Hebrews 12:17
New International Version
Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

New Living Translation
You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears.

English Standard Version
For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

Berean Standard Bible
For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.

Berean Literal Bible
For you know that even afterward, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place of repentance, although having earnestly sought it with tears.

King James Bible
For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

New King James Version
For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

New American Standard Bible
For you know that even afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

NASB 1995
For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

NASB 1977
For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

Legacy Standard Bible
For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

Amplified Bible
For you know that later on, when he wanted [to regain title to] his inheritance of the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance [there was no way to repair what he had done, no chance to recall the choice he had made], even though he sought for it with [bitter] tears.

Christian Standard Bible
For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance, though he sought it with tears.

American Standard Version
For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought it diligently with tears.

Contemporary English Version
You know how he later wanted it back. But there was nothing he could do to change things, even though he begged his father and cried.

English Revised Version
For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected (for he found no place of repentance), though he sought it diligently with tears.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You know that afterwards, when he wanted to receive the blessing that the firstborn son was to receive, he was rejected. Even though he begged and cried for the blessing, he couldn't do anything to change what had happened.

Good News Translation
Afterward, you know, he wanted to receive his father's blessing; but he was turned back, because he could not find any way to change what he had done, even though in tears he looked for it.

International Standard Version
For you know that afterwards, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he could not find any opportunity to repent, even though he begged to repent with tears.

Majority Standard Bible
For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.

NET Bible
For you know that later when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance, although he sought the blessing with tears.

New Heart English Bible
For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears.

Webster's Bible Translation
For ye know that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Weymouth New Testament
For you know that even afterwards, when he wished to secure the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no opportunity for undoing what he had done, though he sought the blessing earnestly with tears.

World English Bible
For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for you know that also afterward, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was disapproved of, for he did not find a place of conversion, though having sought it with tears.

Berean Literal Bible
For you know that even afterward, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place of repentance, although having earnestly sought it with tears.

Young's Literal Translation
for ye know that also afterwards, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was disapproved of, for a place of reformation he found not, though with tears having sought it.

Smith's Literal Translation
For ye know also afterwards, wishing to inherit the praise, he was disapproved of: for he found no place for a change of mind, although having sought it with tears.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For know ye that afterwards, when he desired to inherit the benediction, he was rejected; for he found no place of repentance, although with tears he had sought it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For you know that afterwards, when he desired to inherit the benediction, he was rejected. For he found no place for repentance, even though he had sought it with tears.

New American Bible
For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit his father’s blessing, he was rejected because he found no opportunity to change his mind, even though he sought the blessing with tears.

New Revised Standard Version
You know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, even though he sought the blessing with tears.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For you know that afterward when he wished to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, and he had no chance of recovery, even though he sought it with tears.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For you know that afterward he desired to inherit the blessing and was rejected, for he found no place of restoration, while he sought it in tears.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no means to change his father's mind, though he sought it earnestly with tears.

Godbey New Testament
For you know that, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance even though having sought it diligently with tears.

Haweis New Testament
For ye know, that when afterwards he wished to inherit the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place for a change of his father?s mind, though he sought it earnestly with tears.

Mace New Testament
for you know that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: not being able to make Isaac to retract, though he importun'd him with tears.

Weymouth New Testament
For you know that even afterwards, when he wished to secure the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no opportunity for undoing what he had done, though he sought the blessing earnestly with tears.

Worrell New Testament
For ye know that even after that, when wishing to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for repentance, although he earnestly sought it with tears.

Worsley New Testament
For ye know that, when he would afterwards have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no room for repentance, though he sought it earnestly even with tears.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Call to Holiness
16See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. 17For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears. 18For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm;…

Cross References
Genesis 27:34-38
When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, O my father!” / But Isaac replied, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” / So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?” ...

Genesis 25:29-34
One day, while Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the field and was famished. / He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished.” (That is why he was also called Edom.) / “First sell me your birthright,” Jacob replied. ...

Malachi 1:2-3
“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”

Romans 9:10-13
Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ...

Genesis 27:41
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

Genesis 27:30-33
As soon as Isaac had finished blessing him and Jacob had left his father’s presence, his brother Esau returned from the hunt. / He too made some tasty food, brought it to his father, and said to him, “My father, sit up and eat of your son’s game, so that you may bless me.” / But his father Isaac replied, “Who are you?” “I am Esau, your firstborn son,” he answered. ...

Genesis 27:39-40
His father Isaac answered him: “Behold, your dwelling place shall be away from the richness of the land, away from the dew of heaven above. / You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.”

Genesis 28:6-9
Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to take a wife there, commanding him, “Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” / and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and gone to Paddan-aram. / And seeing that his father Isaac disapproved of the Canaanite women, ...

Obadiah 1:10-14
Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. / On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. / But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. ...

Genesis 36:1-8
This is the account of Esau (that is, Edom). / Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite, / and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth. ...

Genesis 32:3-6
Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. / He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now. / I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’” ...

Genesis 33:1-4
Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. ...

Genesis 25:23
and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”

1 Samuel 2:25
If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death.

Proverbs 1:24-31
Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, / because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, / in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you, ...


Treasury of Scripture

For you know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

when he.

Genesis 27:31-41
And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me…

he was.

Hebrews 6:8
But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

Proverbs 1:24-31
Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; …

Jeremiah 6:30
Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.

for he.

