Hebrews 12:6

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 12:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Hebrews 12:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

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 whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, etc..] All men are not the objects of God's love, only a special people, whom he has chosen in Christ; for whom he has given his Son, when they were sinners and enemies; whom he quickens and calls by his grace, justifies, pardons, and accepts in Christ; and whom he causes to love him; these he loves with an everlasting and unchangeable love, and in a free and sovereign way, without any regard to any motive or condition in them. Now these are chastened by him, and loved while they are chastened; their chastening is in love, as appears from the nature of God's love to them, which changes not; from the nature of chastening itself; which is that of a…”
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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
“(Rev 3:19.) and--Greek, "yea and," "and moreover"; bringing out an additional circumstance. scourgeth--which draws forth "blood" (Heb 12:4). receiveth--accepts. Takes to Himself as a son "in whom He delighteth" (Pro 3:12).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth - This is also a quotation from Proverbs 3:0. It means that it is a universal rule that God sends trials on those whom he truly loves. It does not, of course, mean that he sends chastisement which is not deserved; or that he sends it “for the mere purpose” of inflicting pain. That cannot be. But it means that by his chastisements he shows that he has a paternal care for us. He does not treat us with neglect and unconcern, as a father often does his illegitimate child. The very fact that he corrects us shows that he has toward us a father’s feelings, and exercises toward us a paternal care. If he did not, he would let us go on without any attention, and…”
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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
“For - All springs from love; therefore neither despise nor faint. Hebrews 12:7”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“whom: Deu 8:5; Psa 32:1-5, Psa 73:14, Psa 73:15, Psa 89:30-34, Psa 119:71, Psa 119:75; Pro 3:12, Pro 13:24; Isa 27:9; Jer 10:24; Jam 1:12, Jam 5:11; Rev 3:19 and scourgeth: Heb 12:7, Heb 12:8; Sa2 7:14 Hebrews 12:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification