New International VersionMoreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!
New Living TranslationSince we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?
English Standard VersionBesides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
Berean Standard BibleFurthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?
Berean Literal BibleFurthermore indeed, we have had fathers of our flesh, correctors, and we respected them; and shall we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits and shall live?
King James BibleFurthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
New King James VersionFurthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
New American Standard BibleFurthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?
NASB 1995Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?
NASB 1977Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?
Legacy Standard BibleFurthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them. Shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?
Amplified BibleMoreover, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we submitted and respected them [for training us]; shall we not much more willingly submit to the Father of spirits, and live [by learning from His discipline]?
Christian Standard BibleFurthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live?
Holman Christian Standard BibleFurthermore, we had natural fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live?
American Standard VersionFurthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Contemporary English VersionOur earthly fathers correct us, and we still respect them. Isn't it even better to be given true life by letting our spiritual Father correct us?
English Revised VersionFurthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationOn earth we have fathers who disciplined us, and we respect them. Shouldn't we place ourselves under the authority of God, the father of spirits, so that we will live?
Good News TranslationIn the case of our human fathers, they punished us and we respected them. How much more, then, should we submit to our spiritual Father and live!
International Standard VersionFurthermore, we had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them for it. We should submit even more to the Father of our spirits and live, shouldn't we?
NET BibleBesides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life?
New Heart English BibleFurthermore, we had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we paid them respect. Should we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?
Webster's Bible TranslationFurthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?
Weymouth New TestamentBesides this, our earthly fathers used to discipline us and we treated them with respect, and shall we not be still more submissive to the Father of our spirits, and live? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFurthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?
World English BibleFurthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThen, indeed, we have had fathers of our flesh, correctors, and we respected [them]; will we not much rather be subject to the Father of the spirits, and live?
Berean Literal BibleFurthermore indeed, we have had fathers of our flesh, correctors, and we respected them; and shall we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits and shall live?
Young's Literal Translation Then, indeed, fathers of our flesh we have had, chastising us, and we were reverencing them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of the spirits, and live?
Smith's Literal TranslationSince we truly have fathers of our flesh instructors, and we were influenced: shall we not rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and we shall live? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMoreover we have had fathers of our flesh, for instructors, and we reverenced them: shall we not much more obey the Father of spirits, and live?
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen, too, we have certainly had the fathers of our flesh as instructors, and we reverenced them. Should we not obey the Father of spirits all the more, and so live?
New American BibleBesides this, we have had our earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not [then] submit all the more to the Father of spirits and live?
New Revised Standard VersionMoreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFurthermore if our fathers of the flesh corrected us and we respected them, how much more then should we willingly be under subjection to our Spiritual Father, and live?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd if our fathers who are in the flesh have disciplined us and we did revere them, how much more ought we submit to The Father of Spirits and live? NT Translations Anderson New TestamentSo, then, we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we reverenced them; shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of our spirits, and live?
Godbey New TestamentThen indeed, we had fathers of our flesh who chastised us, and we endured: how much more then shall we submit to the Father of spirits, and live?
Haweis New TestamentIf then we have had the fathers of our flesh for correctors, and reverenced them; shall we not much more be under subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?
Mace New Testamentwhen our natural parents corrected us, we gave them reverence: is it not much more reasonable to be in subjection to the father of spirits, in order to have life?
Weymouth New TestamentBesides this, our earthly fathers used to discipline us and we treated them with respect, and shall we not be still more submissive to the Father of our spirits, and live?
Worrell New TestamentFurthermore, we used to have the fathers of our flesh as chasteners, and we reverenced them: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of our spirits, and live?
Worsley New TestamentNow if we had fathers of our flesh, who corrected us, and we gave them reverence; shall we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context God Disciplines His Sons… 8If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Furthermore,we have all hadearthlyfatherswho disciplined us,andwe respected them.Should we notmuchmoresubmitto theFatherof ourspiritsandlive?10Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.…
Cross References Proverbs 3:11-12My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; / for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.
Ephesians 6:1-4Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. / “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), / “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” ...
Colossians 3:20-21Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. / Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.
Deuteronomy 8:5So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
2 Corinthians 6:18And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
Romans 8:15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Matthew 7:11So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
1 Peter 1:14-17As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. / But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” ...
Malachi 1:6“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’
Luke 11:11-13What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? / Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? / So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Isaiah 63:16Yet You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.
John 1:12-13But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.
1 John 3:1Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.
Psalm 103:13As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Galatians 4:6-7And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” / So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.
