Bible Commentaries

Therefore (τοιγαρουν — toigaroun). Triple compound inferential participle (τοι γαρ ουν — toi και ημεις — gar εχοντες περικειμενον — oun) like the German doch denn nun, a conclusion of emphasis, old particle, in N.T. only here and 1 Thessalonians 4:8. There should be no chapter division here, since Hebrews 12:1-3 really is the climax in the whole argument about the better promises (10:19-12:3) with a passionate appeal for loyalty to Christ.

Us also (εχοντες — kai hēmeis). We as well as “these all” of Hebrews 11:39 and all the more because of the “something better” given us in the actual coming of Christ.

Compassed about (εχω — echontes perikeimenon). Literally, “having (περικειμενον — echontes present active participle of περικειμαι — echō) lying around us” (νεπος μαρτυρων — perikeimenon present middle participle of Νεπελη — perikeimai old verb as in Luke 17:2).

Cloud of witnesses (μαρτυρες — nephos marturōn). Old word (Latin nubes), here only in the N.T., for vast mass of clouds. τεαται — Nephelē is a single cloud. The metaphor refers to the great amphitheatre with the arena for the runners and the tiers upon tiers of seats rising up like a cloud. The αποτεμενοι — martures here are not mere spectators (αποτιτημι — theatai), but testifiers (witnesses) who testify from their own experience (Hebrews 11:2, Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 11:5, Hebrews 11:33, Hebrews 11:39) to God‘s fulfilling his promises as shown in chapter Heb 11.

Laying aside (ογκον παντα — apothemenoi). Second aorist-middle (indirect, from ourselves) participle of ενεγκειν περω — apotithēmi old verb as in Colossians 3:8 (laying off old clothes). The runners ran in the stadium nearly naked.

Every weight (πορτοσ βαρος — ogkon panta). Old word (kin to την ευπεριστατον αμαρτιαν — enegkein ευ — pherō) like περιιστημι — phortos τρεχωμεν — baros Here every encumbrance that handicaps like doubt, pride, sloth, anything. No trailing garment to hinder or trip one.

The sin which doth so easily beset us (τρεχω — tēn euperistaton hamartian). “The easily besetting sin.” There are a dozen possible renderings of this double compound verbal from δι υπομονης — eu well, and τον προκειμενον ημιν αγωνα — periistēmi to place around or to stand around (intransitive). The Vulgate has circumstans nos peccatum (the sin standing around us). Probably this is the true idea here, “the easily encompassing (or surrounding) sin.” In this case apostasy from Christ was that sin. In our cases it may be some other sin. The verbal adjective reminds one of the ring of wild beasts in the jungle that encircle the camp-fire at night each ready to pounce upon a careless victim.

Let us run (προκειμαι — trechōmen). Present active volitive subjunctive of ημιν — trechō “let us keep on running.”

With patience (di' hupomonēs). Not with impatience, doubt, or despair.

The race that is set before us (ton prokeimenon hēmin agōna). Note the article and the present middle participle of prokeimai old compound (already in Hebrews 6:18, and also in Hebrews 12:2). Dative case (hēmin) of personal interest.

Looking unto (απορωντες εις — aphorōntes eis). Present active participle of αποραω — aphoraō old verb to look away, “looking away to Jesus.” In N.T. only here and Philemon 2:23. Fix your eyes on Jesus, after a glance at “the cloud of witnesses,” for he is the goal. Cf. Moses in Hebrews 11:26 (απεβλεπεν — apeblepen).

The author (τον αρχηγον — ton archēgon). See Hebrews 2:10 for this word. “The pioneer of personal faith” (Moffatt).

Perfecter (τελειωτην — teleiōtēn). A word apparently coined by the writer from τελειοω — teleioō as it has been found nowhere else. Vulgate has consummator.

For the joy (αντι της χαρας — anti tēs charas). Answering to, in exchange for (Hebrews 12:16), at the end of the race lay the joy “set before him” (προκειμενης αυτωι — prokeimenēs autōi), while here was the Cross (σταυρον — stauron) at this end (the beginning of the race) which he endured (υπεμεινεν — hupemeinen aorist active indicative of υπομενω — hupomenō),

despising shame (αισχυνης καταπρονησας — aischunēs kataphronēsas). The cross at his time brought only shame (most shameful of deaths, “yea, the death of the cross” Philemon 2:8). But Jesus despised that, in spite of the momentary shrinking from it, and did his Father‘s will by submitting to it.

