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Hebrews 12:23 in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
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You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/hebrews/12-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/hebrews/12-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/hebrews/">Hebrews</a> > <a href="/hebrews/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.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/12-22.htm" title="Hebrews 12:22">◄</a> Hebrews 12:23 <a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm" title="Hebrews 12:24">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/hebrews/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and <i>to the</i> assembly, to <i>the</i> church of <i>the</i> firstborn having been enrolled in <i>the</i> heavens, and to God <i>the</i> judge of all, and to <i>the</i> spirits of <i>the</i> righteous having been perfected,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />to the general assembly and church of the firstborn <i>who are</i> registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />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 <i>the</i> righteous made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />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 the righteous made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />to the festal gathering and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of <i>the</i> righteous made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are registered [as citizens] in heaven, and to God, who is Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous (the redeemed in heaven) who have been made perfect [bringing them to their final glory],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to God who is the Judge of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Here you will find all of God's dearest children, whose names are written in heaven. And you will find God himself, who judges everyone. Here also are the spirits of those good people who have been made perfect. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />and to the assembly of God's firstborn children (whose names are written in heaven). You have come to a judge (the God of all people) and to the spirits of people who have God's approval and have gained eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You have come to the joyful gathering of God's first-born, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, who is the judge of all people, and to the spirits of good people made perfect. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to a judge who is the God of all, to the spirits of righteous people who have been made perfect, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and congregation of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous, who have been made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />To the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />to the great festal gathering and Church of the first-born, whose names are recorded in Heaven, and to a Judge who is God of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />to the festal gathering and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />to the assembly-place and Assembly of the Firstborn registered in Heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and <i>to the</i> assembly, to <i>the</i> church of <i>the</i> firstborn having been enrolled in <i>the</i> heavens, and to God <i>the</i> judge of all, and to <i>the</i> spirits of <i>the</i> righteous having been perfected,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> to the company and assembly of the first-born in heaven enrolled, and to God the judge of all, and to spirits of righteous men made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To the assembly of people, and church of the firstborn, transcribed in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the just perfected,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And to the church of the firstborn, who are written in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and to the Church of the first-born, those who have been inscribed in the heavens, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And to the congregation of the first converts who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of pious men made perfect<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And to the church of the firstborn ones who are written in Heaven, and to God The Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous who are made perfect,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />to the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />to the whole company, and to the church of the first-born, who have been written in the heavens, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of justified people who have been made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />and to the general assembly and church of the first-born registered in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men perfected,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />the church of the first-born who are enroll'd in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />to the great festal gathering and Church of the first-born, whose names are recorded in Heaven, and to a Judge who is God of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />to the general festal throng, and assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous ones made perfect;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/12-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=2693" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">An Unshakable Kingdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3831.htm" title="3831: panēgyrei (N-DFS) -- A festival assembly. From pas and a derivative of agora; a mass-meeting, i.e. universal companionship.">in joyful assembly,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsia (N-DFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">to the congregation</a> <a href="/greek/4416.htm" title="4416: prōtotokōn (Adj-GMP) -- First-born, eldest. From protos and the alternate of tikto; first-born.">of the firstborn,</a> <a href="/greek/583.htm" title="583: apogegrammenōn (V-RPM/P-GMP) -- From apo and grapho; to write off, i.e. Enrol.">enrolled</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranois (N-DMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">You have come</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theō (N-DMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">to God</a> <a href="/greek/2923.htm" title="2923: Kritē (N-DMS) -- A judge, magistrate, ruler. From krino; a judge.">the Judge</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">of all,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneumasi (N-DNP) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">to the spirits</a> <a href="/greek/1342.htm" title="1342: dikaiōn (Adj-GMP) -- From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.">of the righteous</a> <a href="/greek/5048.htm" title="5048: teteleiōmenōn (V-RPM/P-GMP) -- From teleios; to complete, i.e. accomplish, or consummate.">made perfect,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/21-27.htm">Revelation 21:27</a></span><br />But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-3.htm">Philippians 4:3</a></span><br />Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-20.htm">Luke 10:20</a></span><br />Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-5.htm">Revelation 3:5</a></span><br />Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-10.htm">Daniel 7:10</a></span><br />A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/32-32.htm">Exodus 32:32-33</a></span><br />Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” / The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-28.htm">Psalm 69:28</a></span><br />May they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/20-12.htm">Revelation 20:12</a></span><br />And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-12.htm">1 Peter 1:12</a></span><br />It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Romans 8:29</a></span><br />For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-2.htm">1 Corinthians 1:2</a></span><br />To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4</a></span><br />For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-12.htm">Colossians 1:12</a></span><br />giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1-2</a></span><br />Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. / Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-31.htm">Matthew 25:31-32</a></span><br />When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,</p><p class="hdg">the general.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/89-7.htm">Psalm 89:7</a></b></br> God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all <i>them that are</i> about him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/111-1.htm">Psalm 111:1</a></b></br> Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with <i>my</i> whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and <i>in</i> the congregation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a></b></br> Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.</p><p class="hdg">the firstborn.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22</a></b></br> And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel <i>is</i> my son, <i>even</i> my firstborn:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/13-2.htm">Exodus 13:2</a></b></br> Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, <i>both</i> of man and of beast: it <i>is</i> mine.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/21-17.htm">Deuteronomy 21:17</a></b></br> But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated <i>for</i> the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he <i>is</i> the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn <i>is</i> his.</p><p class="hdg">which.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/32-32.htm">Exodus 32:32</a></b></br> Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/69-28.htm">Psalm 69:28</a></b></br> Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/10-20.htm">Luke 10:20</a></b></br> Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.</p><p class="hdg">written.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/6-10.htm">Hebrews 6:10-12</a></b></br> For God <i>is</i> not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/9-27.htm">Hebrews 9:27</a></b></br> And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Genesis 18:25</a></b></br> That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?</p><p class="hdg">the spirits.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4,40</a></b></br> By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7</a></b></br> Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a></b></br> For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-12.htm">Church</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Company</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-14.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Enrolled</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Festal</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">First</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Gathering</a> <a href="/acts/6-5.htm">General</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-10.htm">Good</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-30.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-25.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">Names</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-40.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">Recorded</a> <a href="/luke/10-20.htm">Registered</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-7.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/2-2.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/james/5-14.htm">Church</a> <a href="/revelation/18-9.htm">Company</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-1.htm">Enrolled</a> <a href="/genesis/45-22.htm">Festal</a> <a href="/james/1-18.htm">First</a> <a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/genesis/1-10.htm">Gathering</a> <a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">General</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Good</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-25.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/james/2-2.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/revelation/3-4.htm">Names</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/revelation/13-8.htm">Recorded</a> <a href="/numbers/11-26.htm">Registered</a> <a href="/james/1-20.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/james/2-19.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-22.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness by Christ's example</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">A commendation of the new covenant.</a></span><br></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'; 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It reflects the joy and unity found in the presence of God, similar to the joy expressed in <a href="/psalms/100-2.htm">Psalm 100:2</a>, "Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing." The assembly is not just a physical gathering but a spiritual one, indicating the unity of believers in Christ.<p><b>to the congregation of the firstborn</b><br>The term "firstborn" signifies preeminence and inheritance rights, as seen in the Old Testament with figures like Esau and Jacob. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the "firstborn over all creation" (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>), indicating His supremacy. The "congregation of the firstborn" refers to the church, those who are in Christ and share in His inheritance. This echoes the idea of believers being co-heirs with Christ (<a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17</a>).<p><b>enrolled in heaven</b><br>This phrase suggests a divine registry, akin to the book of life mentioned in <a href="/revelation/21-27.htm">Revelation 21:27</a>. It implies security and assurance of salvation for those whose names are written there. The concept of being "enrolled" indicates a formal acknowledgment by God, reflecting the ancient practice of recording citizens' names in a city register, ensuring their rights and privileges.<p><b>You have come to God the Judge of all</b><br>This highlights God's role as the ultimate judge, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. It underscores His sovereignty and justice, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/50-6.htm">Psalm 50:6</a>, "And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is judge." This phrase serves as a reminder of the accountability all creation has before God, aligning with the eschatological themes in the book of Hebrews.<p><b>to the spirits of the righteous made perfect</b><br>This refers to the completion and fulfillment of the saints' faith, as discussed earlier in <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, the "Hall of Faith." The "righteous made perfect" indicates the final sanctification and glorification of believers, a process completed in the presence of God. It connects to the promise of perfection and eternal life found in passages like <a href="/philippians/1-6.htm">Philippians 1:6</a>, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/assembly_of_the_firstborn.htm">Assembly of the Firstborn</a></b><br>This refers to the collective body of believers who are considered the "firstborn" in Christ, indicating their privileged status and inheritance in the kingdom of God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enrolled_in_heaven.htm">Enrolled in Heaven</a></b><br>This phrase signifies the believers whose names are written in the Book of Life, symbolizing their eternal citizenship in heaven.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god_the_judge_of_all.htm">God the Judge of All</a></b><br>This highlights God's role as the ultimate judge, emphasizing His authority and righteousness in judging all humanity.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/spirits_of_the_righteous_made_perfect.htm">Spirits of the Righteous Made Perfect</a></b><br>This refers to the souls of believers who have been made perfect through Christ, indicating their sanctification and completion in the afterlife.