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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 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/12-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/58_Heb_12_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 12:1 - The Call to Endurance" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." /><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/12-1.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/12-1.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 1</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/11-40.htm" title="Hebrews 11:40">◄</a> Hebrews 12:1 <a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm" title="Hebrews 12:2">►</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> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, <a href="/nlt/hebrews/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. <a href="/esv/hebrews/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, <a href="/bsb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. <a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore we also, having such a great cloud of witnesses encompassing us, having laid aside every weight and the sin easily entangling, should run with endurance the race lying before us, <a href="/kjv/hebrews/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, <a href="/nasb/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, <a href="/lsb/hebrews/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, <a href="/amp/hebrews/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, <a href="/csb/hebrews/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, <a href="/asv/hebrews/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, <a href="/cev/hebrews/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. <a href="/erv/hebrews/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, <a href="/gwt/hebrews/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Since we are surrounded by so many examples [of faith], we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. <a href="/isv/hebrews/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Therefore, having so vast a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, and throwing off everything that hinders us and especially the sin that so easily entangles us, let us keep running with endurance the race set before us, <a href="/msb/hebrews/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. <a href="/net/hebrews/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, <a href="/nheb/hebrews/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, <a href="/wbt/hebrews/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Wherefore, seeing we also are encompassed with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, <a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore, surrounded as we are by such a vast cloud of witnesses, let us fling aside every encumbrance and the sin that so readily entangles our feet. And let us run with patient endurance the race that lies before us, <a href="/web/hebrews/12.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us, having put off every weight, and the closely besetting sin, may we run the contest that is set before us through endurance, <a href="/blb/hebrews/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore we also, having such a great cloud of witnesses encompassing us, having laid aside every weight and the sin easily entangling, should run with endurance the race lying before us, <a href="/ylt/hebrews/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us, every weight having put off, and the closely besetting sin, through endurance may we run the contest that is set before us, <a href="/slt/hebrews/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Wherefore we also having such a cloud of witnesses lying round about us, having laid down every weight, and sin easily captivating, by patience we should run the race set before us,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And therefore we also having so great a cloud of witnesses over our head, laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us: <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Furthermore, since we also have so great a cloud of witnesses over us, let us set aside every burden and sin which may surround us, and advance, through patience, to the struggle offered to us. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> THEREFORE, seeing we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Therefore, we also, who have all of these witnesses who surround us like clouds, let us throw off from us all the weights of the sin which is always ready for us, and let us run with patience this race that is set for us.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Wherefore, since we also have so great a cloud of witnesses lying round about us, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that lies before us, <a href="/godbey/hebrews/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Therefore let us indeed, having around us so great a cloud of witnesses, having laid aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, run with patience the race which is set before us, <a href="/haweis/hebrews/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> THEREFORE also seeing we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight, and that most easily besetting sin, let us run with patience the race lying before us, <a href="/mace/hebrews/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Wherefore, since we are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every incumbrance, and the sin which does so easily embarrass us, and let us pursue with constancy the course that is proposed to us: <a href="/wey/hebrews/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore, surrounded as we are by such a vast cloud of witnesses, let us fling aside every encumbrance and the sin that so readily entangles our feet. And let us run with patient endurance the race that lies before us, <a href="/worrell/hebrews/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Therefore, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us?having thrown off every encumbrance and the easily besetting sin?let us run with patience the race lying before us; <a href="/worsley/hebrews/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Having therefore so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every incumbrance, and the sin that easily besets us, and run with patience the race that is set before us, <a href="/parallel/hebrews/12-1.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=2474" 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">The Call to Endurance</a> 1<a href="/greek/5105.htm" title="5105: Toigaroun (Conj) -- Consequently, therefore, well then, so then. From toi and gar and oun; truly for then, i.e. Consequently.">Therefore,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">since we</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">are</a> <a href="/greek/4029.htm" title="4029: perikeimenon (V-PPM/P-ANS) -- From peri and keimai; to lie all around, i.e. Inclose, encircle, hamper.">surrounded by</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/5118.htm" title="5118: tosouton (DPro-ANS) -- So great, so large, so long, so many. From tosos and houtos; so vast as this, i.e. Such.">such a great</a> <a href="/greek/3509.htm" title="3509: nephos (N-ANS) -- A cloud; met: a dense crowd, a multitude, great company. Apparently a primary word; a cloud.">cloud</a> <a href="/greek/3144.htm" title="3144: martyrōn (N-GMP) -- A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a martyr.">of witnesses,</a> <a href="/greek/659.htm" title="659: apothemenoi (V-APM-NMP) -- To lay off or aside, renounce, stow away, put. From apo and tithemi; to put away.">let us throw off</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-AMS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">every</a> <a href="/greek/3591.htm" title="3591: onkon (N-AMS) -- (properly: bulk, mass, hence) a weight, burden, encumbrance. Probably from the same as agkale; a mass, i.e. Burden.">encumbrance</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</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/266.htm" title="266: hamartian (N-AFS) -- From hamartano; a sin.">sin that</a> <a href="/greek/2139.htm" title="2139: euperistaton (Adj-AFS) -- From eu and a derivative of a presumed compound of peri and histemi; well standing around, i.e. thwarting in every direction.">so easily entangles,</a> <a href="/greek/5143.htm" title="5143: trechōmen (V-PSA-1P) -- Apparently a primary verb; which uses dremo drem'-o as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily.">and let us run</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">with</a> <a href="/greek/5281.htm" title="5281: hypomonēs (N-GFS) -- Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.">endurance</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- 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/73.htm" title="73: agōna (N-AMS) -- From ago; properly, a place of assembly, i.e. a contest; figuratively, an effort or anxiety.">race</a> <a href="/greek/4295.htm" title="4295: prokeimenon (V-PPM/P-AMS) -- From pro and keimai; to lie before the view, i.e. to be present, to stand forth.">set out for</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us.</a> 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.…<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="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a> Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ... <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12-14</a> Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. / Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7-8</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing. <a href="/galatians/5-7.htm">Galatians 5:7</a> You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth? <a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1-2</a> Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. <a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1</a> Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. <a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a> Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">1 Corinthians 10:13</a> No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it. <a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8-10</a> But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. / Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, / and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Ephesians 4:22-24</a> to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; / to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; / and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. <a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/119-32.htm">Psalm 119:32</a> I run in the path of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart. <a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm">Proverbs 4:25-27</a> Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. / 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. <a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Isaiah 35:3-4</a> Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! / Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” <a href="/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Jeremiah 12:5</a> “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Why seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,seeing.<a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2-38</a> For by it the elders obtained a good report… a cloud.<a href="/isaiah/60-8.htm">Isaiah 60:8</a> Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?<a href="/ezekiel/38-9.htm">Ezekiel 38:9,16</a> Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee… witnesses.<a href="/luke/16-28.htm">Luke 16:28</a> For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.<a href="/john/3-32.htm">John 3:32</a> And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.<a href="/john/4-39.htm">John 4:39,44</a> And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did… let us lay.<a href="/matthew/10-37.htm">Matthew 10:37,38</a> He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me… <a href="/luke/8-14.htm">Luke 8:14</a> And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.<a href="/luke/9-59.htm">Luke 9:59-62</a> And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father… and the sin.<a href="/hebrews/10-35.htm">Hebrews 10:35-39</a> Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward… <a href="/psalms/18-23.htm">Psalm 18:23</a> I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.and let us.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a> Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain… <a href="/galatians/5-7.htm">Galatians 5:7</a> Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?<a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Philippians 2:16</a> Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/5-2.htm">Beset</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-2.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-30.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Easily</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-30.htm">Encompassed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-12.htm">Encumbrance</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Endurance</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Entangles</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-13.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/matthew/22-13.htm">Fling</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Patience</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Patient</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">Race</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-2.htm">Readily</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">Run</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-25.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-30.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-35.htm">Vast</a> <a href="/galatians/5-10.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-16.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Witnesses</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/19-22.htm">Beset</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/revelation/20-9.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/genesis/26-10.htm">Easily</a> <a href="/revelation/20-9.htm">Encompassed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-12.htm">Encumbrance</a> <a href="/james/1-3.htm">Endurance</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Entangles</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-19.htm">Fling</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/james/1-3.htm">Patience</a> <a href="/james/5-7.htm">Patient</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">Race</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Readily</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-4.htm">Run</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-4.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/revelation/20-9.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Vast</a> <a href="/revelation/16-21.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-12.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_john/5-8.htm">Witnesses</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>Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses The word "therefore" connects this passage to the previous chapter, <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, which is often referred to as the "Hall of Faith." This chapter lists numerous figures from the Old Testament who exemplified faith in God. The "great cloud of witnesses" refers to these individuals, such as Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Moses, who serve as examples and testimonies of living by faith. The imagery of a "cloud" suggests a vast, encompassing presence, indicating that these witnesses are not passive observers but active encouragers of the faith journey. This metaphor may also evoke the image of a stadium filled with spectators, drawing from the Greco-Roman context of athletic competitions.let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles The phrase "throw off" implies a deliberate and decisive action to remove anything that hinders spiritual progress. "Encumbrance" can refer to any weight or burden that slows us down, not necessarily sinful in itself but detrimental to our spiritual race. The "sin that so easily entangles" suggests specific sins that are particularly ensnaring or habitual, which can impede our relationship with God. The imagery of entanglement evokes the idea of being trapped or hindered, much like a runner caught in a net. This call to action emphasizes the need for vigilance and self-discipline in the Christian life, echoing Paul's exhortations in passages like <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a>.and let us run with endurance the race set out for us The metaphor of a race is a common New Testament illustration of the Christian life, emphasizing perseverance, discipline, and focus. The word "endurance" highlights the necessity of steadfastness and resilience in the face of trials and challenges. The "race set out for us" suggests a divinely appointed path, unique to each believer, yet part of a larger, communal journey of faith. This imagery aligns with Paul's teachings in <a href="/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13-14</a>, where he speaks of pressing on toward the goal. The race is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring sustained effort and reliance on God's strength.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/c/cloud_of_witnesses.htm">Cloud of Witnesses</a> This refers to the faithful individuals mentioned in <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, often called the "Hall of Faith." These are the Old Testament saints who demonstrated faith in God despite challenges. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_race.htm">The Race</a> The metaphor of a race is used to describe the Christian life. It implies a journey that requires perseverance, discipline, and focus. 3. <a href="/topical/e/encumbrance_and_sin.htm">Encumbrance and Sin</a> These are the obstacles and sins that hinder believers from running the race effectively. The term "encumbrance" can refer to any weight or burden that slows us down.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_encouragement_of_witnesses.htm">The Encouragement of Witnesses</a> Recognize the encouragement and example provided by the faithful who have gone before us. Their lives testify to God's faithfulness and the power of enduring faith. <a href="/topical/i/identifying_and_removing_hindrances.htm">Identifying and Removing Hindrances</a> Examine your life for any weights or sins that may be hindering your spiritual progress. Be proactive in removing these obstacles through prayer, accountability, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. <a href="/topical/r/running_with_endurance.htm">Running with Endurance</a> Understand that the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. Cultivate perseverance by staying rooted in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. <a href="/topical/f/focus_on_the_goal.htm">Focus on the Goal</a> Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, as mentioned in the following verse (<a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a>). He is our ultimate example and source of strength.<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/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> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'cloud_of_witnesses'.htm">What is the meaning of "Cloud of Witnesses"?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_besetting_sins.htm">What are besetting sins?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_church_militant's_role_now.htm">What defines the Church Militant's role today?</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>(1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about.--Rather, Therefore let us also--since we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses--having put away all encumbrance and the sin . . . run with patient endurance the race that is set before us, looking, &c. (In so difficult a verse as this we need an exactness of translation which might not otherwise be desirable.) It is plain that the chief thought is, "Let us run our race with patient endurance, looking unto Jesus the Author . . . of our faith;" so that here again we have the thought which the writer is never weary of enforcing, the need of faith and patience for all who would inherit the promises. The connection is chiefly with the last verses of Hebrews 11, which are, indeed, a summary of the whole chapter. The purpose of God has been that those who throughout the past ages obtained witness of Him through their faith should not reach their consummation apart from us. To that consummation, then, let us press forward. Present to us in the view of Christ's accomplished sacrifice, it is all future in regard of personal attainment. As those who have preceded us reached the goal, each one for himself, by faith and patient endurance, so must we. The thought of persevering effort crowned by a recompence of reward (<a href="/hebrews/6-12.htm" title="That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.">Hebrews 6:12</a>; <a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm" title="That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us:">Hebrews 6:18</a>; <a href="/context/hebrews/10-35.htm" title="Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has great recompense of reward.">Hebrews 10:35-39</a>) very naturally suggested the imagery of the public games (by this time familiar even to Jews), to which St. Paul in his Epistles so frequently alludes. (See <a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm" title="For I think that God has set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men.">1Corinthians 4:9</a>; <a href="/context/1_corinthians/9-24.htm" title="Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain.">1Corinthians 9:24-27</a>; <a href="/context/philippians/3-12.htm" title="Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.">Philippians 3:12-14</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm" title="Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.">1Timothy 6:12</a>; <a href="/context/2_timothy/4-7.htm" title="I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:">2Timothy 4:7-8</a>; comp. <a href="/context/hebrews/10-32.htm" title="But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions;">Hebrews 10:32-33</a>.) In these passages are called up the various associations of the great national festivals of Greece--the severe discipline of the competitors, the intenseness of the struggle, the rewards, "the righteous judge," the crowd of spectators. Most of these thoughts are present here (<a href="/context/hebrews/12-1.htm" title="Why seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,">Hebrews 12:1-2</a>; <a href="/hebrews/12-4.htm" title="You have not yet resisted to blood, striving against sin.">Hebrews 12:4</a>), and new joints of comparison are added, so that the scene is brought vividly before our eyes. It has been often supposed that the word "witnesses" is used in the sense of spectators of the race. To an English reader this idea is very natural (as "witnesses" may simply mean beholders), but there is no such ambiguity in the Greek word (martyres). The Greek fathers rightly understood it to signify those who bear witness, and the chief point of doubt seems to have been whether the sense is general, or whether the word bears its later meaning--martyrs, who have borne testimony with their blood. Those who thus encompass us, a countless "host (a "cloud" of witnesses), have had witness borne to them through their faith, and in turn stand forth as witnesses to faith, bearing testimony to its power and works. One and all 'they offer encouragement to us in our own contest of faith, and for this reason they are mentioned here. That the idea of the presence of spectators may be contained in the other words, "compassed about with so great a cloud," is very possible; but no interpretation must be allowed to interfere with the chief thought--that the runner's steadfast gaze is fixed on Him who has Himself traversed the course before us, and is now the Judge and Rewarder. . . . <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/12-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Therefore, Τοιγαροῦν (Toigaroun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_5105.htm">Strong's 5105: </a> Consequently, therefore, well then, so then. From toi and gar and oun; truly for then, i.e. Consequently. [since] we ἡμεῖς (hēmeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. are ἔχοντες (echontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. surrounded by περικείμενον (perikeimenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4029.htm">Strong's 4029: </a> From peri and keimai; to lie all around, i.e. Inclose, encircle, hamper. such a great τοσοῦτον (tosouton) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5118.htm">Strong's 5118: </a> So great, so large, so long, so many. From tosos and houtos; so vast as this, i.e. Such. cloud νέφος (nephos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3509.htm">Strong's 3509: </a> A cloud; met: a dense crowd, a multitude, great company. Apparently a primary word; a cloud. of witnesses, μαρτύρων (martyrōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3144.htm">Strong's 3144: </a> A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a 'martyr'. let us throw off ἀποθέμενοι (apothemenoi) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_659.htm">Strong's 659: </a> To lay off or aside, renounce, stow away, put. From apo and tithemi; to put away. every πάντα (panta) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. encumbrance ὄγκον (onkon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3591.htm">Strong's 3591: </a> (properly: bulk, mass, hence) a weight, burden, encumbrance. Probably from the same as agkale; a mass, i.e. Burden. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. 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. sin [that] ἁμαρτίαν (hamartian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. so easily entangles, εὐπερίστατον (euperistaton) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2139.htm">Strong's 2139: </a> From eu and a derivative of a presumed compound of peri and histemi; well standing around, i.e. thwarting in every direction. [and] let us run τρέχωμεν (trechōmen) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5143.htm">Strong's 5143: </a> Apparently a primary verb; which uses dremo drem'-o as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily. with δι’ (di’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. endurance ὑπομονῆς (hypomonēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5281.htm">Strong's 5281: </a> Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine 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. race ἀγῶνα (agōna) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_73.htm">Strong's 73: </a> From ago; properly, a place of assembly, i.e. a contest; figuratively, an effort or anxiety. set out for προκείμενον (prokeimenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4295.htm">Strong's 4295: </a> From pro and keimai; to lie before the view, i.e. to be present, to stand forth. us. ἡμῖν (hēmin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 12:1 Therefore let us also seeing we (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/11-40.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 11:40"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 11:40" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 12:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 12:2" /></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>