Hebrews 6:4-6
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, …

Hebrews 10:26-29
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, …

place for repentance.

Jump to Previous
Afterward Afterwards Although Blessing Carefully Chance Change Changed Desired Desiring Diligently Disapproved Earnestly Found Frequently Heritage Inherit Inherited Mind Opportunity Past Reformation Rejected Repent Repentance Request Secure Sought Tears Turned Undoing Wanted Weeping Wished Wishing
Jump to Next
Afterward Afterwards Although Blessing Carefully Chance Change Changed Desired Desiring Diligently Disapproved Earnestly Found Frequently Heritage Inherit Inherited Mind Opportunity Past Reformation Rejected Repent Repentance Request Secure Sought Tears Turned Undoing Wanted Weeping Wished Wishing
Hebrews 12
1. An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness by Christ's example
22. A commendation of the new covenant.














For you know
This phrase serves as a reminder to the audience, indicating that the readers are already familiar with the account of Esau. The Greek word "γινώσκετε" (ginōskete) implies an intimate understanding or recognition, suggesting that the lesson from Esau's life is well-known and should be deeply considered by the believers. It emphasizes the importance of learning from past examples to avoid similar pitfalls.

that afterward
The term "μετέπειτα" (metepita) refers to a time following a significant event. In this context, it points to the period after Esau had already made his fateful decision to sell his birthright for a single meal. This highlights the irreversible nature of certain decisions and the consequences that follow, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of foresight and valuing spiritual inheritance.

when he wanted to inherit the blessing
The Greek word "κληρονομήσαι" (klēronomēsai) means to inherit or receive a portion. Esau's desire to inherit the blessing reflects a change of heart, but it was too late. This phrase underscores the gravity of spiritual blessings and the necessity of valuing them above temporary, worldly desires. It serves as a warning to prioritize eternal over temporal gains.

he was rejected
The Greek term "ἀπεδοκιμάσθη" (apedokimasthē) indicates being disapproved or cast aside. Esau's rejection is a sobering reminder of the consequences of despising one's spiritual heritage. It illustrates the principle that certain opportunities, once lost, cannot be regained, emphasizing the need for vigilance and appreciation of God's gifts.

He could find no ground for repentance
The phrase "μετανοίας τόπον οὐχ εὗρεν" (metanoias topon ouch heuren) suggests an inability to find a place or opportunity for repentance. This does not imply that Esau was incapable of repentance in a general sense, but rather that the specific opportunity to reclaim his birthright was irrevocably lost. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of timely repentance and the potential finality of certain decisions.

though he sought the blessing with tears
The Greek "μετὰ δακρύων" (meta dakryōn) conveys a deep, emotional plea. Esau's tears reflect genuine regret and sorrow, yet they were insufficient to alter the outcome. This highlights the distinction between worldly sorrow and true repentance, urging believers to seek genuine transformation of heart rather than mere emotional responses. It serves as a poignant reminder of the need for sincere repentance and the pursuit of God's will above all else.

(17) For ye know how that afterward . . .--The meaning of the verse will be seen more clearly if one clause be placed in a parenthesis: "For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing he was rejected (for he found no place of repentance), though he sought it earnestly with tears." The blessing of Jacob related in Genesis 27 is here viewed (apart from all attendant circumstances) as a necessary consequence of Esau's "profane" scorn of his birthright. Notwithstanding Esau's piteous entreaty, Isaac cannot but ratify (Genesis 27:33) the blessing which he has pronounced; though his son sought the blessing earnestly with tears (Genesis 27:38), he was rejected. He "found no place of repentance;" that first act (Genesis 25:33) could not be recalled, but brought with it a loss which nothing could retrieve.

(It is right to add that other interpretations of the verse have been given, which seem, however, much less probable. Thus, the last clause has been understood to mean that Esau earnestly sought repentance; and the preceding words, which we have placed in a parenthesis, that he could not bring his father to a change of purpose.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

you know
ἴστε (iste)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

afterward,
μετέπειτα (metepeita)
Adverb
Strong's 3347: Afterwards. From meta and epeita; thereafter.

when he wanted
θέλων (thelōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

to inherit
κληρονομῆσαι (klēronomēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2816: To inherit, obtain (possess) by inheritance, acquire. From kleronomos; to be an heir to.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

blessing,
εὐλογίαν (eulogian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2129: Adulation, praise, blessing, gift.

he was rejected.
ἀπεδοκιμάσθη (apedokimasthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 593: To reject after testing (examination), disqualify. From apo and dokimazo; to disapprove, i.e. to repudiate.

He could find
εὗρεν (heuren)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2147: A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.

no
οὐχ (ouch)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

ground
τόπον (topon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5117: Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.

for repentance,
μετανοίας (metanoias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3341: From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).

though
καίπερ (kaiper)
Conjunction
Strong's 2539: Although, though. From kai and per; and indeed, i.e. Nevertheless or notwithstanding.

he sought
ἐκζητήσας (ekzētēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1567: To seek out, seek out after, require. From ek and zeteo; to search out, i.e.investigate, crave, demand, worship.

[the blessing]
αὐτήν (autēn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

tears.
δακρύων (dakryōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1144: A tear. Or dakruon dak'-roo-on; of uncertain affinity; a tear.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 12:17 For you know that even when he (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 12:16
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