Hebrews 12:9

Authorized King James Version

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Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

Original Language Analysis

εἶτα Furthermore G1534
εἶτα Furthermore
Strong's: G1534
Word #: 1 of 21
a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover
τοὺς G3588
τοὺς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν G3303
μὲν
Strong's: G3303
Word #: 3 of 21
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκὸς flesh G4561
σαρκὸς flesh
Strong's: G4561
Word #: 5 of 21
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ἡμῶν of our G2257
ἡμῶν of our
Strong's: G2257
Word #: 6 of 21
of (or from) us
πατρὶ fathers G3962
πατρὶ fathers
Strong's: G3962
Word #: 7 of 21
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
εἴχομεν we have had G2192
εἴχομεν we have had
Strong's: G2192
Word #: 8 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
παιδευτὰς which corrected G3810
παιδευτὰς which corrected
Strong's: G3810
Word #: 9 of 21
a trainer, i.e., teacher or (by implication) discipliner
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐνετρεπόμεθα· we gave them reverence G1788
ἐνετρεπόμεθα· we gave them reverence
Strong's: G1788
Word #: 11 of 21
to invert, i.e., (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound
οὐ not G3756
οὐ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 12 of 21
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
πολλῷ much G4183
πολλῷ much
Strong's: G4183
Word #: 13 of 21
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
μᾶλλον rather G3123
μᾶλλον rather
Strong's: G3123
Word #: 14 of 21
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
ὑποταγησόμεθα be in subjection G5293
ὑποταγησόμεθα be in subjection
Strong's: G5293
Word #: 15 of 21
to subordinate; reflexively, to obey
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρὶ fathers G3962
πατρὶ fathers
Strong's: G3962
Word #: 17 of 21
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνευμάτων of spirits G4151
πνευμάτων of spirits
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 19 of 21
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 20 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ζήσομεν live G2198
ζήσομεν live
Strong's: G2198
Word #: 21 of 21
to live (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? The argument proceeds from lesser to greater. If we respected ('gave reverence,' enetrepometha, ἐνετρεπόμεθα) earthly fathers who disciplined us, how much more should we submit to our heavenly Father? 'Fathers of our flesh' refers to biological fathers who corrected physical children; 'Father of spirits' emphasizes God as creator of our immaterial, eternal souls.

The phrase 'be in subjection...and live' connects submission to divine discipline with spiritual life. The Greek zēsomen (ζήσομεν, 'we shall live') indicates eternal life, not merely physical existence. Submission to God's corrective training produces holiness and maturity that characterize genuine spiritual life. Resistance to divine discipline, conversely, evidences spiritual death or immaturity leading to destruction.

This teaches that proper response to divine discipline is willing submission, not resentment or rebellion. If imperfect human fathers deserved respect when they disciplined us for our good as they understood it, God—who is perfect in wisdom, love, and knowledge—deserves far greater submission when He corrects us for our ultimate good. His discipline always aims at our sanctification and eternal blessing, making submission the only reasonable response.

Historical Context

Ancient Mediterranean culture emphasized paternal authority and children's duty to respect fathers even into adulthood. The fifth commandment, 'Honor thy father and thy mother' (Exodus 20:12), established this principle in Mosaic law. Fathers held legal authority over children, including right to discipline. The argument from lesser (flawed human fathers) to greater (perfect divine Father) would have been compelling to first-century readers familiar with household authority structures. Paul similarly uses this argument in Ephesians 6:1-4, connecting earthly and heavenly fatherhood while emphasizing discipline's formative purpose.

Questions for Reflection

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