Hath sat down (κεκατικεν — kekathiken). Perfect active indicative of κατιζω — kathizō and still is there (Hebrews 1:3).

Consider (αναλογισαστε — analogisasthe). First aorist middle imperative of αναλογιζομαι — analogizomai old word to reckon up, to compare, to weigh, only here in the N.T. See κατανοησατε — katanoēsate in Hebrews 3:1. Understanding Jesus is the key to the whole problem, the cure for doubt and hesitation.

Endured (υπομεμενηκοτα — hupomemenēkota). Perfect active participle of the same verb υπομενω — hupomenō used in Hebrews 12:2.

Gainsaying (αντιλογιαν — antilogian). Old word from αντιλογος — antilogos (from αντιλεγω — antilegō), already in Hebrews 6:16; Hebrews 7:7.

Of sinners (υπο των αμαρτωλων — hupo tōn hamartōlōn). “By sinners.”

Against themselves (εις εαυτους — eis heautous). Against their better selves if a genuine reading. But εις εαυτον — eis heauton (against himself), against Christ, is far more likely correct.

That ye wax not weary (ινα μη καμητε — hina mē kamēte). Negative final clause with ινα μη — hina mē and the second aorist active subjunctive of καμνω — kamnō old verb to be weary as here or sick as in James 5:15.

Fainting in your souls (ταις πσυχαις υμων εκλυομενοι — tais psuchais humōn ekluomenoi). Present passive participle of εκλυω — ekluō old verb to loosen out, to set free, and in passive to be enfeebled, to be tired out (here in soul with locative case), as in Hebrews 12:5. The rest of the Epistle drives home the argument.

Resisted (αντικατεστητε — antikatestēte). Second aorist active indicative (intransitive) of the double compound αντικατιστημι — antikathistēmi old verb to stand in opposition against in line of battle, intransitively to stand face to face (αντι — anti) against (κατα — kata), here only in the N.T.

Unto blood (μεχρις αιματος — mechris haimatos). “Up to blood.” As was true of Jesus and many of the other heroes of faith in chapter Heb 11.

Striving (ανταγωνιζομενοι — antagōnizomenoi). Present middle participle of ανταγωνιζομαι — antagōnizomai old verb with the same figure in αντικατεστητε — antikatestēte

Against sin (προς αμαρτιαν — pros hamartian). Face to face with sin as in Hebrews 12:1.

Ye have forgotten (εκλεληστε — eklelēsthe). Perfect middle indicative of εκλαντανω — eklanthanō to cause to forget, old verb, here only in the N.T. with genitive case as usual.

Reasoneth with you (υμιν διαλεγεται — humin dialegetai). Present middle indicative of διαλεγομαι — dialegomai old verb to ponder different (δια — dia -) things, to converse, with dative. Cf. Acts 19:8. The quotation is from Proverbs 3:11.

Regard not lightly (μη ολιγωρει — mē oligōrei). Prohibition with μη — mē and the present active imperative of ολιγωρεω — oligōreō old verb from ολιγωρος — oligōros and this from ολιγος — oligos (little) and ωρα — hōra (hour), old verb, here only in N.T.

Chastening (παιδειας — paideias). Old word from παιδευω — paideuō to train a child (παις — pais), instruction (2 Timothy 3:16), which naturally includes correction and punishment as here. See also Ephesians 6:4.

Nor faint (μηδε εκλυου — mēde ekluou). Prohibition with μη — mē and present passive imperative of εκλυω — ekluō (see Hebrews 12:3).

Scourgeth (μαστιγοι — mastigoi). Present active indicative of μαστιγοω — mastigoō old verb from μαστιχ — mastix (whip). This is a hard lesson for God‘s children to learn and to understand. See Hebrews 5:7 about Jesus.

That ye endure (υπομενετε — hupomenete). Present active indicative or present active imperative and so just “endure for chastening.”

Dealeth with you (υμιν προσπερεται — humin prospheretai). Present middle indicative of προσπερω — prospherō but this sense of bearing oneself towards one with the dative here only in the N.T., though often in the older Greek.

What (τις — tis). Interrogative.

Whom (ον — hon). Relative. Cf. Matthew 7:9.

If ye are without chastening (ει χωρις εστε παιδειας — ei chōris este paideias). Condition of first class, determined as fulfilled. Note position of εστε — este (are) between the preposition χωρις — chōris and παιδειας — paideias (ablative case).

Have been made (γεγονασιν — gegonasin). Perfect active indicative of γινομαι — ginomai

Partakers (μετοχοι — metochoi). Partners (Hebrews 3:14).

