Hebrews 12:9
New International Version
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!

New Living Translation
Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?

English Standard Version
Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?

Berean Standard Bible
Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?

Berean Literal Bible
Furthermore indeed, we have had fathers of our flesh, correctors, and we respected them; and shall we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits and shall live?

King James Bible
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?

New King James Version
Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?

New American Standard Bible
Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?

NASB 1995
Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?

NASB 1977
Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?

Legacy Standard Bible
Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them. Shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?

Amplified Bible
Moreover, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we submitted and respected them [for training us]; shall we not much more willingly submit to the Father of spirits, and live [by learning from His discipline]?

Christian Standard Bible
Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Furthermore, we had natural fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live?

American Standard Version
Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

Contemporary English Version
Our earthly fathers correct us, and we still respect them. Isn't it even better to be given true life by letting our spiritual Father correct us?

English Revised Version
Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
On earth we have fathers who disciplined us, and we respect them. Shouldn't we place ourselves under the authority of God, the father of spirits, so that we will live?

Good News Translation
In the case of our human fathers, they punished us and we respected them. How much more, then, should we submit to our spiritual Father and live!

International Standard Version
Furthermore, we had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them for it. We should submit even more to the Father of our spirits and live, shouldn't we?

Majority Standard Bible
Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?

NET Bible
Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life?

New Heart English Bible
Furthermore, we had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we paid them respect. Should we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?

Webster's Bible Translation
Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?

Weymouth New Testament
Besides this, our earthly fathers used to discipline us and we treated them with respect, and shall we not be still more submissive to the Father of our spirits, and live?

World English Bible
Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Then, indeed, we have had fathers of our flesh, correctors, and we respected [them]; will we not much rather be subject to the Father of the spirits, and live?

Berean Literal Bible
Furthermore indeed, we have had fathers of our flesh, correctors, and we respected them; and shall we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits and shall live?

Young's Literal Translation
Then, indeed, fathers of our flesh we have had, chastising us, and we were reverencing them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of the spirits, and live?

Smith's Literal Translation
Since we truly have fathers of our flesh instructors, and we were influenced: shall we not rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and we shall live?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moreover we have had fathers of our flesh, for instructors, and we reverenced them: shall we not much more obey the Father of spirits, and live?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, too, we have certainly had the fathers of our flesh as instructors, and we reverenced them. Should we not obey the Father of spirits all the more, and so live?

New American Bible
Besides this, we have had our earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not [then] submit all the more to the Father of spirits and live?

New Revised Standard Version
Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Furthermore if our fathers of the flesh corrected us and we respected them, how much more then should we willingly be under subjection to our Spiritual Father, and live?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And if our fathers who are in the flesh have disciplined us and we did revere them, how much more ought we submit to The Father of Spirits and live?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
So, then, we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we reverenced them; shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of our spirits, and live?

Godbey New Testament
Then indeed, we had fathers of our flesh who chastised us, and we endured: how much more then shall we submit to the Father of spirits, and live?

Haweis New Testament
If then we have had the fathers of our flesh for correctors, and reverenced them; shall we not much more be under subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?

Mace New Testament
when our natural parents corrected us, we gave them reverence: is it not much more reasonable to be in subjection to the father of spirits, in order to have life?

Weymouth New Testament
Besides this, our earthly fathers used to discipline us and we treated them with respect, and shall we not be still more submissive to the Father of our spirits, and live?

Worrell New Testament
Furthermore, we used to have the fathers of our flesh as chasteners, and we reverenced them: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of our spirits, and live?

Worsley New Testament
Now if we had fathers of our flesh, who corrected us, and we gave them reverence; shall we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God Disciplines His Sons
8If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? 10Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.…

Cross References
Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; / for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.

Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. / “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), / “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” ...

Colossians 3:20-21
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. / Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

Deuteronomy 8:5
So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.

2 Corinthians 6:18
And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Romans 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Matthew 7:11
So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

1 Peter 1:14-17
As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. / But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” ...

Malachi 1:6
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’

Luke 11:11-13
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? / Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? / So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Isaiah 63:16
Yet You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.

John 1:12-13
But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.

1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.

Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

Galatians 4:6-7
And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” / So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.


Treasury of Scripture

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

fathers.

John 3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Acts 2:30
Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

Romans 1:3
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

corrected.

Hebrews 12:7
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

we gave.

Exodus 20:12
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Leviticus 19:3
Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 21:18-21
If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: …

shall we not.

Malachi 1:6
A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

James 4:7,10
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you…

1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

the Father.

Numbers 16:22
And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

Numbers 27:16
Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

Job 12:10
In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

Jump to Previous
Authority Besides Chasten Corrected Discipline Disciplined Earthly Fathers Flesh Furthermore Human Live Moreover Paid Punishment Rather Respect Respected Reverence Reverenced Spirits Subject Subjection Submissive Submit Treated Used
Jump to Next
Authority Besides Chasten Corrected Discipline Disciplined Earthly Fathers Flesh Furthermore Human Live Moreover Paid Punishment Rather Respect Respected Reverence Reverenced Spirits Subject Subjection Submissive Submit Treated Used
Hebrews 12
1. An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness by Christ's example
22. A commendation of the new covenant.