Treasury of Scripture Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? fathers. John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; corrected. Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? we gave. Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Leviticus 19:3 Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: Iam the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 21:18-21 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, andthat, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: … shall we not. Malachi 1:6 A son honourethhis father, and a servant his master: if then Ibe a father, whereis mine honour? and if Ibe a master, whereis my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? James 4:7,10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you… 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: the Father. Numbers 16:22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? Numbers 27:16 Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, Job 12:10 In whose handis the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. Jump to Previous AuthorityBesidesChastenCorrectedDisciplineDisciplinedEarthlyFathersFleshFurthermoreHumanLiveMoreoverPaidPunishmentRatherRespectRespectedReverenceReverencedSpiritsSubjectSubjectionSubmissiveSubmitTreatedUsedJump to Next AuthorityBesidesChastenCorrectedDisciplineDisciplinedEarthlyFathersFleshFurthermoreHumanLiveMoreoverPaidPunishmentRatherRespectRespectedReverenceReverencedSpiritsSubjectSubjectionSubmissiveSubmitTreatedUsedHebrews 12 1.An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness by Christ's example22.A commendation of the new covenant.Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us,This phrase acknowledges a common experience among readers, emphasizing the universal nature of parental discipline. In the ancient world, discipline was a crucial aspect of family life, often involving physical correction as a means to teach and guide children. Proverbs 13:24 supports this, stating, "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." The concept of discipline here is not merely punitive but is intended for the child's growth and development. The comparison to earthly fathers sets the stage for understanding God's discipline as even more profound and purposeful. and we respected them.
Respect for parental authority was a fundamental value in Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures. The Fifth Commandment, "Honor your father and your mother," underscores the importance of respecting one's parents. This respect was not only a social expectation but also a spiritual obligation, reflecting one's reverence for God's established order. The respect given to earthly fathers for their discipline is used as a basis for arguing that God, as the ultimate Father, deserves even greater respect and submission. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits
This rhetorical question elevates the discussion from the earthly to the divine. The "Father of our spirits" highlights God's role as the creator and sustainer of life, contrasting with earthly fathers who are limited to physical parentage. This phrase suggests a deeper relationship and responsibility to God, who is concerned with the spiritual well-being of His children. The call to submit aligns withJames 4:7, "Submit yourselves, then, to God," emphasizing the importance of yielding to God's authority and guidance. and live?
The promise of life here is both temporal and eternal. In the biblical context, true life is found in relationship with God, as seen inJohn 10:10, where Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Submission to God's discipline leads to spiritual vitality and growth, contrasting with the death that results from sin and rebellion. This phrase encapsulates the ultimate goal of divine discipline: to lead believers into a fuller, more abundant life in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. Earthly FathersRefers to human parents who discipline their children, a common experience that the original audience would relate to. 2. Father of SpiritsA title for God, emphasizing His role as the Creator and sustainer of our spiritual lives. 3. DisciplineThe act of training or correcting, often associated with parental guidance and God's instruction. 4. RespectThe response of children to their earthly fathers' discipline, used as a parallel to how believers should respond to God's discipline. 5. LifeThe result of submitting to God's discipline, implying spiritual vitality and eternal life. Teaching Points Understanding DisciplineRecognize that discipline from God, like that from earthly parents, is meant for our growth and benefit. Respect and SubmissionJust as we respect our earthly parents, we should have even greater respect and submission to God, who disciplines us for our spiritual well-being. Spiritual LifeSubmitting to God's discipline leads to a deeper, more vibrant spiritual life, aligning us with His will. God's FatherhoodEmbrace the concept of God as the "Father of spirits," which underscores His intimate involvement in our spiritual journey. Eternal PerspectiveView discipline not as punishment but as preparation for eternal life, shaping us into the likeness of Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Hebrews 12:9?
2.How can we "submit to the Father of spirits" in our daily lives?
3.What does Hebrews 12:9 teach about respecting earthly and heavenly authority?
4.How does Hebrews 12:9 connect with Ephesians 6:1-4 on parental discipline?
5.Why is submission to God essential for spiritual growth and "life"?
6.How can we encourage others to embrace God's discipline as described in Hebrews 12:9?
7.How does Hebrews 12:9 emphasize the importance of spiritual discipline over earthly discipline?
8.What does Hebrews 12:9 reveal about the nature of God's authority compared to human authority?
9.How does Hebrews 12:9 challenge our understanding of parental respect and obedience?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 12?
11.What does the Bible say about past lives and reincarnation?
12.What is the Beatific Vision?
13.What is the nature of the Bottomless Pit?
14.What guidance does the Bible offer on stepparenting?What Does Hebrews 12:9 Mean Furthermore,The writer has just reminded us that God’s discipline proves we are His legitimate children (Hebrews 12:5-8). Now he says, “Furthermore,” linking what follows to that unshakable truth. Picture a family meeting: after laying out the reasons for parental correction, a loving father leans in and adds one more key point. That is what happens here. The Holy Spirit is stacking evidence so we grasp the goodness behind God’s training. (See alsoDeuteronomy 8:5, where Moses says, “So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.”)
we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us,Every one of us, in some form, has experienced human authority shaping our lives. Scripture applauds this: • “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently” (Proverbs 13:24). • “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Parent-administered correction is a God-given norm, designed for our protection and growth. Even imperfect earthly fathers reflect a perfect heavenly pattern.
and we respected them.Healthy discipline breeds respect. God’s Word links honor with longevity: “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). We look back on firm but fair boundaries with gratitude. “A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent” (Proverbs 15:5). If flawed parents can win our esteem through loving correction, we intuitively understand the principle the writer is about to press home.
Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spiritsHere is the greater-to-lesser argument: if we accept discipline from temporary, earthly fathers, how much more should we yield to the eternal Father “of our spirits” (Malachi 2:10). Submission is not passive resignation; it is active alignment with God’s wise purposes. James echoes this call: “Submit yourselves, then, to God” (James 4:7). Peter adds, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand” (1 Peter 5:6). Yielding to Him is the pathway to maturity, freedom, and joy.
and live?God’s discipline never aims at mere survival; it aims at abundant life. Jesus promises, “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness” (John 10:10). When we cooperate with the Father’s training, we experience: • Present vitality—“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13). • Future reward—“The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:8). Choosing submission over resistance leads to life now and forever, just as Moses urged: “Choose life, so that you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).
summaryHebrews 12:9 builds a logical bridge: since we gladly accepted correction from our earthly fathers, we should far more gladly submit to the loving discipline of our heavenly Father. Doing so brings true life—vibrant, abundant, and eternal. (9) Furthermore we have had fathers.--Rather, Furthermore we had the fathers of our flesh as chasteners( i.e.,to chasten us). The thought of the former verses has been, "He chastens as a lather." From likeness we here pass to contrast. The contrast drawn is between our natural parents and "the Father of spirits" (comp. Numbers 16:22; Numbers 27:16; Zechariah 12:1)--the Creator of all spirits, who is the Giver of life to all, who knows the spirit which He has made (see Psalm 94:9-10) and can discipline it by His chastening. And live.--Since the life of the spirit subsists only in union with Him. Verse 9. - F urthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us (more correctly, we once had, or, we used to have, the fathers of our flesh as chasteners), and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? This introduces an à fortiori argument. We are reminded of the days of our youth, while we were under parental discipline, and bore with it submissively: much more should we submit to the discipline of our heavenly Father, to whom we are as children under training all our life long! Commentators differ as to what is exactly meant by the contrast between "the fathers of our flesh" and "the Father of spirits ( τῶν πνευμάτων)." Some (among moderns Delitzsch) find here a support to the theory of creationism as against traducianism; i.e. that the soul of each individual, as distinct from the body, is a new creation, not transmitted from the parents. This view would have more to go on than it has, were we justified in implying ἡμῶν after πνευμάτων (" our spirits," in opposition to " our flesh," preceding). But τῶνπνευμάτων seems evidently meant to be understood generally; and the expression (suggested probably by Numbers 16:22 and Numbers 27:16, "The God of the spirits of all flesh") need imply only that, though God is the original Author of flesh as well as spirit, yet the latter, whether in man or otherwise existing, has in a peculiar sense its parentage from him (cf. Genesis 2:7, "The LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul;" also Job 33:4, "The Spirit of the LORD hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life"). Our earthly parents transmit to us our carnal existence; our spiritual part, in whatever mysterious way derived or inspired, is duo to our Divine parentage; and it is in respect of this that we are God's children and accountable to him. But, as has been intimated above, it is not human spirits only that are here in the writer's view. God is the Father of all "the spirits," whether in the flesh or not; all are of Divine parentage, for God himself is Spirit - Πνεῦμα ὁ Θεός ( John 4:24). Chrysostom explains thus: Τῷ πατρὶ τῶν πνευμὰτων ἤτοιτῶν χαρισμάτων λέγει, ἤτοι τῶν εὐχῶν ψυχῶν ἤτοι τῶν ἀσωμάτων δυνάμεων
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Furthermore,εἶτα(eita)Adverb
Strong's 1534:A particle of succession, then, moreover.we have all hadεἴχομεν(eichomen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.earthlyσαρκὸς(sarkos)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561:Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.fathersπατέρας(pateras)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.who disciplined [us],παιδευτὰς(paideutas)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3810:An instructor, trainer; almost: a chastiser. From paideuo; a trainer, i.e. Teacher or discipliner.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.we respected [them].ἐνετρεπόμεθα(enetrepometha)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1788:From en and the base of trope; to invert, i.e. in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound.{Should we} notοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.muchπολὺ(poly)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.moreδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.submitὑποταγησόμεθα(hypotagēsometha)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 5293:From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.to theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.FatherΠατρὶ(Patri)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.of [our]τῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.spiritsπνευμάτων(pneumatōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4151:Wind, breath, spirit.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.live?ζήσομεν(zēsomen)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2198:To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.
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NT Letters: Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we had the fathers of our (Heb. He. Hb) |
