Hebrews 12:4
Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Original Language Analysis
μέχρις
unto
G3360
μέχρις
unto
Strong's:
G3360
Word #:
2 of 8
as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl
αἵματος
blood
G129
αἵματος
blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
3 of 8
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
πρὸς
against
G4314
πρὸς
against
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 8
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.Revelation 2:13I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.Revelation 12:11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.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.Matthew 24:9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.Revelation 18:24And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
Historical Context
Written before 70 AD (temple still standing), Hebrews addressed Jewish Christians who faced increasing persecution from both Jewish and Roman sources. They experienced social ostracism, property confiscation (10:34), public mockery, and imprisonment—serious suffering. Yet none had yet been martyred from this particular community, though martyrdom was spreading elsewhere (Stephen, James the brother of John). The author prepares them for potential martyrdom while encouraging them that their current suffering, though severe, hasn't reached that ultimate test. This would steel them for increasing persecution leading to and following Jerusalem's destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse provide perspective on whether your current trials warrant the degree of complaint or discouragement you feel?
- What does 'resisting unto blood' teach about the ultimate cost you should be willing to pay rather than compromise faith?
- In what ways are you 'striving against sin'—both resisting temptation and enduring opposition for righteousness?
Analysis & Commentary
Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. This verse provides sobering perspective on the readers' persecution. Though facing opposition, they hadn't yet been martyred—'not yet resisted unto blood' (oupō mechris haimatos antikatesteete). Christ shed His blood; many Old Testament saints were killed (11:35-38); but these believers, though suffering, remained alive. This both comforts and challenges: their suffering was real but not yet ultimate.
The phrase 'striving against sin' (antagonizomenoi, ἀνταγωνιζόμενοι—athletic metaphor, 'competing against') can be understood two ways:
Likely both meanings apply—they battled external persecution while resisting internal temptation to compromise. The struggle demanded everything short of life itself.
This challenges modern Western Christians who face minimal persecution yet complain about slight discomforts. If first-century believers who faced serious opposition were told they hadn't resisted to bloodshed yet, how much more should we who face far less persecution persevere without complaint? The verse doesn't minimize real suffering but provides perspective that our faithful endurance, empowered by grace, should match or exceed the trials we face.