Hebrews 12:10

Authorized King James Version

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For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Original Language Analysis

οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν they verily G3303
μὲν they verily
Strong's: G3303
Word #: 2 of 22
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 3 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πρὸς for G4314
πρὸς for
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 4 of 22
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ὀλίγας a few G3641
ὀλίγας a few
Strong's: G3641
Word #: 5 of 22
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
ἡμέρας days G2250
ἡμέρας days
Strong's: G2250
Word #: 6 of 22
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
κατὰ us after G2596
κατὰ us after
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 7 of 22
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοκοῦν pleasure G1380
δοκοῦν pleasure
Strong's: G1380
Word #: 9 of 22
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
αὐτοῦ of his G846
αὐτοῦ of his
Strong's: G846
Word #: 10 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπαίδευον chastened G3811
ἐπαίδευον chastened
Strong's: G3811
Word #: 11 of 22
to train up a child, i.e., educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ but G1161
δὲ but
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 13 of 22
but, and, etc
ἐπὶ he for G1909
ἐπὶ he for
Strong's: G1909
Word #: 14 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συμφέρον our profit G4851
συμφέρον our profit
Strong's: G4851
Word #: 16 of 22
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
εἰς that G1519
εἰς that
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 17 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεταλαβεῖν we might be partakers G3335
μεταλαβεῖν we might be partakers
Strong's: G3335
Word #: 19 of 22
to participate; genitive case, to accept (and use)
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγιότητος holiness G41
ἁγιότητος holiness
Strong's: G41
Word #: 21 of 22
sanctity (i.e., properly, the state)
αὐτοῦ of his G846
αὐτοῦ of his
Strong's: G846
Word #: 22 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis & Commentary

For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. This verse contrasts human and divine discipline in duration, motivation, and goal. Human fathers disciplined 'for a few days' (limited to childhood) 'after their own pleasure' (kata to dokoun autois, κατὰ τὸ δοκοῦν αὐτοῖς, 'according to what seemed good to them')—their best judgment, which was imperfect and sometimes mistaken. God disciplines 'for our profit' (epi to sympheron, ἐπὶ τὸ συμφέρον), meaning our ultimate advantage and benefit.

The purpose clause, 'that we might be partakers of his holiness' (eis to metalabein tēs hagiotētos autou), reveals God's goal in discipline: conforming us to His character. The Greek metalabein (μεταλαβεῖν, 'to partake' or 'share in') indicates participating in God's holy nature. This is the ultimate purpose of divine discipline—not punishment but transformation, producing in us the holiness without which 'no man shall see the Lord' (verse 14).

This is fundamental to Reformed theology: God's discipline serves sanctification, not retribution. Christ bore our punishment; discipline is parental correction for growth, not penal satisfaction for sin. God's perfect wisdom ensures His corrective methods always serve our profit, conforming us to Christ's image (Romans 8:29). What seems painful or arbitrary serves the glorious purpose of making us holy as He is holy—the highest privilege and most valuable attainment possible.

Historical Context

Ancient understanding of discipline focused on character formation rather than merely punishing wrong behavior. Greek paideia encompassed comprehensive education, moral training, and character development through instruction and correction. The goal was producing virtuous adults capable of self-governance and contributing to society. Hebrews applies this educational framework to divine discipline, showing God trains believers toward holiness—conformity to His character. First-century readers, experiencing trials, needed assurance these hardships served purposeful good, not random suffering. God's discipline, unlike imperfect human attempts, always achieves its intended purpose of producing holiness.

Questions for Reflection

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