Then (αρα — ara). Accordingly, correspondingly.

Bastards (νοτοι — nothoi). Old word, here only in N.T. Illegitimate.

Furthermore (ειτα — eita). The next step in the argument (Mark 4:17).

We had (ειχομεν — eichomen). Imperfect indicative of customary action, “we used to have.”

To chasten us (παιδευτας — paideutas). Predicate accusative after ειχομεν — eichomen “as chasteners.” Old word from παιδευω — paideuō as agent (-της — tēs). Only once in lxx (Hosea 5:2) and twice in N.T. (here and Romans 2:20).

We gave them reverence (ενετρεπομετα — enetrepometha). Imperfect middle of old word εντρεπω — entrepō to turn in or at. Here “we turned ourselves to” as in Matthew 21:37, habitual attitude of reverence.

Shall we be in subjection (υποταγησομετα — hupotagēsometha). Second future passive of υποτασσω — hupotassō There is no δε — de here to correspond to μεν — men in the first part of the verse.

Unto the father of spirits (τωι πατρι των πνευματων — tōi patri tōn pneumatōn). Rather, “Unto the Father of our spirits” (note article τον — ton). As God is.

They (οι μεν — hoi men). Demonstrative οι — hoi in contrast (μεν — men).

Chastened (επαιδευον — epaideuon). Imperfect active, used to chasten.

As seemed good to them (κατα το δοκουν αυτοις — kata to dokoun autois). “According to the thing seeming good to them.” Δοκουν — Dokoun is present active neuter singular articular participle of δοκεω — dokeō

But he (ο δε — ho de). Demonstrative with δε — de vs. μεν — men

For our profit (επι το συμπερον — epi to sumpheron). Present active articular neuter singular participle of συμπερω — sumpherō to bear together as in 1 Corinthians 12:7.

That we may be partakers (εις το μεταλαβειν — eis to metalabein). Articular second aorist active infinitive of μεταλαμβανω — metalambanō with εις — eis for purpose, “for the partaking.”

Of his holiness (της αγιοτητος αυτου — tēs hagiotētos autou). Genitive with μεταλαβειν — metalabein (to share in). Rare word, in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 1:12.

For the present (προς το παρον — pros to paron). A classical phrase (Thucydides), προς — pros with the accusative neuter singular articular participle of παρειμι — pareimi to be beside.

Not joyous, but grievous (ου χαρασ αλλα λυπης — ou charas και του τεου και μη εχ ημων — alla lupēs). Predicate ablative (springing from) or predicate genitive (marked by). Either makes sense, but note predicate ablative in 2 Corinthians 4:7 (καρπον ειρηνικον — kai tou theou kai mē ex hēmōn).

Peaceable fruit (ειρηνη — karpon eirēnikon). Old adjective from δι αυτης γεγυμνασμενοις — eirēnē (peace), in N.T. only here and James 3:17. Peaceable after the chastening is over.

Exercised thereby (γυμναζω — di' autēs gegumnasmenois). Perfect passive participle (dative case) of gumnazō state of completion, picturing the discipline as a gymnasium like Hebrews 5:14; 1 Timothy 4:7.

Wherefore (διο — dio). Because of the chastening.

Lift up (ανορτωσατε — anorthōsate). First aorist active imperative of ανορτοω — anorthoō old compound (from ανα ορτος — ana παρειμενας — orthos) to make straight, in N.T. here and Luke 13:13; Acts 15:16.

Hang down (παριημι — pareimenas). Perfect passive participle of παραλελυμενα — pariēmi old verb to let pass, to relax, in N.T. only here and Luke 11:42.

Palsied (παραλυω — paralelumena). Perfect passive participle of paraluō old verb to loosen on the side, to dissolve, to paralyze (Luke 5:18, Luke 5:24).

Straight paths (τροχιας ορτας — trochias orthas). Track of a wheel (τροχος — trochos James 3:6 from τρεχω — trechō to run), here only in N.T. “Straight (ορτας — orthas) wheel tracks.”

Be not turned out of the way (ινα μη εκτραπηι — hina mē ektrapēi). Negative final clause with ινα μη — hina mē and second aorist passive of εκτρεπω — ektrepō old verb to turn out, to twist, to put out of joint. So 1 Timothy 1:6. Vivid picture of concern for the lame (χωλον — chōlon as in Matthew 11:5). Graphic picture of concern for the weak, a good argument for prohibition also.

