vessels
- ↑ gifts: or, distributions
- ↑ lower...: or, while inferior to
- ↑ for the: or, by the
- ↑ took not...: Gr. taketh not hold of angels, but of the seed of Abraham he taketh hold
- ↑ appointed: Gr. made
- ↑ They...: Gr. If they shall enter
- ↑ the word...: Gr. the word of hearing
- ↑ not being...: or, because they were not united by faith to
- ↑ it was: or, the gospel was
- ↑ Jesus: that is, Joshua
- ↑ rest: or, keeping of a sabbath
- ↑ unbelief: or, disobedience
- ↑ can...: or, can reasonably bear with
- ↑ in that...: or, for his piety
- ↑ is unskillful: Gr. hath no experience
- ↑ of full age: or, perfect
- ↑ use: or, an habit, or, perfection
- ↑ principles...: or, word of the beginning of
- ↑ by: or, for
- ↑ confirmed...: Gr. interposed himself by
- ↑ without descent: Gr. without pedigree
- ↑ descent: or, pedigree
- ↑ the bringing...: or, it was the bringing in
- ↑ without...: or, without swearing of an oath
- ↑ an...: or, which passeth not from one to another
- ↑ to the...: or, evermore
- ↑ consecrated: Gr. perfected
- ↑ of the sanctuary: or, of holy things
- ↑ there...: or, they are priests
- ↑ covenant: or, testament
- ↑ put: Gr. give
- ↑ in: or, upon
- ↑ ordinances: or, ceremonies
- ↑ the sanctuary: or, holy
- ↑ ordinances: or, rites, or, ceremonies
- ↑ spot: or, fault
- ↑ be: or, be brought in
- ↑ dedicated: or, purified
- ↑ scarlet: or, purple
- ↑ would...: or, they would have ceased to be offered, because, etc.
- ↑ hast...: or, thou hast fitted me
- ↑ And their: some copies have, Then he said, And their
- ↑ boldness: or, liberty
- ↑ consecrated: or, new made
- ↑ in yourselves...: or, that ye have in or, for yourselves
- ↑ substance: or, ground, or, confidence
- ↑ yet...: or, is yet spoken of
- ↑ moved...: or, being wary
- ↑ in faith: Gr. according to faith
- ↑ of: or, to
- ↑ made...: or, remembered
- ↑ of Christ: or, for Christ
- ↑ that...: or, that were disobedient
- ↑ provided: or, foreseen
- ↑ author: or, beginner
- ↑ after...: or, as seemed good, or, meet to them
- ↑ straight: or, even
- ↑ fail...; or, fall from
- ↑ place...: or, way to change his mind
- ↑ written: or, enrolled
- ↑ covenant: or, testament
- ↑ are shaken: or, may be shaken
- ↑ let...: or, let us hold fast
- ↑ have the rule: or, are the guides
- ↑ giving...: Gr. confessing to
- ↑ have...: or, guide
- ↑ covenant: or, testament
- ↑ working: or, doing