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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm" title="Hebrews 12:15">◄</a> Hebrews 12:16 <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm" title="Hebrews 12:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/hebrews/12.htm">New International Version</a> See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. <a href="/nlt/hebrews/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. <a href="/esv/hebrews/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. <a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. <a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> lest there be any fornicator or profane person, as Esau, who for one meal sold his birthright. <a href="/kjv/hebrews/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/12.htm">New King James Version</a> lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> that there be no sexually immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. <a href="/nasb/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. <a href="/lsb/hebrews/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> that also there be no sexually immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. <a href="/amp/hebrews/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and [see to it] that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. <a href="/csb/hebrews/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> And make sure that there isn&#8217t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for one meal. <a href="/asv/hebrews/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> lest there be any fornication, or profane person, as Esau, who for one mess of meat sold his own birthright. <a href="/cev/hebrews/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Watch out for immoral and ungodly people like Esau, who sold his future blessing for only one meal. <a href="/erv/hebrews/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one mess of meat sold his own birthright. <a href="/gwt/hebrews/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Make sure that no one commits sexual sin or is as concerned about earthly things as Esau was. He sold his rights as the firstborn son for a single meal. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> Let no one become immoral or unspiritual like Esau, who for a single meal sold his rights as the older son. <a href="/isv/hebrews/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> No one should be immoral or godless like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. <a href="/msb/hebrews/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. <a href="/net/hebrews/12.htm">NET Bible</a> And see to it that no one becomes an immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> that there be no sexually immoral or profane person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for one meal. <a href="/wbt/hebrews/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birth-right. <a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> lest there be a fornicator, or an ungodly person like Esau, who, in return for a single meal, parted with the birthright which belonged to him. <a href="/web/hebrews/12.htm">World English Bible</a> lest there be any sexually immoral person or profane person, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> lest anyone be a fornicator, or a profane person, as Esau, who in exchange for one morsel of food sold his birthright, <a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> lest there be any fornicator or profane person, as Esau, who for one meal sold his birthright. <a href="/ylt/hebrews/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> lest any one be a fornicator, or a profane person, as Esau, who in exchange for one morsel of food did sell his birthright, <a href="/slt/hebrews/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Lest any fornicator, or profane, as Esau, who for one act of eating sold his primogeniture.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau; who for one mess, sold his first birthright. <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> lest any fornicator or worldly person be like Esau, who, for the sake of one meal, sold his birthright. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/12.htm">New American Bible</a> that no one be an immoral or profane person like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> See to it that no one becomes like Esau, an immoral and godless person, who sold his birthright for a single meal.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Or lest any man among you be found immoral and weak like Esau, who sold his birthright for a morsel of meat. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Or lest a man be found among you as a fornicator, or debauched, like Esau, who for one meal sold his birthright.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> lest there be any lewd person, or profane man, as Esau, who, for a single meal, sold his birthright. <a href="/godbey/hebrews/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> lest any one may be a fornicator, or a profane person, as was Esau, who for one morsel sold his birthright. <a href="/haweis/hebrews/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of bread parted with his birthrights. <a href="/mace/hebrews/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> let there be no licentious or profane person, such as Esau, "who sold his birth-right, for a single mess." <a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> lest there be a fornicator, or an ungodly person like Esau, who, in return for a single meal, parted with the birthright which belonged to him. <a href="/worrell/hebrews/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> lest there be any fornicator or profane person, as