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/heavenly_citizenship.htm">Heavenly Citizenship</a></b><br>Believers are called to live with the awareness that their true citizenship is in heaven. This should influence their values, priorities, and lifestyle on earth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/assurance_of_salvation.htm">Assurance of Salvation</a></b><br>The concept of being "enrolled in heaven" provides assurance of salvation for believers. It is a reminder of the security and hope found in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_righteous_judgment.htm">God's Righteous Judgment</a></b><br>Understanding God as the Judge of all should lead to a reverent fear of the Lord and a commitment to live righteously, knowing that all actions are accountable to Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/sanctification_and_perfection.htm">Sanctification and Perfection</a></b><br>The journey of faith involves being made perfect in Christ. Believers are encouraged to pursue holiness and spiritual growth, trusting in God's work of sanctification.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_church_of_the_firstborn.htm">What is the Church of the Firstborn?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_church_of_god.htm">What defines the Church of God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/major_prophets_and_their_significance.htm">What is the Church of the Firstborn?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_holy_days_of_obligation.htm">What are the Holy Days of Obligation?</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>(23) <span class= "bld">And to God the Judge of all.</span>--The order of the Greek seems to require the rendering, <span class= "ital">and to a Judge </span>(<span class= "ital">who is</span>)<span class= "ital"> God of all.</span> Up to this point our thought has rested on the heavenly world and those who from the time of their creation have been its inhabitants. Men who have passed through this earthly life have no essential right to citizenship in the "heavenly Jerusalem." They come before a Judge (comp. <a href="/hebrews/9-27.htm" title="And as it is appointed to men once to die, but after this the judgment:">Hebrews 9:27</a>). "The Lord shall judge His people" (<a href="/hebrews/10-30.htm" title="For we know him that has said, Vengeance belongs to me, I will recompense, said the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.">Hebrews 10:30</a>), severing between His servants and His foes (<a href="/malachi/3-18.htm" title="Then shall you return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves him not.">Malachi 3:18</a>; <a href="/malachi/4-1.htm" title="For, behold, the day comes, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yes, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that comes shall burn them up, said the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.">Malachi 4:1</a>), condemning the wicked, and receiving the righteous to His own dwelling-place. This Judge is "God of all"--of angels and of righteous souls (<a href="//apocrypha.org/wisdom_of_solomon/3-1.htm" title="But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them.">Wisdom Of Solomon 3:1</a>), and of Christian men who "draw nigh" to the celestial city. How characteristic of the writer and his theme is the introduction of these solemn words into the midst of this description of Christian privilege and blessing.<p><span class= "bld">And to the spirits of just men made perfect.</span>--The last verses of Hebrews 11 are at once called before the mind by these words. The "righteous" men have "by faith" run their course (<a href="/hebrews/10-38.htm" title="Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.">Hebrews 10:38</a>; <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm" title="By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks.">Hebrews 11:4</a>; <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm" title="By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.">Hebrews 11:7</a>; <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm" title="Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.">Philippians 3:12</a>); they have obtained the promises (<a href="/hebrews/6-15.htm" title="And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.">Hebrews 6:15</a>; <a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm" title="Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.">Hebrews 11:1</a>). The analogy of Scripture forbids us to consider their present state as the full consummation; for that, these "spirits" and we who are yet "in the body" await the day of the resurrection. These words, however, do not refer to the period of the Old Covenant only; indeed they do not in strictness belong to that period at all. The spirits of the righteous servants of Christ join the same fellowship; and only when Christ was manifested does the state to which the name "perfection" is thus given seem to have begun. What was received by those "spirits of the righteous" when they saw the day of Christ, we cannot tell; but. the teaching of Scripture seems to be that they were raised to some higher state of blessedness. These are the new inhabitants of the world above; they have come into the presence of God by means of the blood of sprinkling, through Jesus. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/12-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">in joyful assembly,</span><br /><span class="grk">πανηγύρει</span> <span class="translit">(panēgyrei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3831.htm">Strong's 3831: </a> </span><span class="str2">A festival assembly. From pas and a derivative of agora; a mass-meeting, i.e. universal companionship.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[to the] congregation</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκκλησίᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(ekklēsia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of [the] firstborn,</span><br /><span class="grk">πρωτοτόκων</span> <span class="translit">(prōtotokōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4416.htm">Strong's 4416: </a> </span><span class="str2">First-born, eldest. From protos and the alternate of tikto; first-born.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">enrolled</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπογεγραμμένων</span> <span class="translit">(apogegrammenōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_583.htm">Strong's 583: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and grapho; to write off, i.e. Enrol.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heaven.</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐρανοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(ouranois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[You have come]</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεῷ</span> <span class="translit">(Theō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] judge</span><br /><span class="grk">Κριτῇ</span> <span class="translit">(Kritē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2923.htm">Strong's 2923: </a> </span><span class="str2">A judge, magistrate, ruler. From krino; a judge.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of all [men],</span><br /><span class="grk">πάντων</span> <span class="translit">(pantōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to [the] spirits</span><br /><span class="grk">πνεύμασι</span> <span class="translit">(pneumasi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">of [the] righteous</span><br /><span class="grk">δικαίων</span> <span class="translit">(dikaiōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1342.htm">Strong's 1342: </a> </span><span class="str2">From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">made perfect,</span><br /><span class="grk">τετελειωμένων</span> <span class="translit">(teteleiōmenōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> </span><span class="str2">From teleios; to complete, i.e. accomplish, or consummate.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and assembly (Heb. He. 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