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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 12:15 See 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/12-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/58_Heb_12_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 12:15 - A Call to Holiness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="See 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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/12-15.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/12-15.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 15</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="/ad1.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/12-14.htm" title="Hebrews 12:14">◄</a> Hebrews 12:15 <a href="/hebrews/12-16.htm" title="Hebrews 12:16">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </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 to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. <a href="/nlt/hebrews/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. <a href="/esv/hebrews/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; <a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> See 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. <a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> observing lest any be failing of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up should trouble you and by this, the many might be defiled, <a href="/kjv/hebrews/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/12.htm">New King James Version</a> looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; <a href="/nasb/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; <a href="/lsb/hebrews/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> seeing to it that no one falls short of the grace of God; that no ROOT OF BITTERNESS SPRINGING UP CAUSES TROUBLE, and by it many be defiled; <a href="/amp/hebrews/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; <a href="/csb/hebrews/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many. <a href="/asv/hebrews/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> looking carefully lest there be any man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled; <a href="/cev/hebrews/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Make sure no one misses out on God's wonderful kindness. Don't let anyone become bitter and cause trouble for the rest of you. <a href="/erv/hebrews/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> looking carefully lest there be any man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled; <a href="/gwt/hebrews/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Make sure that everyone has kindness from God so that bitterness doesn't take root and grow up to cause trouble that corrupts many of you. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> Guard against turning back from the grace of God. Let no one become like a bitter plant that grows up and causes many troubles with its poison. <a href="/isv/hebrews/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up and causes you trouble, or many of you will become defiled. <a href="/msb/hebrews/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> See 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. <a href="/net/hebrews/12.htm">NET Bible</a> See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> looking carefully lest there be anyone who falls short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by it many become defiled; <a href="/wbt/hebrews/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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; <a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Be carefully on your guard lest there be any one who falls back from the grace of God; lest any root bearing bitter fruit spring up and cause trouble among you, and through it the whole brotherhood be defiled; <a href="/web/hebrews/12.htm">World English Bible</a> looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you and many be defiled by it, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> observing lest anyone be failing of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up may give trouble, and through this many may be defiled; <a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> observing lest any be failing of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up should trouble you and by this, the many might be defiled, <a href="/ylt/hebrews/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> looking diligently over lest any one be failing of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up may give trouble, and through this many may be defiled; <a href="/slt/hebrews/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Observing narrowly lest any be failing of the grace of God: lest any root of bitterness springing forth aloft give trouble, and by this many be defiled;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Looking diligently, lest any man be wanting to the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up do hinder, and by it many be defiled. <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Be contemplative, lest anyone lack the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up and impede you, and by it, many might be defiled, <a href="/nabre/hebrews/12.htm">New American Bible</a> See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled, <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Take heed lest any man among you be found short of the grace of God; or lest any root of bitterness spring forth and harm you, and thereby many be defiled; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And be watchful, lest anyone among you be found lacking the grace of God, or lest the root of bitterness produce vines and harm you, and many be defiled by it,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> taking care, lest any one slight the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness spring up and trouble you, and by this many be defiled; <a href="/godbey/hebrews/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> looking diligently lest any one may fail from the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up may trouble you, and through it many may be defiled; <a href="/haweis/hebrews/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> carefully observing lest any of you fail of attaining the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and by it many be defiled; <a href="/mace/hebrews/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> take care not to deprive yourselves of the divine favour: and that no poisonous root spring up, and spread a general infection among you. <a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Be carefully on your guard lest there be any one who falls back from the grace of God; lest any root bearing bitter fruit spring up and cause trouble among you, and through it the whole brotherhood be defiled; <a href="/worrell/hebrews/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> looking carefully, lest there be any one falling short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness, springing up, trouble you, and through it many be defiled; <a href="/worsley/hebrews/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> looking to it, least there be any one falling short of the grace of God, least any root of bitterness springing up should be troublesome, and by it many be defiled: <a href="/parallel/hebrews/12-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=2618" 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> 14Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. 15<a href="/greek/1983.htm" title="1983: episkopountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To exercise oversight, care for, visit. From epi and skopeo; to oversee; by implication, to beware.">See to it that</a> <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.">no</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.">one</a> <a href="/greek/5302.htm" title="5302: hysterōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From husteros; to be later, i.e. to be inferior; generally, to fall short.">falls short</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5485.htm" title="5485: charitos (N-GFS) -- From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.">grace</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God,</a> <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.">and that no</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NFS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object."