Esau, who, for one meal, yielded up his own birth-right. <a href="/worsley/hebrews/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> least there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one repast gave away his birthright. <a href="/parallel/hebrews/12-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=2629" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">A Call to Holiness</a> …15See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many. 16<a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">See to it that</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">no one is</a> <a href="/greek/4205.htm" title="4205: pornos (N-NMS) -- A fornicator, man who prostitutes himself. From pernemi; a prostitute, i.e. a debauchee.">sexually immoral,</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/952.htm" title="952: bebēlos (Adj-NMS) -- Permitted to be trodden, accessible. From the base of basis and belos; accessible, i.e. heathenish, wicked.">is godless</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">like</a> <a href="/greek/2269.htm" title="2269: Ēsau (N-NMS) -- Esau, elder son of Isaac the patriarch, brother of Jacob. Of Hebrew origin; Esau, an Edomite.">Esau,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/473.htm" title="473: anti (Prep) -- A primary particle; opposite, i.e. Instead or because of.">for</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: mias (Adj-GFS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">a single</a> <a href="/greek/1035.htm" title="1035: brōseōs (N-GFS) -- (a) abstr: eating, (b) food, a meal, (c) rust. From the base of bibrosko; eating; by extension food.">meal</a> <a href="/greek/591.htm" title="591: apedeto (V-AIM-3S) -- From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.">sold</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautou (RefPro-GM3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4415.htm" title="4415: prōtotokia (N-ANP) -- The birthright, the rights of the first-born. From prototokos; primogeniture.">birthright.</a> 17For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Genesis 25:29-34</a> One day, while Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the field and was famished. / He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished.” (That is why he was also called Edom.) / “First sell me your birthright,” Jacob replied. ... <a href="/genesis/27-30.htm">Genesis 27:30-40</a> As soon as Isaac had finished blessing him and Jacob had left his father’s presence, his brother Esau returned from the hunt. / He too made some tasty food, brought it to his father, and said to him, “My father, sit up and eat of your son’s game, so that you may bless me.” / But his father Isaac replied, “Who are you?” “I am Esau, your firstborn son,” he answered. ... <a href="/malachi/1-2.htm">Malachi 1:2-3</a> “I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.” <a href="/romans/9-10.htm">Romans 9:10-13</a> Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ... <a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">Philippians 3:18-19</a> For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. / Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a> Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. <a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">2 Peter 2:14-16</a> Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed. / They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. / But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. <a href="/jude/1-4.htm">Jude 1:4</a> For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. <a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a> Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a> The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Ephesians 5:3-5</a> But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. / Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. / For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. <a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5-6</a> Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a> Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. <a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1-5</a> But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. / For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, ... <a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Revelation 21:8</a> But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.any fornicator.<a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Hebrews 13:4</a> Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.<a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Mark 7:21</a> For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,<a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Acts 15:20,29</a> But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood… as Esau.<a href="/genesis/25-31.htm">Genesis 25:31-34</a> And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright… <a href="/genesis/27-36.htm">Genesis 27:36</a> And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/7-13.htm">Belonged</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-2.htm">Birthright</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-2.htm">Birth-Right</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-20.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-37.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-10.htm">Food</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-5.htm">Fornicator</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-16.htm">Godless</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">Immoral</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm">Irreligious</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-34.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/john/13-30.htm">Morsel</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">Oldest</a> <a href="/philemon/1-15.htm">Parted</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm">Profane</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">Rights</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">Sexually</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-14.htm">Single</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-25.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">Ungodly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/1-11.htm">Belonged</a> <a href="/genesis/25-31.htm">Birthright</a> <a href="/genesis/25-31.htm">Birth-Right</a> <a href="/genesis/25-25.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/james/1-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-9.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-11.htm">Fornicator</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-18.htm">Godless</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Immoral</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-18.htm">Irreligious</a> <a href="/genesis/18-6.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/genesis/1-29.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/genesis/18-5.htm">Morsel</a> <a href="/genesis/10-15.htm">Oldest</a> <a href="/genesis/2-10.htm">Parted</a> <a href="/revelation/21-27.htm">Profane</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/exodus/21-9.htm">Rights</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Sexually</a> <a href="/revelation/9-13.htm">Single</a> <a href="/genesis/25-33.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-18.htm">Ungodly</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 12</div>1. <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness by Christ's example</a> 22. <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">A commendation of the new covenant.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>See to it that no one is sexually immoral This phrase serves as a warning against sexual immorality, a recurring theme in biblical teachings. Sexual immorality is often condemned in Scripture, as seen in passages like <a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">1 Corinthians 6:18-20</a>, where believers are urged to flee from sexual sin. The call to vigilance ("See to it") implies a communal responsibility within the church to uphold moral standards. In the cultural context of the early church, sexual immorality was prevalent in Greco-Roman society, making this admonition particularly relevant. The emphasis on purity reflects the call to holiness found throughout the New Testament.or is godless like Esau Esau is used as an example of godlessness, highlighting his lack of spiritual discernment and disregard for sacred matters. In <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Genesis 25:29-34</a>, Esau's decision to sell his birthright for a meal demonstrates a prioritization of immediate physical needs over spiritual inheritance. This act is seen as a rejection of the covenantal blessings associated with the birthright, which included leadership of the family and a double portion of the inheritance. Esau's actions are contrasted with the faithfulness expected of believers, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, which lists examples of faith.who for a single meal sold his birthright This phrase underscores the gravity of Esau's decision, emphasizing the triviality of what he gained compared to what he lost. The birthright in ancient Near Eastern culture was a significant privilege, often linked to the Abrahamic covenant and God's promises. Esau's choice reflects a lack of foresight and spiritual appreciation, serving as a cautionary tale for believers to value their spiritual inheritance. This narrative is a type of Christ, as Jesus, the firstborn over all creation (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>), did not forsake His divine mission for temporary gain. The story of Esau warns against the dangers of prioritizing earthly desires over eternal rewards, a theme echoed in <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/esau.htm">Esau</a> The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, Esau is known for selling his birthright to his brother Jacob for a meal. He is often used as an example of someone who failed to value spiritual blessings. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> Esau's younger brother, who valued the birthright and received the blessings that came with it. His actions contrast with Esau's disregard for spiritual inheritance. 3. <a href="/topical/b/birthright.htm">Birthright</a> In the Hebrew tradition, the birthright was a significant inheritance given to the firstborn son, including leadership of the family and a double portion of the inheritance. 4. <a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a> The father of Esau and Jacob, Isaac's blessings were sought after by both sons, highlighting the importance of the birthright. 5. <a href="/topical/r/rebekah.htm">Rebekah</a> The mother of Esau and Jacob, who played a role in ensuring Jacob received the blessing from Isaac.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/v/value_spiritual_inheritance.htm">Value Spiritual Inheritance</a> Just as Esau's disregard for his birthright led to significant loss, Christians are encouraged to value their spiritual inheritance in Christ above all else. <a href="/topical/a/avoid_immediate_gratification.htm">Avoid Immediate Gratification</a> Esau's choice to satisfy his immediate hunger at the cost of his birthright serves as a warning against prioritizing temporary pleasures over eternal rewards. <a href="/topical/g/guard_against_godlessness.htm">Guard Against Godlessness</a> The term "godless" implies a lack of reverence for sacred things. Christians are called to live with a deep respect for God's gifts and commands. <a href="/topical/s/sexual_immorality_warning.htm">Sexual Immorality Warning</a> The inclusion of sexual immorality in this verse serves as a reminder to maintain purity and holiness, recognizing the broader implications of moral choices. <a href="/topical/l/learn_from_biblical_examples.htm">Learn from Biblical Examples</a> Esau's account is a cautionary tale. Believers should learn from his mistakes and strive to make choices that honor God and reflect their faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 12</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_biblical_birthright.htm">What is the biblical concept of birthright?</a> <a href="/q/what_caused_cain's_death.htm">What is the significance of red hair in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_esau_sell_his_birthright.htm">Why did Esau sell his birthright to Jacob?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_favor_jacob_over_esau.htm">Why did God favor Jacob over Esau?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) Lest there be.--Better (as in the last verse), whether there be. Though Jewish tradition (see, for example, the Targum of Palestine on <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm" title="And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:">Genesis 25:29</a>) affirms that Esau was a man of impure life, it is not probable that he is so represented in this verse. Here he is mentioned as a type of "the profane," who care not for divine things, but only for the gains and pleasures of this world.Who for one morsel of meat.--Better, who for one meal sold his own birthright (<a href="/context/genesis/25-29.htm" title="And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:">Genesis 25:29-34</a>). We cannot suppose that the writer has in thought the material rights of the firstborn, such as his claim on pre-eminence and, possibly (see <a href="/deuteronomy/21-17.htm" title="But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he has: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.">Deuteronomy 21:17</a>), on a larger share of his father's possessions. Tradition relates that, up to the time of Aaron, priestly functions were discharged by each firstborn son (comp. <a href="/context/numbers/3-5.htm" title="And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,">Numbers 3:5-12</a>); and to the line of the firstborn would seem to belong that "blessing of Abraham" (<a href="/genesis/28-4.htm" title="And give you the blessing of Abraham, to you, and to your seed with you; that you may inherit the land wherein you are a stranger, which God gave to Abraham.">Genesis 28:4</a>) which every one who shared Abraham's faith would earnestly desire to possess. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 16, 17. - Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited (i.e. desired to inherit) the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. The word "fornicator" is to be understood literally, not figuratively (as Ebrard) of spiritual fornication (see ἁγιασμὸν, ver. 14). Βέβηλος ("profane") denotes one outside the sphere of sanctity, and so debarred from sacred privileges. Esau is appropriately adduced as a notable instance in the Old Testament of a person thus profane, and especially, in the way of warning, of one who lost irrecoverably the privileges which in his profaneness he had scorned. It is immaterial whether Esau himself is intended to be designated as a fornicator (πόρνος) as well as profane (βέβηλος). The essential moral of his history is this: being the firstborn of Israel, and so the primary inheritor of the promises made to Abraham, he set no store by the privilege, and so lost it irretrievably. In early life he so lightly esteemed his birthright as the eldest born (carrying with it, as is supposed, in the patriarchal age, the priesthood of the family, and in his case, as might be presumed, the custody and transmission of the promises) that he parted with it for the gratification of a passing appetite. His words on that occasion expressed the limit of his aims and interests: "Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?" Later in life he nevertheless presented himself to claim the blessing of the firstborn from his dying father, but found that he had been forestalled. It does not appear that he had meanwhile changed his mode of life or made amends for his former carelessness; still, he felt now that he had lost something worth having, and was grieved exceedingly. But not even his "great and exceeding bitter cry" availed then to recover what was forfeited. And so neither he nor his seed had part or lot in the Abrahamic promises: the time of opportunity was gone forever. There is some doubt with regard to the latter part of ver. 17, (1) as to whether "it" (αἰτήν) in "he sought it" refers to "repentance" (μετανοίας) or to "the blessing" (τὴν εὐλογίαν); (2) as to what "place of repentance" means. If "it" refers to "repentance," it is difficult to see how Esau's own repentance can be meant; for not only does seeking repentance with tears seem in itself to imply the capability of it, but also the "great and exceeding bitter cry" to which allusion is made was, not because he could not himself repent, but because he could not get the blessing. Hence, if "it" refers to "repentance," it must be repentance, i.e. change of mind, in Isaac that is meant, or rather in God, against whose will Isaac could not go; cf. "God is not a man... that he should repent" (<a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a>). Of such change of mind and purpose it may be meant that Esau found no place. This seems to be the view of many modern interpreters, though not of Bengel, De Wette, Bleek, Hofmann, Delitzsch, Alford, or of Luther, Calvin, Grotius, or any of the Greek Fathers. Against it is the consideration that such is not the more obvious meaning of "he found no place of repentance," taken by itself, especially as μετανοία is always elsewhere in the New Testament (though not always in the LXX.) used for a person's change of mind with respect to his own misdoings (cf. supra, Hebrews 6:6). Difficulty on this ground is removed if, taking the clause, "for he found no place of repentance," as parenthetical, we refer αὐτὴν to τὴν εὐλογίαν, preceding. This is by no means a forced construction of the sentence, and it is supported (as above intimated) by the fact that in Genesis it is the blessing itself that Esau is expressly said to have craved in his "great and exceeding bitter cry:" "Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept." Thus we may render either, "When he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place of repentance [i.e. of change of mind in the bestower of the blessing], though he sought it [i.e. such change of mind] with tears;" or, "When he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected (for he found no place of repentance), though he sought it [i.e. the blessing] with tears." If, the latter rendering being adopted, Esau's own repentance be intended, the idea maybe, either that there was no place left in which even a real repentance could avail, or that of a real repentance he had become incapable; for his tears might be those only of vexation and remorse, not expressing any more appreciation than before of the birthright in its religious aspect. Ebrard's remark, that his conduct as related in <a href="/genesis/33.htm">Genesis 33</a>, shows "a changed heart," and hence a true repentance, is not to the point. For all that there appears is that he had got over his angry feeling towards his brother; it is by no means implied - rather the contrary - that he would have preferred his destiny to his own, or that his views of life had risen above thoughts of worldly prosperity. We observe, further, that nothing is implied one way or the other as to Esau's own salvation; it is only the privilege of being the patriarch of the chosen seed that he is said to have thus irrecoverably forfeited. But his example is adduced as a warning to Christians with regard to their still more precious inheritance, which does involve their own eternal prospects. The warning to them is similar to those of <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4</a>, etc., and <a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Hebrews 10:26</a>, etc., to the effect that sacred privileges, if persistently slighted, may be lost beyond recovery. And if the passage before us seems to imply, according to one view of it, what the former ones were found not to do, the possible inefficacy of a true repentance, however late, - we may say that, even if this is implied of Esau with respect to his lost blessing, it is not therefore necessarily implied of Christians with respect to their personal salvation; or that, if it is implied of them, it is not till their probation in this life is over that a "place of repentance" in this sense can for them be found no more (cf. the parable of the ten virgins (<a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1</a>, etc.); also <a href="/matthew/7-22.htm">Matthew 7:22</a>, etc.; <a href="/luke/13-24.htm">Luke 13:24</a>, etc.). One of Dr. Newman's Parochial Sermons ("Life the Season of Repentance," vol. 6. 'Sermon' 2) strikingly sets forth this view. See also 'Christian Year' (Second Sunday in Lent), with the appended note: "Esau's probation, as far as his birthright was concerned, was quite over when he uttered the cry in the text. His despondency, therefore, is not parallel to anything on this side the grave." <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/12-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[See to it] that μή (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. [no one is] τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. sexually immoral, πόρνος (pornos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4205.htm">Strong's 4205: </a> A fornicator, man who prostitutes himself. From pernemi; a prostitute, i.e. a debauchee. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. is godless βέβηλος (bebēlos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_952.htm">Strong's 952: </a> Permitted to be trodden, accessible. From the base of basis and belos; accessible, i.e. heathenish, wicked. like ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. Esau, Ἠσαῦ (Ēsau) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2269.htm">Strong's 2269: </a> Esau, elder son of Isaac the patriarch, brother of Jacob. Of Hebrew origin; Esau, an Edomite. who ὃς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. sold ἀπέδετο (apedeto) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_591.htm">Strong's 591: </a> From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc. his ἑαυτοῦ (heautou) Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. birthright πρωτοτόκια (prōtotokia) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4415.htm">Strong's 4415: </a> The birthright, the rights of the first-born. From prototokos; primogeniture. for ἀντὶ (anti) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_473.htm">Strong's 473: </a> A primary particle; opposite, i.e. Instead or because of. a single μιᾶς (mias) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. meal. βρώσεως (brōseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1035.htm">Strong's 1035: </a> (a) abstr: eating, (b) food, a meal, (c) rust. From the base of bibrosko; eating; by extension food. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-16.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any sexually immoral person (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 12:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 12:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>