Hebrews 12:3

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 12:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.
Hebrews 12:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For consider him, etc..] In the greatness of his person, as God, the Son of God, the heir of all things; and in his offices of prophet, priest, and King, as the Saviour of lost sinners, the Leader and Commander of the people, as the apostle and high priest of our profession: consider him in his human nature, his conversation on earth, and what he did and suffered for men; how that in his nature he was pure and holy, in his conversation harmless and innocent, in his deportment meek and lowly; who went about doing good to the souls of men, and at last suffered and died, and is now glorified: consider the analogy between him and us, and how great is the disproportion; and therefore if he was…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For--justifying his exhortation, "Looking unto Jesus." consider--by way of comparison with yourselves, so the Greek. contradiction--unbelief, and every kind of opposition (Act 28:19). sinners--Sin assails us. Not sin, but sinners, contradicted Christ [BENGEL]. be wearied and faint--Greek, "lest ye weary fainting." Compare Isa 49:4-5, as a specimen of Jesus not being wearied out by the contradiction and strange unbelief of those among whom He labored, preaching as never man did, and exhibiting miracles wrought by His inherent power, as none else could do.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For consider him - Attentively reflect on his example that you may be able to bear your trials in a proper manner. That endured such contradiction of sinners - Such opposition. The reference is to the Jews of the time of the Saviour, who opposed his plans, perverted his sayings, and ridiculed his claims. Yet, regardless of their opposition, he persevered in the course which he had marked out, and went patiently forward in the execution of his plans. The idea is, that we are to pursue the path of duty and follow the dictates of conscience, let the world say what they will about it. In doing this we cannot find a better example than the Saviour. No opposition of sinners ever turned him from…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Consider - Draw the comparison and think. The Lord bore all this; and shall his servants bear nothing? Him that endured such contradiction from sinners - Such enmity and opposition of every kind Lest ye be weary - Dull and languid, and so actually faint in your course. Hebrews 12:4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people: The recipients of Hebrews had become weary and were about to give up—they were emotionally fatigued because of the persecution they were facing. The key to their endurance was to focus on Jesus, who had been through even worse hostility.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“consider: Heb 12:2, Heb 3:1; Sa1 12:24; Ti2 2:7, Ti2 2:8 contradiction: Mat 10:24, Mat 10:25, Mat 11:19, Mat 12:24, Mat 15:2, Mat 21:15, Mat 21:16, Mat 21:23, Mat 21:46, Mat 22:15; Luk 2:34 \*Gr: Luk 4:28, Luk 4:29, Luk 5:21, Luk 11:15, Luk 11:16, Luk 11:53, Luk 11:54, Luk 13:13, Luk 13:14, Luk 14:1, Luk 15:2, Luk 16:14, Luk 19:39; Luk 19:40; Joh 5:16, Joh 7:12, Joh 8:13, Joh 8:48, Joh 8:49, Joh 8:52, Joh 8:59, Joh 9:40, Joh 10:20, Joh 10:31-39, Joh 12:9; Joh 12:10, Joh 15:18-24, Joh 18:22 lest: Heb 12:5; Deu 20:3; Pro 24:10; Isa 40:30, Isa 40:31, Isa 50:4; Co1 15:58; Co2 4:1, Co2 4:16; Gal 6:9; Th2 3:13 Hebrews 12:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification