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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 12:17 For 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/12-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/58_Heb_12_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 12:17 - A Call to Holiness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For 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." /><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/12-17.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/12-17.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 17</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="/ad17.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/12-16.htm" title="Hebrews 12:16">◄</a> Hebrews 12:17 <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm" title="Hebrews 12:18">►</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> Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done. <a href="/nlt/hebrews/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears. <a href="/esv/hebrews/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. <a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For 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. <a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For you know that even afterward, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place of repentance, although having earnestly sought it with tears. <a href="/kjv/hebrews/12.htm">King James Bible</a> For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/12.htm">New King James Version</a> For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears. <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For you know that even afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. <a href="/nasb/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. <a href="/lsb/hebrews/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. <a href="/amp/hebrews/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For you know that later on, when he wanted [to regain title to] his inheritance of the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance [there was no way to repair what he had done, no chance to recall the choice he had made], even though he sought for it with [bitter] tears. <a href="/csb/hebrews/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he didn&#8217t find any opportunity for repentance, though he sought it with tears. <a href="/asv/hebrews/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought it diligently with tears. <a href="/cev/hebrews/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You know how he later wanted it back. But there was nothing he could do to change things, even though he begged his father and cried. <a href="/erv/hebrews/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected (for he found no place of repentance), though he sought it diligently with tears. <a href="/gwt/hebrews/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You know that afterwards, when he wanted to receive the blessing that the firstborn son was to receive, he was rejected. Even though he begged and cried for the blessing, he couldn't do anything to change what had happened. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> Afterward, you know, he wanted to receive his father's blessing; but he was turned back, because he could not find any way to change what he had done, even though in tears he looked for it. <a href="/isv/hebrews/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> For you know that afterwards, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he could not find any opportunity to repent, even though he begged to repent with tears. <a href="/msb/hebrews/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For 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. <a href="/net/hebrews/12.htm">NET Bible</a> For you know that later when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance, although he sought the blessing with tears. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears. <a href="/wbt/hebrews/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For ye know that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. <a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For you know that even afterwards, when he wished to secure the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no opportunity for undoing what he had done, though he sought the blessing earnestly with tears. <a href="/web/hebrews/12.htm">World English Bible</a> For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for you know that also afterward, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was disapproved of, for he did not find a place of conversion, though having sought it with tears. <a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For you know that even afterward, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place of repentance, although having earnestly sought it with tears. <a href="/ylt/hebrews/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for ye know that also afterwards, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was disapproved of, for a place of reformation he found not, though with tears having sought it. <a href="/slt/hebrews/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For ye know also afterwards, wishing to inherit the praise, he was disapproved of: for he found no place for a change of mind, although having sought it with tears.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For know ye that afterwards, when he desired to inherit the benediction, he was rejected; for he found no place of repentance, although with tears he had sought it. <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For you know that afterwards, when he desired to inherit the benediction, he was rejected. For he found no place for repentance, even though he had sought it with tears. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/12.htm">New American Bible</a> For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit his father’s blessing, he was rejected because he found no opportunity to change his mind, even though he sought the blessing with tears. <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, even though he sought the blessing with tears.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For you know that afterward when he wished to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, and he had no chance of recovery, even though he sought it with tears. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For you know that afterward he desired to inherit the blessing and was rejected, for he found no place of restoration, while he sought it in tears.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no means to change his father's mind, though he sought it earnestly with tears.<CM> <a href="/godbey/hebrews/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For you know that, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance even though having sought it diligently with tears. <a href="/haweis/hebrews/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For ye know, that when afterwards he wished to inherit the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place for a change of his father?s mind, though he sought it earnestly with tears. <a href="/mace/hebrews/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for you know that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: not being able to make Isaac to retract, though he importun'd him with tears. <a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For you know that even afterwards, when he wished to secure the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no opportunity for undoing what he had done, though he sought the blessing earnestly with tears. <a href="/worrell/hebrews/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For ye know that even after that, when wishing to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for repentance, although he earnestly sought it with tears. <a href="/worsley/hebrews/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For ye know that, when he would afterwards have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no room for repentance, though he sought it earnestly even with tears. <a href="/parallel/hebrews/12-17.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=2639" 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> …16See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. 17<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: iste (V-RIA-2P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">you know</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3347.htm" title="3347: metepeita (Adv) -- Afterwards. From meta and epeita; thereafter.">afterward,</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">when he wanted</a> <a href="/greek/2816.htm" title="2816: klēronomēsai (V-ANA) -- To inherit, obtain (possess) by inheritance, acquire. From kleronomos; to be an heir to.">to inherit</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- 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/2129.htm" title="2129: eulogian (N-AFS) -- Adulation, praise, blessing, gift. ">blessing,</a> <a href="/greek/593.htm" title="593: apedokimasthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To reject after testing (examination), disqualify. From apo and dokimazo; to disapprove, i.e. to repudiate.">he was rejected.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/2147.htm" title="2147: heuren (V-AIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.">He could find</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/5117.htm" title="5117: topon (N-AMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.">ground</a> <a href="/greek/3341.htm" title="3341: metanoias (N-GFS) -- From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).">for repentance,</a> <a href="/greek/2539.htm" title="2539: kaiper (Conj) -- Although, though. From kai and per; and indeed, i.e. Nevertheless or notwithstanding.">though</a> <a href="/greek/1567.htm" title="1567: ekzētēsas (V-APA-NMS) -- To seek out, seek out after, require. From ek and zeteo; to search out, i.e.investigate, crave, demand, worship.">he sought</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēn (PPro-AF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">the blessing</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/1144.htm" title="1144: dakryōn (N-GNP) -- A tear. Or dakruon dak'-roo-on; of uncertain affinity; a tear.">tears.</a> 18For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm;…<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/27-34.htm">Genesis 27:34-38</a> When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, O my father!” / But Isaac replied, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” / So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?” ... <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="/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="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41</a> Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” <a href="/genesis/27-30.htm">Genesis 27:30-33</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="/genesis/27-39.htm">Genesis 27:39-40</a> His father Isaac answered him: “Behold, your dwelling place shall be away from the richness of the land, away from the dew of heaven above. / You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.” <a href="/genesis/28-6.htm">Genesis 28:6-9</a> Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to take a wife there, commanding him, “Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” / and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and gone to Paddan-aram. / And seeing that his father Isaac disapproved of the Canaanite women, ... <a href="/obadiah/1-10.htm">Obadiah 1:10-14</a> Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. / On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. / But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. ... <a href="/genesis/36-1.htm">Genesis 36:1-8</a> This is the account of Esau (that is, Edom). / Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite, / and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth. ... <a href="/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3-6</a> Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. / He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now. / I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’” ... <a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1-4</a> Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. ... <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a> and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” <a href="/1_samuel/2-25.htm">1 Samuel 2:25</a> If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death. <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Proverbs 1:24-31</a> Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, / because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, / in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you, ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For you know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.when he.<a href="/genesis/27-31.htm">Genesis 27:31-41</a> And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me… he was.<a href="/hebrews/6-8.htm">Hebrews 6:8</a> But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.<a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Proverbs 1:24-31</a> Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; … <a href="/jeremiah/6-30.htm">Jeremiah 6:30</a> Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.for he.<a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-6</a> For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, … <a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Hebrews 10:26-29</a> For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, … place for repentance.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Although</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-21.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-12.htm">Chance</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-21.htm">Change</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-12.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-8.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-17.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Disapproved</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-15.htm">Found</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-16.htm">Frequently</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-12.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-12.htm">Inherited</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-15.htm">Opportunity</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Past</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-10.htm">Reformation</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-21.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-6.htm">Repentance</a> <a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Request</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-35.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-7.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-7.htm">Tears</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-6.htm">Undoing</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-17.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-7.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/philemon/1-14.htm">Wished</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">Wishing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/1-15.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-6.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/james/1-24.htm">Although</a> <a href="/james/1-12.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/james/1-23.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-25.htm">Chance</a> <a href="/james/1-17.htm">Change</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/1_john/5-15.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">Disapproved</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-19.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/james/2-8.htm">Found</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Frequently</a> <a href="/james/2-5.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/james/2-5.htm">Inherit</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Inherited</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-3.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/revelation/13-10.htm">Opportunity</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-10.htm">Past</a> <a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Reformation</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">Repentance</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-19.htm">Request</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-17.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-10.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/revelation/7-17.htm">Tears</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-9.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Undoing</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/james/4-9.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-18.htm">Wished</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">Wishing</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>For you know that afterward This phrase refers to the familiar story of Esau, which the audience of Hebrews would have known well. Esau's narrative is found in <a href="/genesis/25.htm">Genesis 25-27</a>, where he sells his birthright to Jacob for a meal. The "afterward" indicates the time after Esau realized the gravity of his decision and its irreversible consequences.when he wanted to inherit the blessing Esau's desire to inherit the blessing highlights the importance of the birthright in ancient Near Eastern culture. The birthright included not only material inheritance but also spiritual leadership and covenantal promises. Esau's desire came too late, illustrating the consequences of undervaluing spiritual blessings.he was rejected Esau's rejection serves as a warning about the finality of certain decisions. In <a href="/genesis/27-30.htm">Genesis 27:30-40</a>, Isaac confirms Jacob's blessing, and Esau is left with a lesser blessing. This rejection is a type of divine judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of spiritual neglect.He could find no ground for repentance This phrase underscores the idea that some opportunities, once lost, cannot be regained. Esau's inability to change his father's decision reflects the irreversible nature of some spiritual choices. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of timely repentance and valuing God's promises.though he sought the blessing with tears Esau's tears, as described in <a href="/genesis/27-38.htm">Genesis 27:38</a>, show his deep regret and emotional turmoil. However, his sorrow was not enough to change the outcome. This highlights the difference between worldly sorrow and true repentance, as discussed in <a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">2 Corinthians 7:10</a>. Esau's experience serves as a reminder of the need for genuine repentance and the consequences of taking spiritual matters lightly.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/esau.htm">Esau</a> The elder son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob, who sold his birthright for a single meal and later sought the blessing with tears but was rejected. 2. <a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a> The father of Esau and Jacob, who intended to bless Esau but was deceived by Jacob. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> The younger twin who, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceived Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_blessing.htm">The Blessing</a> The patriarchal blessing that was traditionally given to the firstborn son, conferring leadership and a double portion of inheritance. 5. <a href="/topical/r/repentance.htm">Repentance</a> In this context, it refers to a change of mind or heart, which Esau sought but could not find.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_despising_spiritual_inheritance.htm">The Consequences of Despising Spiritual Inheritance</a> Esau's account serves as a warning against undervaluing spiritual blessings and prioritizing immediate gratification over eternal rewards. <a href="/topical/t/the_irreversibility_of_certain_decisions.htm">The Irreversibility of Certain Decisions</a> Some choices, like Esau's, have lasting consequences that cannot be undone, even with sincere regret and tears. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_genuine_repentance.htm">The Importance of Genuine Repentance</a> True repentance involves a heartfelt change and turning back to God, not just emotional regret over lost opportunities. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_human_responsibility.htm">God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility</a> While God’s plans are sovereign, human choices play a significant role in the unfolding of His purposes, as seen in the lives of Esau and Jacob. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_tears_in_repentance.htm">The Role of Tears in Repentance</a> Tears alone are not sufficient for repentance; they must be accompanied by a genuine change of heart and alignment with God’s will.<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/who_are_the_israelites.htm">What is the identity of the Israelites?</a> <a href="/q/major_prophets_and_their_significance.htm">What is the Church of the Firstborn?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_spirit's_firstfruits.htm">What does 'make you a great nation' mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_'seed'_singular_in_galatians_3_16.htm">In Galatians 3:16, how do we reconcile the singular 'seed' referencing Christ with the broader lineage promises throughout Genesis?</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>(17) For ye know how that afterward . . .--The meaning of the verse will be seen more clearly if one clause be placed in a parenthesis: "For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing he was rejected (for he found no place of repentance), though he sought it earnestly with tears." The blessing of Jacob related in Genesis 27 is here viewed (apart from all attendant circumstances) as a necessary consequence of Esau's "profane" scorn of his birthright. Notwithstanding Esau's piteous entreaty, Isaac cannot but ratify (<a href="/genesis/27-33.htm" title="And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that has taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before you came, and have blessed him? yes, and he shall be blessed.">Genesis 27:33</a>) the blessing which he has pronounced; though his son sought the blessing earnestly with tears (<a href="/genesis/27-38.htm" title="And Esau said to his father, Have you but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.">Genesis 27:38</a>), he was rejected. He "found no place of repentance;" that first act (<a href="/genesis/25-33.htm" title="And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he swore to him: and he sold his birthright to Jacob.">Genesis 25:33</a>) could not be recalled, but brought with it a loss which nothing could retrieve.(It is right to add that other interpretations of the verse have been given, which seem, however, much less probable. Thus, the last clause has been understood to mean that Esau earnestly sought repentance; and the preceding words, which we have placed in a parenthesis, that he could not bring his father to a change of purpose.) <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/12-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. you know ἴστε (iste) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. afterward, μετέπειτα (metepeita) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3347.htm">Strong's 3347: </a> Afterwards. From meta and epeita; thereafter. when he wanted θέλων (thelōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to inherit κληρονομῆσαι (klēronomēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_2816.htm">Strong's 2816: </a> To inherit, obtain (possess) by inheritance, acquire. From kleronomos; to be an heir to. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative 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. blessing, εὐλογίαν (eulogian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2129.htm">Strong's 2129: </a> Adulation, praise, blessing, gift. he was rejected. ἀπεδοκιμάσθη (apedokimasthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_593.htm">Strong's 593: </a> To reject after testing (examination), disqualify. From apo and dokimazo; to disapprove, i.e. to repudiate. He could find εὗρεν (heuren) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2147.htm">Strong's 2147: </a> A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find. no οὐχ (ouch) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. ground τόπον (topon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5117.htm">Strong's 5117: </a> Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard. for repentance, μετανοίας (metanoias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3341.htm">Strong's 3341: </a> From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision). though καίπερ (kaiper) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2539.htm">Strong's 2539: </a> Although, though. From kai and per; and indeed, i.e. Nevertheless or notwithstanding. he sought ἐκζητήσας (ekzētēsas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1567.htm">Strong's 1567: </a> To seek out, seek out after, require. From ek and zeteo; to search out, i.e.investigate, crave, demand, worship. [the blessing] αὐτήν (autēn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. with μετὰ (meta) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. tears. δακρύων (dakryōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> A tear. Or dakruon dak'-roo-on; of uncertain affinity; a tear. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/12-17.htm">Hebrews 12:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/12-17.htm">Hebrews 12:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/12-17.htm">Hebrews 12:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/12-17.htm">Hebrews 12:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/12-17.htm">Hebrews 12:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/12-17.htm">Hebrews 12:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/12-17.htm">Hebrews 12:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/12-17.htm">Hebrews 12:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/12-17.htm">Hebrews 12:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/12-17.htm">Hebrews 12:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 12:17 For you know that even when he (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/12-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 12:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 12:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:18" /></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>