Furthermore
This word serves as a transition, building upon the previous verses that discuss discipline. It indicates a continuation of thought, emphasizing the importance of the argument being made. In Greek, the word is "eita," which often introduces a logical progression. The author of Hebrews is making a compelling case for the necessity and value of divine discipline by drawing a parallel to earthly experiences.

we have all had earthly fathers
The phrase acknowledges a universal human experience. The Greek term for "earthly" is "sarkikos," which pertains to the flesh or physical realm. This highlights the contrast between our physical existence and the spiritual realm. The mention of "fathers" (Greek: "pateres") evokes the traditional family structure, which was a cornerstone of ancient society, emphasizing the role of fathers as disciplinarians and guides.

who disciplined us
Discipline, from the Greek "paideuō," refers to training or instruction, often through correction. In the historical context, discipline was seen as essential for moral and personal development. The author uses this common understanding to illustrate how God's discipline is intended for our spiritual growth and maturity.

and we respected them
Respect, or "entrepō" in Greek, implies a sense of reverence or honor. This respect is often born out of understanding the purpose and love behind the discipline. The historical context shows that respect for parental authority was deeply ingrained in Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, reinforcing the argument that divine discipline should be met with even greater respect.

Should we not much more submit
The rhetorical question emphasizes the greater importance of submitting to God. The Greek word for "submit" is "hypotassō," meaning to arrange under or yield to authority. This submission is not out of fear but out of recognition of God's ultimate wisdom and love. The phrase challenges believers to prioritize their spiritual relationship with God over earthly relationships.

to the Father of spirits
This title for God highlights His role as the creator and sustainer of all spiritual life. The Greek word "pneumatōn" (spirits) contrasts with "sarkikos" (earthly), underscoring the divine nature of God's fatherhood. Historically, this would resonate with Jewish readers familiar with God as the giver of life and breath, as seen in Genesis 2:7.

and live?
The promise of life, "zaō" in Greek, refers to both physical and eternal life. The context suggests that true life is found in submission to God, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that life is a gift from God and is fully realized in relationship with Him. This phrase serves as an encouragement and a reminder of the abundant life promised to those who follow God's ways.

(9) Furthermore we have had fathers.--Rather, Furthermore we had the fathers of our flesh as chasteners (i.e., to chasten us). The thought of the former verses has been, "He chastens as a lather." From likeness we here pass to contrast. The contrast drawn is between our natural parents and "the Father of spirits" (comp. Numbers 16:22; Numbers 27:16; Zechariah 12:1)--the Creator of all spirits, who is the Giver of life to all, who knows the spirit which He has made (see Psalm 94:9-10) and can discipline it by His chastening.

And live.--Since the life of the spirit subsists only in union with Him.

Verse 9. - Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us (more correctly, we once had, or, we used to have, the fathers of our flesh as chasteners), and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? This introduces an à fortiori argument. We are reminded of the days of our youth, while we were under parental discipline, and bore with it submissively: much more should we submit to the discipline of our heavenly Father, to whom we are as children under training all our life long! Commentators differ as to what is exactly meant by the contrast between "the fathers of our flesh" and "the Father of spirits (τῶν πνευμάτων)." Some (among moderns Delitzsch) find here a support to the theory of creationism as against traducianism; i.e. that the soul of each individual, as distinct from the body, is a new creation, not transmitted from the parents. This view would have more to go on than it has, were we justified in implying ἡμῶν after πνευμάτων ("our spirits," in opposition to "our flesh," preceding). But τῶν πνευμάτων seems evidently meant to be understood generally; and the expression (suggested probably by Numbers 16:22 and Numbers 27:16, "The God of the spirits of all flesh") need imply only that, though God is the original Author of flesh as well as spirit, yet the latter, whether in man or otherwise existing, has in a peculiar sense its parentage from him (cf. Genesis 2:7, "The LORD GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul;" also Job 33:4, "The Spirit of the LORD hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life"). Our earthly parents transmit to us our carnal existence; our spiritual part, in whatever mysterious way derived or inspired, is duo to our Divine parentage; and it is in respect of this that we are God's children and accountable to him. But, as has been intimated above, it is not human spirits only that are here in the writer's view. God is the Father of all "the spirits," whether in the flesh or not; all are of Divine parentage, for God himself is Spirit - Πνεῦμα ὁ Θεός (John 4:24). Chrysostom explains thus: Τῷ πατρὶ τῶν πνευμὰτων ἤτοι τῶν χαρισμάτων λέγει, ἤτοι τῶν εὐχῶν ψυχῶν ἤτοι τῶν ἀσωμάτων δυνάμεων

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Furthermore,
εἶτα (eita)
Adverb
Strong's 1534: A particle of succession, then, moreover.

we have all had
εἴχομεν (eichomen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

earthly
σαρκὸς (sarkos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.

fathers
πατέρας (pateras)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

who disciplined [us],
παιδευτὰς (paideutas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3810: An instructor, trainer; almost: a chastiser. From paideuo; a trainer, i.e. Teacher or discipliner.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

we respected [them].
ἐνετρεπόμεθα (enetrepometha)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1788: From en and the base of trope; to invert, i.e. in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound.

{Should we} not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

much
πολὺ (poly)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

more
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

submit
ὑποταγησόμεθα (hypotagēsometha)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 5293: From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.

to the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Father
Πατρὶ (Patri)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

of [our]
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

spirits
πνευμάτων (pneumatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

live?
ζήσομεν (zēsomen)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we had the fathers of our (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 12:8
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