Hebrews 12:28

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Word-by-Word Analysis

Διὸ

G1352

Wherefore

through which thing, i.e., consequently

βασιλείαν

G932

a kingdom

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

ἀσάλευτον

G761

which cannot be moved

unshaken, i.e., (by implication) immovable (figuratively)

παραλαμβάνοντες

G3880

we receiving

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

ἔχωμεν

G2192

let us have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

χάριν

G5485

grace

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

δι'

G1223

whereby

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἧς

G3739

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

λατρεύωμεν

G3000

we may serve

to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage

#10

εὐαρέστως

G2102

acceptably

quite agreeably

#11

τῷ

G3588

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

#12

θεῷ

G2316

God

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

#13

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#14

αἰδοῦς

G127

reverence

bashfulness, i.e., (towards men), modesty or (towards god) awe

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

εὐλαβείας

G2124

godly fear

properly, caution, i.e., (religiously) reverence (piety); by implication, dread (concretely)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding grace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?

Related Resources

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Topics

Faith
Hope