></a> <a href="/greek/4491.htm" title="4491: rhiza (N-NFS) -- A root, shoot, source; that which comes from the root, a descendent. Apparently a primary word; a root.">root</a> <a href="/greek/4088.htm" title="4088: pikrias (N-GFS) -- Bitterness, harshness, hence met: an embittered (resentful) spirit. From pikros; acridity, literally or figuratively.">of bitterness</a> <a href="/greek/5453.htm" title="5453: phyousa (V-PPA-NFS) -- To grow, grow up, spring up. ">springs</a> <a href="/greek/507.htm" title="507: anō (Adv) -- Up, above, up to the top, up to the brim, things above, heaven, the heavenly region. Adverb from anti; upward or on the top.">up</a> <a href="/greek/1776.htm" title="1776: enochlē (V-PSA-3S) -- To disturb, cause tumult, trouble, annoy. From en and ochleo; to crowd in, i.e. to annoy.">to cause trouble</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3392.htm" title="3392: mianthōsin (V-ASP-3P) -- To stain, pollute, defile, corrupt. Perhaps a primary verb; to sully or taint, i.e. Contaminate.">defile</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polloi (Adj-NMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many.</a> 16See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright.…<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="/deuteronomy/29-18.htm">Deuteronomy 29:18</a> Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations. Make sure there is no root among you that bears such poisonous and bitter fruit, <a href="/galatians/5-4.htm">Galatians 5:4</a> You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. <a href="/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23</a> For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.” <a href="/2_corinthians/6-1.htm">2 Corinthians 6:1</a> As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. <a href="/matthew/13-21.htm">Matthew 13:21-22</a> But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. / The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6-9</a> I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. / He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. ... <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Colossians 1:23</a> if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. <a href="/2_peter/3-17.htm">2 Peter 3:17</a> Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing. <a href="/romans/3-3.htm">Romans 3:3</a> What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1</a> Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, <a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">2 Timothy 2:15-16</a> Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth. / But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, <a href="/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14-16</a> But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. / For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. <a href="/1_john/2-10.htm">1 John 2:10-11</a> Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. / But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31</a> Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12-13</a> Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. / For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;Looking.<a href="/hebrews/2-1.htm">Hebrews 2:1,2</a> 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… <a href="/hebrews/3-12.htm">Hebrews 3:12</a> Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.<a href="/hebrews/4-1.htm">Hebrews 4:1,11</a> 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… any man.<a href="/luke/22-32.htm">Luke 22:32</a> But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.<a href="/1_corinthians/13-8.htm">1 Corinthians 13:8</a> Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.<a href="/galatians/5-4.htm">Galatians 5:4</a> Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.fail of.<a href="/galatians/5-4.htm">Galatians 5:4</a> Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.any root.<a href="/hebrews/3-12.htm">Hebrews 3:12</a> Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.<a href="/deuteronomy/29-18.htm">Deuteronomy 29:18</a> Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;<a href="/deuteronomy/32-32.htm">Deuteronomy 32:32</a> For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:trouble.<a href="/joshua/6-18.htm">Joshua 6:18</a> And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it.<a href="/joshua/7-25.htm">Joshua 7:25,26</a> And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones… <a href="/joshua/22-17.htm">Joshua 22:17-20</a> Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD, … and thereby.<a href="/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21</a> And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/titus/2-3.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-14.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Bitterness</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">Brotherhood</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-12.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">Defile</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-13.htm">Defiled</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-12.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-27.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-29.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-13.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-1.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Misses</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-35.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">Root</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-10.htm">Short</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/acts/14-10.htm">Springing</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Thereby</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-13.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-33.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/12-20.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/james/3-11.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/genesis/26-35.htm">Bitterness</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">Brotherhood</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-26.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/jude/1-8.htm">Defile</a> <a href="/revelation/3-4.htm">Defiled</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/james/1-11.htm">Falls</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-21.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-15.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-6.htm">Misses</a> <a href="/james/4-2.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Root</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-22.htm">Short</a> <a href="/james/3-11.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/genesis/26-19.htm">Springing</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Thereby</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-3.