Hebrews 12:25

Authorized King James Version

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Βλέπετε
See
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#2
μὴ
not
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#3
παραιτησάμενοι
that ye refuse
to beg off, i.e., deprecate, decline, shun
#4
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
λαλοῦντα·
him that speaketh
to talk, i.e., utter words
#6
εἰ
if
if, whether, that, etc
#7
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#8
ἐκεῖνοι
they
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#9
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#10
ἔφυγον,
escaped
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
#11
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἐπὶ
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#13
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
γῆς
earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#15
παραιτησάμενοι
that ye refuse
to beg off, i.e., deprecate, decline, shun
#16
χρηματίζοντα
that spake
to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of g5530), i.e., divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of g5532) to constitute
#17
πολλῷ
much
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#18
μᾶλλον
more
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
#19
ἡμεῖς
shall not we
we (only used when emphatic)
#20
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ἀπ'
that speaketh from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#23
οὐρανῶν
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#24
ἀποστρεφόμενοι
escape if we turn away from him
to turn away or back (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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