Follow after peace (ειρηνην διωκετε — eirēnēn diōkete). Give peace a chase as if in a hunt.

With all men (μετα παντων — meta pantōn). Like Paul‘s use of διωκω — diōkō with ειρηνην — eirēnēn in Romans 14:19 and his to εχ υμων — ex humōn (so far as proceeds from you) in Hebrews 12:18. This lesson the whole world needs including Christians.

Sanctification (αγιασμον — hagiasmon). Consecration as in 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Romans 6:19, etc.

Without which (ου χωρις — hou chōris). Ablative case of the relative with χωρις — chōris (post positive here). About seeing God compare Matthew 5:8 where we have καταροι — katharoi f0).

Looking carefully (επισκοπουντες — episkopountes). Present active participle of επισκοπεω — episkopeō to have oversight, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 5:2. Cf. επισχοπος — episcopos (bishop).

Lest there be any man (μη τις — mē tis). Negative purpose clause with ει — ei (present active subjunctive) omitted.

Falleth short of (υστερων απο — husterōn apo). Present active participle of υστερεω — hustereō (see Hebrews 4:1) agreeing with τις — tis Followed here by απο — apo and the ablative.

Root of bitterness. (ριζα πικριας — riza pikrias). Quoted from Deuteronomy 29:18. Vivid picture.

Springing up (ανω πυουσα — anō phuousa). Present active participle of πυω — phuō to sprout. Pictured here as a quick process. Also from Deuteronomy 29:18.

Trouble (ενοχληι — enochlēi). Present active subjunctive (in final clause with μη τις — mē tis) of ενοχλεω — enochleō old verb to trouble with a crowd, to annoy. In N.T. only here and Luke 6:18.

Be defiled (μιαντωσιν — mianthōsin). First aorist passive subjunctive (in final clause with μη — mē) of μιανω — mianō old verb to dye, to stain, to defile as in Titus 1:15 (the conscience). The contagion of sin is terrible as any disease.

Profane (βεβηλος — bebēlos). Trodden under foot, unhallowed (1 Timothy 1:9).

For one mess of meat (αντι βρωσεως μιας — anti brōseōs mias). Idea of exchange, “for one act of eating” (1 Corinthians 8:4).

Sold (απεδετο — apedeto). Second aorist middle indicative from Genesis 25:31, Genesis 25:33, and with irregular form for απεδοτο — apedoto (regular μι — mi form).

His own birthright (τα πρωτοτοκια εαυτου — ta prōtotokia heautou). From Genesis also and in Philo, only here in N.T. From πρωτοτοκος — prōtotokos (first born, Hebrews 1:6).

Ye know (ιστε — iste). Regular form for the second person of οιδα — oida rather than the Koiné οιδατε — oidate

He was rejected (απεδοκιμαστη — apedokimasthē). First aorist passive indicative of αποδοκιμαζω — apodokimazō old verb to disapprove (Matthew 21:42).

Place of repentance (μετανοιας τοπον — metanoias topon). Μετανοια — Metanoia is change of mind and purpose, not sorrow though he had tears (μετα δακρυων — meta dakruōn) afterwards as told in Genesis 27:38. He sought it (αυτην — autēn the blessing ευλογιαν — eulogian) with tears, but in vain. There was no change of mind in Isaac. The choice was irrevocable as Isaac shows (Genesis 27:33). Esau is a tragic example of one who does a willful sin which allows no second chance (Hebrews 6:6; Hebrews 10:26). The author presses the case of Esau as a warning to the Christians who were tempted to give up Christ.

Ye are not come (ου προσεληλυτατε — ou proselēluthate). Perfect active indicative of προσερχομαι — proserchomai There is no word here in the Greek for “a mount” like ορει — orei in Hebrews 12:20, Hebrews 12:22 (and Exodus 19:12.; Deuteronomy 4:11), but it is clearly understood since the dative participles agree with it unless they be taken as descriptive of πυρι — puri (“a palpable and kindled fire “ when πυρι — puri would be the dative case after προσεληλυτατε — proselēluthate).

That might be touched (πσηλαπωμενωι — psēlaphōmenōi). Present passive participle (dative case) of πσηλαπαω — psēlaphaō old verb to handle, to touch (Luke 24:39).

That burned with fire (κεκαυμενωι πυρι — kekaumenōi puri). Perfect passive participle of καιω — kaiō old verb to burn, with instrumental case πυρι — puri (fire), unless the other view (above) is correct.

