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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 12:12 Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/12-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/58_Heb_12_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 12:12 - God Disciplines His Sons" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees." /><script type="application/javascript" 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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/12-12.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 12</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="/ad12.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/12-11.htm" title="Hebrews 12:11">◄</a> Hebrews 12:12 <a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm" title="Hebrews 12:13">►</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 />Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore lift up the drooping hands and enfeebled knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore, STRENGTHEN THE HANDS THAT ARE WEAK AND THE KNEES THAT ARE FEEBLE,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So then, strengthen hands that are weak and knees that tremble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Now stand up straight! Stop your knees from shaking <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied knees;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Strengthen your tired arms and weak knees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Lift up your tired hands, then, and strengthen your trembling knees! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, strengthen your tired arms and your weak knees, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore strengthen the drooping hands and paralysed knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For this reason, lift up the hanging-down hands and the loosened knees;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore lift up the drooping hands and enfeebled knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Wherefore, the hanging-down hands and the loosened knees set ye up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore set upright the relaxed hands, and palsied knees;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Because of this, lift up your lazy hands and your lax knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, be courageous and strong;<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 />Therefore strengthen your hands and set your shaky knees firmly.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, lift up the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore hold up the hands which hang down, and the paralyzed knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore stretch out again the hands that hang down, and the paralytic knees;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore "strengthen your weak hands and your feeble knees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore strengthen the drooping hands and paralysed knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, lift up the relaxed hands and the feeble knees,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Lift up therefore the hands that hang down, and <i>strengthen</i> the feeble knees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/12-12.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=2598" 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">God Disciplines His Sons</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1352.htm" title="1352: Dio (Conj) -- Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/461.htm" title="461: anorthōsate (V-AMA-2P) -- To make upright (straight) again, rear again, restore. From ana and a derivative of the base of orthos; to straighten up.">strengthen</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3935.htm" title="3935: pareimenas (V-RPM/P-AFP) -- From para and hiemi; to let by, i.e. Relax.">limp</a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheiras (N-AFP) -- A hand. ">hands</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3886.htm" title="3886: paralelymena (V-RPM/P-ANP) -- To relax, enfeeble, weaken. From para and luo; to loosen beside, i.e. Relax.">weak</a> <a href="/greek/1119.htm" title="1119: gonata (N-ANP) -- The knee. Of uncertain affinity; the knee.">knees.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.…<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="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Isaiah 35:3</a></span><br />Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26-27</a></span><br />Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. / Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/4-3.htm">Job 4:3-4</a></span><br />Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands. / Your words have steadied those who stumbled; you have braced the knees that were buckling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-29.htm">Isaiah 40:29-31</a></span><br />He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:14</a></span><br />And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10</a></span><br />Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a></span><br />Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">1 Corinthians 16:13</a></span><br />Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a></span><br />I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">2 Corinthians 4:16</a></span><br />Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Romans 15:1</a></span><br />We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-13.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:13</a></span><br />But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-10.htm">1 Peter 5:10</a></span><br />And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-8.htm">James 5:8</a></span><br />You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/12-3.htm">Hebrews 12:3,5</a></b></br> For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/4-3.htm">Job 4:3,4</a></b></br> Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Isaiah 35:3</a></b></br> Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-23.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/job/11-20.htm">Drooping</a> <a href="/acts/17-6.htm">Failing</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-3.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-31.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/acts/28-4.htm">Hang</a> <a href="/galatians/3-13.htm">Hanging</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-14.htm">Knees</a> <a href="/john/4-35.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/acts/9-33.htm">Palsied</a> <a href="/acts/9-33.htm">Paralysed</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-34.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-28.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/job/11-20.htm">Drooping</a> <a href="/genesis/48-10.htm">Failing</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/james/4-8.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/40-19.htm">Hang</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-3.htm">Hanging</a> <a href="/genesis/30-3.htm">Knees</a> <a href="/james/4-10.htm">Lift</a> <a href="/luke/5-18.htm">Palsied</a> <a href="/luke/5-24.htm">Paralysed</a> <a href="/james/5-8.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/genesis/27-1.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Wherefore</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'; </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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Therefore</b><br>The word "therefore" connects this verse to the preceding context, which discusses enduring discipline from God as a sign of His love and our sonship. It serves as a conclusion or application of the previous teachings, urging believers to respond to God's discipline with renewed vigor and commitment. This connection emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader message of perseverance and faith in the face of trials.<p><b>Strengthen your limp hands</b><br>The imagery of "limp hands" suggests weariness and a lack of strength, often associated with discouragement or fatigue in the spiritual journey. In biblical times, hands were symbolic of action and work. The call to "strengthen" them implies a need for renewed effort and determination. This phrase echoes the encouragement found in <a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Isaiah 35:3</a>, where the prophet calls for the strengthening of weak hands, pointing to a future hope and restoration.