Hebrews 12:15
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Original Language Analysis
ἐπισκοποῦντες
Looking diligently
G1983
ἐπισκοποῦντες
Looking diligently
Strong's:
G1983
Word #:
1 of 21
to oversee; by implication, to beware
μή
lest
G3361
μή
lest
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὑστερῶν
fail
G5302
ὑστερῶν
fail
Strong's:
G5302
Word #:
4 of 21
to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριτος
the grace
G5485
χάριτος
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
7 of 21
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
μή
lest
G3361
μή
lest
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πικρίας
of bitterness
G4088
πικρίας
of bitterness
Strong's:
G4088
Word #:
13 of 21
acridity (especially poison), literally or figuratively
φύουσα
springing
G5453
φύουσα
springing
Strong's:
G5453
Word #:
15 of 21
probably originally, to "puff" or blow, i.e., to swell up; but only used in the implied sense, to germinate or grow (sprout, produce), literally or fi
καὶ
you and
G2532
καὶ
you and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
thereby
G1223
διὰ
thereby
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
18 of 21
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
Hebrews 3:12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.Deuteronomy 29:18Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;Galatians 5:4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.2 John 1:8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.1 Corinthians 15:33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.2 Peter 3:14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.Jeremiah 2:21Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?Hebrews 4:1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.Proverbs 4:23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 29:18 warned against Israelites who secretly served other gods while appearing faithful—their hidden idolatry would eventually defile others. Hebrews applies this to Christian communities facing persecution where bitterness toward God, disappointment over unfulfilled expectations, or resentment of suffering could fester and spread. First-century churches struggled with false teaching (Galatians, Colossians) and interpersonal bitterness (Corinth, Philippi). The warning to watch diligently reflects early Christian recognition that communities must actively guard against doctrinal drift and moral compromise through mutual oversight, discipline, and encouragement. Failure to address these issues led to church corruption and apostasy.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you actively watching to ensure neither you nor fellow believers fail to obtain God's grace?
- What roots of bitterness—resentment, unforgiveness, complaining—might be sprouting in your heart that could defile others?
- In what ways should you exercise loving oversight to prevent bitterness or apostasy from spreading in your faith community?
Analysis & Commentary
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; This verse warns about two dangers: failing to obtain God's grace and allowing bitterness to spread. 'Looking diligently' (episkopountes, ἐπισκοποῦντες, 'overseeing' or 'watching carefully') indicates active pastoral oversight—believers should watch out for one another. 'Fail of the grace of God' (hysteron apo tēs charitos tou theou) could mean failing to reach grace or falling from it—either never truly embracing gospel grace or apostasizing from professed faith.
The second danger, 'root of bitterness,' quotes Deuteronomy 29:18, warning against secretly harboring idolatry or rebellion. Here it describes resentment, anger, or doctrinal error that starts small but 'springs up' (phyousa, φύουσα, 'growing' or 'sprouting') to 'trouble' (enochlē, ἐνοχλῇ, 'disturb' or 'cause annoyance') and 'defile many' (miainthōsin polloi). One bitter person, if unchecked, can contaminate entire communities through complaining, criticism, or false teaching.
This illustrates the contagious nature of both apostasy and bitterness. Sin rarely remains isolated—it spreads. Therefore, church discipline and mutual accountability aren't optional but essential for community health. Reformed theology emphasizes both individual salvation and corporate sanctification. We're saved as individuals but sanctified in community, where we both receive correction and extend it to others, preserving the body's purity and unity through vigilant care for one another's spiritual state.