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/james/2-10.htm">Whole</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>See to it This phrase is a call to vigilance and responsibility within the Christian community. The Greek word used here is "episkopeo," which means to oversee or look diligently. It implies a communal responsibility, urging believers to watch over one another in love and accountability. Historically, this reflects the early Christian communities' emphasis on mutual care and the importance of maintaining spiritual health within the body of Christ.that no one falls short of the grace of God The phrase "falls short" comes from the Greek "hystereo," meaning to lack or come behind. This is a warning against missing out on the fullness of God's grace, which is freely given but must be actively received and lived out. The grace of God is central to Christian theology, representing unmerited favor and divine assistance. The historical context here is the Jewish-Christian audience of Hebrews, who were tempted to revert to the law rather than fully embracing the grace offered through Christ.and that no root of bitterness The "root of bitterness" is a metaphorical expression derived from <a href="/deuteronomy/29-18.htm">Deuteronomy 29:18</a>, warning against idolatry and turning away from God. In the Greek, "pikria" refers to bitterness or harshness. This phrase cautions against allowing resentment or unforgiveness to take hold, as it can corrupt and defile the community. The historical context emphasizes the need for unity and purity within the church, avoiding divisions that can arise from unresolved conflicts.grows up to cause trouble The imagery of a root growing up suggests something that starts small but can become pervasive and destructive if not addressed. The Greek word "phyo" means to spring up or grow, indicating the potential for bitterness to develop into significant discord. This serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing issues early before they escalate, reflecting the early church's focus on reconciliation and peace.and defile many The term "defile" comes from the Greek "miaino," meaning to stain or pollute. This highlights the communal impact of individual sin, where one person's bitterness can spread and affect the spiritual health of the entire community. The historical context underscores the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, where the actions and attitudes of one member can influence the whole. This serves as a call to personal holiness and communal responsibility, ensuring that the church remains a pure and holy witness to the world.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Lest any man fail.--Rather, whether any one be falling back from the grace of God. The defection of one member of the community brings loss and danger to the whole body. The last words of <a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm" title="For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,">Hebrews 10:26</a> will show what is implied in this "falling back from the grace of God."Any root of bitterness.--It is clear that <a href="/deuteronomy/29-18.htm" title="Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turns away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that bears gall and wormwood;">Deuteronomy 29:18</a>, though not formally quoted, is before the writer's mind. In that chapter Moses had again brought before the people the covenant which, nearly forty years before, had been made and ratified "in Horeb" (see <a href="/context/hebrews/9-18.htm" title="Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.">Hebrews 9:18-20</a>). With especial solemnity he sets before them the sin and terrible punishment of idolatry, "Lest there should be among you man or woman . . . whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood." The marginal note on the last words ("poisonful herb") explains their true meaning--that which springs from the root is not merely bitter, it is also poisonous. Again, therefore (see <a href="/context/hebrews/10-27.htm" title="But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.">Hebrews 10:27-28</a>; <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>), the apostasy to which the Hebrew Christians were tempted is compared with the sin committed by those who by idolatry fell away from God's ancient covenant; and as one idol-worshipper in a community might bring into it a root of bitter poison, so one apostate from the Christian faith would bring trouble and defilement on the Church. In <a href="/acts/8-23.htm" title="For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.">Acts 8:23</a> St. Peter makes reference to the same chapter of Deuteronomy as he speaks to Simon Magus, who, above all other men, proved a root of bitter poison in the early Church. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God (i.e. fall short of it; or, ὑστερῶν being here followed by ἀπὸ, the idea may be rather that of falling back from it); lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many (or, according to the more probable reading, the many, i.e. the general community) be defiled. In this, the usual rendering of the verse, ῇ is supplied, so as to make μήτις ὑστερῶν mean "lest there be any one that fails." But this is not necessary; the verb ἐνοχλῇ ("trouble you") may be common both to the first μήτις and to μήτις ῤίζα, thus: "Lest any one failing... lest any root... trouble you." The sentence may have been broken off after its first clause in order to bring in the appropriate quotation from <a href="/deuteronomy/29-18.htm">Deuteronomy 29:18</a>, which in our A.V. runs thus: "Lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood." The Vatican text of the LXX. has Μήτις ἐστὶν ἐν ὑμῖν ῤίζα ἄνω φύουσα ἐν χολῇ καὶ πικρίᾳ: the Alexandrian, which seems to be followed here, has Μήτις ἐστὶν ἐν ὑμῖν δίζα πικοίας ἄνω φύουσα ἐκογλῆ καὶ πικρίᾳ. The reference in the speech of Moses is to the future possibility of any "man, or we man, or family, or tribe" turning from the LORD to go and serve the gods of the nations, and so involving, not only themselves, but even the whole people in a curse. The figure is that of a plant being allowed to grow of such a nature at its root as to bear bitter and pernicious fruit. There is no special allusion in the word "bitterness" to disturbance of "peace" by dissensions; for this is not the idea in the original passage, nor is it carried out in the following verses of the Epistle. (Cf. <a href="/acts/8-23.htm">Acts 8:23</a>, "Thou art in the gall of bitterness (εἰς χολὴν πικρίας)") <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/12-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Be careful that ἐπισκοποῦντες (episkopountes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1983.htm">Strong's 1983: </a> To exercise oversight, care for, visit. From epi and skopeo; to oversee; by implication, to beware. no 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. one 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. falls short ὑστερῶν (hysterōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5302.htm">Strong's 5302: </a> From husteros; to be later, i.e. to be inferior; generally, to fall short. of ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. grace χάριτος (charitos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5485.htm">Strong's 5485: </a> From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act. of God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. so that no 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. root ῥίζα (rhiza) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4491.htm">Strong's 4491: </a> A root, shoot, source; that which comes from the root, a descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'root'. of bitterness πικρίας (pikrias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4088.htm">Strong's 4088: </a> Bitterness, harshness, hence met: an embittered (resentful) spirit. From pikros; acridity, literally or figuratively. will spring φύουσα (phyousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5453.htm">Strong's 5453: </a> To grow, grow up, spring up. up ἄνω (anō) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_507.htm">Strong's 507: </a> Up, above, up to the top, up to the brim, things above, heaven, the heavenly region. Adverb from anti; upward or on the top. to cause trouble ἐνοχλῇ (enochlē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1776.htm">Strong's 1776: </a> To disturb, cause tumult, trouble, annoy. From en and ochleo; to crowd in, i.e. to annoy. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. defile μιανθῶσιν (mianthōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3392.htm">Strong's 3392: </a> To stain, pollute, defile, corrupt. Perhaps a primary verb; to sully or taint, i.e. Contaminate. many. πολλοί (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/12-15.htm">Hebrews 12:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 12:15 Looking carefully lest there be any man (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 12:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/12-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 12:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:16" /></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>