<p><b>And weak knees</b><br>"Weak knees" symbolize instability and fear, often hindering progress. In ancient cultures, strong knees were necessary for standing firm and moving forward, especially in battle or labor. The exhortation to strengthen weak knees suggests a call to stand firm in faith and not be swayed by challenges. This imagery is reminiscent of <a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">Ephesians 6:13</a>, where believers are urged to stand firm in the armor of God, highlighting the need for spiritual resilience.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_author_of_hebrews.htm">The Author of Hebrews</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians who are facing persecution and are tempted to revert to Judaism.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jewish_christians.htm">Jewish Christians</a></b><br>The primary audience of the letter, who were experiencing trials and needed encouragement to persevere in their faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The broader context includes the early Christian community, which was often under pressure from both Jewish and Roman authorities.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/persecution.htm">Persecution</a></b><br>The backdrop of the letter, as the recipients were enduring hardships for their faith in Christ.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_race_of_faith.htm">The Race of Faith</a></b><br>A metaphor used earlier in <a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12</a>, depicting the Christian life as a race requiring endurance and focus on Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_renewal.htm">Spiritual Renewal</a></b><br>The call to "strengthen your limp hands and weak knees" is a metaphor for spiritual renewal and readiness. It suggests that believers must actively engage in strengthening their faith, especially during times of trial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_faith.htm">Perseverance in Faith</a></b><br>Just as athletes must train and strengthen their bodies, Christians are called to persevere and strengthen their spiritual resolve. This involves prayer, study of the Word, and fellowship with other believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>The imagery of strengthening suggests a communal effort. Believers are encouraged to support one another, helping each other to stand firm in faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/focus_on_christ.htm">Focus on Christ</a></b><br>The broader context of <a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12</a> emphasizes fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Strengthening ourselves spiritually involves maintaining a Christ-centered focus.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_participation.htm">Active Participation</a></b><br>The imperative to strengthen implies action. Believers are not passive recipients of faith but active participants in their spiritual growth and endurance.<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/can_hebrews_12_26-27_be_proven_by_nature.htm">In Hebrews 12:26-27, what evidence supports the claim that God once shook the earth, and can such an event be validated by natural records?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god's_discipline_contradict_love.htm">In Hebrews 12:5-6, does God's discipline contradict the idea of a loving, compassionate deity presented elsewhere in Scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_witnesses_in_heb._12_1_see_us.htm">In Hebrews 12:1, how can a 'great cloud of witnesses' literally observe our lives, and does this conflict with a scientific worldview?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_sin_doesn't_lead_to_death.htm">What does 'despising the shame' in Hebrews 12:2 mean?</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>(12) <span class= "bld">Wherefore.</span>--As in <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm" title="And let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works:">Hebrews 10:24</a>, the writer passes from the thought of personal risk and duty, to speak (in <a href="/context/hebrews/12-12.htm" title="Why lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;">Hebrews 12:12-17</a>) of that which is binding on all members of a community. "Wherefore"--since the trouble which has brought discouragement should rather call forth thankfulness--"strengthen (literally, <span class= "ital">make straight again, </span>restore to a right state) the weakened hands and the palsied knees." The words are almost a reproduction of <a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm" title="Strengthen you the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.">Isaiah 35:3</a>, where those who have lost heart and hope (compared to men whose limbs are palsy-stricken) are encouraged by the promise of the coming of their God bringing recompense and salvation. (See <a href="/context/hebrews/10-36.htm" title="For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.">Hebrews 10:36-37</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wherefore lift up</span> (for, <span class="accented">straighten anew</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees</span> (rather, <span class="accented">the relaxed hands and the loosened or enfeebled knees</span>). The word <span class="greek">παραλελυμένα</span> is used only by St. Luke elsewhere in the New Testament, and with reference to persons paralyzed (<a href="/luke/5-18.htm">Luke 5:18, 24</a>; <a href="/acts/8-7.htm">Acts 8:7</a>; <a href="/acts/9-33.htm">Acts 9:33</a>). The form of the exhortation is taken from <a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Isaiah 35:3</a>, '<span class="greek">Ἰσχύσατε χεῖρες ἀνειμέναι καὶ γόνατα</span> <span class="greek">παραλελυμένα</span>. The figure of the palaestra is thus again brought into view, with reference both to boxing and running. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/12-12.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">Therefore</span><br /><span class="grk">Διὸ</span> <span class="translit">(Dio)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1352.htm">Strong's 1352: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strengthen</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνορθώσατε</span> <span class="translit">(anorthōsate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_461.htm">Strong's 461: </a> </span><span class="str2">To make upright (straight) again, rear again, restore. From ana and a derivative of the base of orthos; to straighten up.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[your]</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰς</span> <span class="translit">(tas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">limp</span><br /><span class="grk">παρειμένας</span> <span class="translit">(pareimenas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3935.htm">Strong's 3935: </a> </span><span class="str2">From para and hiemi; to let by, i.e. Relax.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hands</span><br /><span class="grk">χεῖρας</span> <span class="translit">(cheiras)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</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">weak</span><br /><span class="grk">παραλελυμένα</span> <span class="translit">(paralelymena)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3886.htm">Strong's 3886: </a> </span><span class="str2">To relax, enfeeble, weaken. From para and luo; to loosen beside, i.e. Relax.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knees.</span><br /><span class="grk">γόνατα</span> <span class="translit">(gonata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1119.htm">Strong's 1119: </a> </span><span class="str2">The knee. Of uncertain affinity; the 'knee'.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/12-12.htm">Hebrews 12:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/12-12.htm">Hebrews 12:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/12-12.htm">Hebrews 12:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/12-12.htm">Hebrews 12:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/12-12.htm">Hebrews 12:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/12-12.htm">Hebrews 12:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/12-12.htm">Hebrews 12:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/12-12.htm">Hebrews 12:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/12-12.htm">Hebrews 12:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/12-12.htm">Hebrews 12:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/12-12.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 12:12 Therefore lift up the hands that hang (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 12:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 12:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:13" /></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>