Hebrews 12:7

Authorized King James Version

If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἴ
If
if, whether, that, etc
#2
παιδείαν
chastening
tutorage, i.e., education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction
#3
ὑπομένετε
ye endure
to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere
#4
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#5
υἱὸς
son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#6
ὑμῖν
with you
to (with or by) you
#7
προσφέρεται
dealeth
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
#8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
θεός
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#10
τίς
what
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#11
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#12
ἐστιν
is he
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#13
υἱὸς
son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#14
ὃν
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#15
οὐ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#16
παιδεύει
chasteneth
to train up a child, i.e., educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment)
#17
πατήρ
the father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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