Hebrews 12:2

Authorized King James Version

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀφορῶντες

G872

Looking

to consider attentively

εἰς

G1519

unto

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πίστεως

G4102

of our faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἀρχηγὸν

G747

the author

a chief leader

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τελειωτὴν

G5051

finisher

a completer, i.e., consummater

Ἰησοῦν

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#10

ὃς

G3739

who

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#11

ἀντὶ

G473

for

opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)

#12

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

προκειμένης

G4295

that was set before

to lie before the view, i.e., (figuratively) to be present (to the mind), to stand forth (as an example or reward)

#14

αὐτῷ

G846

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

#15

χαρᾶς

G5479

the joy

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

#16

ὑπέμεινεν

G5278

endured

to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere

#17

σταυρὸν

G4716

the cross

a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,

#18

αἰσχύνης

G152

the shame

shame or disgrace (abstractly or concretely)

#19

καταφρονήσας

G2706

despising

to think against, i.e., disesteem

#20

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#21

δεξιᾷ

G1188

the right hand

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

#22

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#23

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

θρόνου

G2362

of the throne

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

#25

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#27

εκάθισεν

G2523

is set down

to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Philippians 2:8 Philippians 2:8
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
— Obedient unto death
² 1 Peter 2:21 1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
— Christ suffered for us

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hebrews, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of faith connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about faith, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Hebrews.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Hebrews chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Faith
Hope