Hebrews 12:3
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιαύτην
such
G5108
τοιαύτην
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
4 of 18
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ὑπομεμενηκότα
him that endured
G5278
ὑπομεμενηκότα
him that endured
Strong's:
G5278
Word #:
5 of 18
to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
6 of 18
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀυτὸν
G846
ἀυτὸν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 18
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
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κάμητε
ye be wearied
G2577
κάμητε
ye be wearied
Strong's:
G2577
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, to toil, i.e., (by implication) to tire (figuratively, faint, sicken)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Galatians 6:9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.2 Corinthians 4:16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.Revelation 2:3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.Hebrews 12:2Looking 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.Hebrews 3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;2 Corinthians 4:1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;John 5:16And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.1 Samuel 12:24Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.Hebrews 12:5And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Historical Context
Christ endured the ultimate contradiction—the sinless Son of God rejected by those He came to save, condemned by religious leaders who should have recognized Him, crucified by Roman authority meant to establish justice. The original readers, facing persecution from both Jewish and Roman sources, needed encouragement that their suffering was lighter than Christ's. Early Christian tradition records many first-century martyrdoms; believers needed endurance to maintain faith through extended opposition. Fixing attention on Christ's greater suffering provided both comfort (He understands) and challenge (don't give up when you haven't suffered as He did).
Questions for Reflection
- How does comparing your struggles with Christ's suffering provide perspective on your current trials?
- What specific aspects of Christ's endurance most encourage you when facing opposition or weariness?
- In what areas are you growing 'weary' and need to renew your mind through meditating on Christ's greater suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. The command 'consider' (analogisasthe, ἀναλογίσασθε, 'reckon up' or 'compare carefully') calls believers to meditate deeply on Christ's endurance. He faced ultimate 'contradiction of sinners'—rejection, mockery, false accusation, betrayal, abandonment, and crucifixion. When tempted to grow weary under persecution, believers should compare their suffering with Christ's, finding both perspective and motivation.
The danger is becoming 'wearied and faint in your minds' (kamēte tais psychais hymōn eklyomenoi, κάμητε ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν ἐκλυόμενοι, 'growing tired in your souls, losing heart'). Mental and spiritual exhaustion under prolonged trial can lead to abandoning faith. The antidote is fixing attention on Christ's greater suffering and perfect endurance. He faced infinitely worse opposition yet completed His mission without wavering.
This illustrates a fundamental gospel principle: Christ's work provides both example and enablement. We look to Him as pattern of faithful endurance, but also as the one who endured for us, accomplishing our salvation. His perfect obedience under suffering satisfies divine justice on our behalf and provides power through His Spirit for our own perseverance (Philippians 2:12-13). Meditation on Christ's passion both shames our complaints and strengthens our resolve.