Unto blackness (γνοπωι — gnophōi). Dative case of γνοπος — gnophos (late form for earlier δνοπος — dnophos and kin to νεπος — nephos cloud), here only in N.T. Quoted here from Exodus 10:22.

Darkness (ζοπωι — zophōi). Old word, in Homer for the gloom of the world below. In the Symmachus Version of Exodus 10:22, also in Judges 1:6; 2 Peter 2:4, 2 Peter 2:15.

Tempest (τυελληι — thuellēi). Old word from τυω — thuō (to boil, to rage), a hurricane, here only in N.T. From Exodus 10:22.

The sound of a trumpet (σαλπιγγος ηχωι — salpiggos ēchōi). From Exodus 19:16. Εχος — Echos is an old word (our εχο — echo) as in Luke 21:25; Acts 2:2.

The voice of words (πωνηι ρηματων — phōnēi rēmatōn). From Exodus 19:19; Deuteronomy 4:12.

Which voice (ης — hēs). Relative referring to πωνη — phōnē (voice) just before, genitive case with ακουσαντες — akousantes (heard, aorist active participle).

Intreated (παρηιτησαντο — parēitēsanto). First aorist middle (indirect) indicative of παραιτεομαι — paraiteomai old verb, to ask from alongside (Mark 15:6), then to beg away from oneself, to depreciate as here, to decline (Acts 25:11), to excuse (Luke 14:18), to avoid (1 Timothy 4:7).

That no word should be spoken unto them (προστετηναι αυτοις λογον — prostethēnai autois logon). First aorist passive infinitive of προστιτημι — prostithēmi old word to add, here with accusative of general reference (λογον — logon), “that no word be added unto them.” Some MSS. have here a redundant negative μη — mē with the infinitive because of the negative idea in παρηιτησαντο — parēitēsanto as in Galatians 5:7.

For they could not endure (ουκ επερον γαρ — ouk epheron gar). Imperfect active of περω — pherō “for they were not enduring (bearing).”

That which was enjoined (το διαστελλομενον — to diastellomenon). Present passive articular participle of διαστελλω — diastellō old verb to distinguish, to dispose, to order. The quotation is from Exodus 19:12. The people appealed to Moses (Exodus 20:19) and the leaders did so also (Deuteronomy 5:23.), both in terror.

If even (καν — kan). “Even if.” Condition of third class with second aorist active subjunctive of τιγγανω — thigganō as in Hebrews 11:28, followed by genitive ορους — orous (mountain).

It shall be stoned (λιτοβολητησεται — lithobolēthēsetai). From Exodus 19:13. Late compound verb from λιτοβολος — lithobolos (from λιτοσ βαλλω — lithos class="translit"> ballō) as in Matthew 21:35.

Fearful (ποβερον — phoberon). As in Hebrews 10:27, Hebrews 10:31, only in Heb. in N.T.

The appearance (το πανταζομενον — to phantazomenon). Present passive articular participle of πανταζω — phantazō old verb from παινω — phainō to make visible, here only in N.T. “The manifestation.”

I exceedingly fear and quake (εκποβος ειμι και εντρομος — ekphobos eimi kai entromos). “I am terrified (εκποβος — ekphobos late compound like εκποβεω — ekphobeō to frighten, Mark 9:6) and trembling” (εντρομος — entromos late compound like εντρεμω — entremō to tremble at, as in Acts 7:32; Acts 16:29). Εκποβος — Ekphobos is quoted from Deuteronomy 9:19.

But (αλλα — alla). Sharp contrast to Hebrews 12:18 with same form προσεληλυτατε — proselēluthate

Unto Mount Zion (Σιων ορει — Siōn orei). Dative case of ορος — oros as with the other substantives. In contrast to Mount Sinai (Hebrews 12:18-21). Paul has contrasted Mount Sinai (present Jerusalem) with the Jerusalem above (heaven) in Galatians 4:21-31.

City (πολει — polei). As in Hebrews 11:10, Hebrews 11:16. Heaven is termed thus a spiritual mountain and city.

The heavenly Jerusalem (Ιερουσαλεμ επουρανιωι — Ierousalem epouraniōi). See Hebrews 11:10, Hebrews 11:16; Isaiah 60:14.

Innumerable hosts of angels (μυριασιν αγγελων — muriasin aggelōn). “Myriads of angels.” Μυριας — Murias is an old word (from μυριος — murios 1 Corinthians 4:15) as in Luke 12:1.

To the general assembly (πανηγυρει — panēgurei). Old word (from πας — pas and αγυρισ αγειρω — aguris Πανηγυριζω — ageirō). Here only in N.T. αγγελων — Panēgurizō occurs in Isaiah 66:10 for keeping a festal holiday. Possibly to be connected with εκκλησιαι πρωτοτοκων — aggelōn though not certain.

Church of the firstborn (εκκλησια — ekklēsiāi prōtotokōn). Probably an additional item besides the angelic host as the people of Israel are called firstborn (Exodus 4:22). The word απογεγραμμενων εν ουρανοις — ekklēsia here has the general sense of all the redeemed, as in Matthew 16:18; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:24-32, and equivalent to the kingdom of God.

Who are enrolled in heaven (απογραπω — apogegrammenōn en ouranois). Perfect passive participle of κριτηι τεωι παντων — apographō old verb to write off, to copy, to enroll as in Luke 2:1, Luke 2:3, Luke 2:5 (only N.T. examples). Enrolled as citizens of heaven even while on earth (Luke 10:20; Philemon 1:27; Philemon 3:20; Philemon 4:3; Revelation 13:8, etc.).

To God the Judge of all (τετελειωμενων — kritēi theōi pantōn). All these chief substantives in the dative case. People should not forget that God is the Judge of all men.

Made perfect (τελειοω — teteleiōmenōn). Perfect passive participle of teleioō perfected at last (Hebrews 11:40).

To Jesus (Ιησου — Iēsou). This great fact is not to be overlooked (Philemon 2:10.). He is there as Lord and Saviour and still “Jesus.”

The mediator of a new covenant (διατηκης νεας μεσιτηι — diathēkēs neas mesitēi). As already shown (Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 8:8, Hebrews 8:9, Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 9:15) and now gloriously consummated.

To the blood of sprinkling (αιματι ραντισμου — haimati rantismou). As in Hebrews 9:19-28.

Than Abel (παρα τον Αβελ — para ton Abel). Accusative as in Hebrews 1:4.

Better (κρειττον — kreitton). Comparative of καλος — kalos Abel‘s blood still speaks (Hebrews 11:4), but it is as nothing compared to that of Jesus.

See (βλεπετε — blepete). Earnest word as in Hebrews 3:12. Driving home the whole argument of the Epistle by this powerful contrast between Mount Zion and Mount Sinai. The consequences are dreadful to apostates now, for Zion has greater terrors than Sinai, great as those were.

That ye refuse not (μη παραιτησηστε — mē paraitēsēsthe). Negative purpose with μη — mē and the first aorist middle subjunctive of παραιτεομαι — paraiteomai the same verb used in Hebrews 12:19 about the conduct of the Israelites at Sinai and also below.

Him that speaketh (τον λαλουντα — ton lalounta). Present active articular participle of λαλεω — laleō as in Hebrews 12:24 (Jesus speaking by his blood).

For if they did not escape (ει γαρ εκεινοι ουκ εχεπυγον — ei gar ekeinoi ouk exephugon). Condition of first class with ει — ei and second aorist active indicative of εκπευγω — ekpheugō to escape. Direct reference to Sinai with use of the same verb again (παραιτησαμενοι — paraitēsamenoi when they refused).

Him that warned (τον χρηματιζοντα — ton chrēmatizonta). That is Moses. For χρηματιζω — chrēmatizō see Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 11:7.

Much more we (πολυ μαλλον ημεις — polu mallon hēmeis). Argument from the less to the greater, πολυ — polu adverbial accusative case. The verb has to be supplied from the condition, “We shall not escape.” Our chance to escape is far less, “we who turn away (αποστρεπομενοι — apostrephomenoi middle participle, turn ourselves away from) the one from heaven (τον απ ουρανων — ton ap' ouranōn),” God speaking through his Son (Hebrews 1:2).

Then shook (εσαλευσεν τοτε — esaleusen tote). Old verb as in Matthew 11:7.

He hath promised (επηγγελται — epēggeltai). Perfect middle indicative of επαγγελλω — epaggellō and it still holds. He quotes Haggai 2:6.

Will I make to tremble (σεισω — seisō). Old and strong verb (here future active) σειω — seiō to agitate, to cause to tremble as in Matthew 21:10. The author applies this “yet once more” (ετι απαχ — eti hapax) and the reference to heaven (τον ουρανον — ton ouranon) to the second and final “shaking” at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ for judgment (Hebrews 9:28).

And this word (το δε — to de). He uses the article to point out “ετι απαχ — eti hapax ” which he explains (δηλοι — dēloi signifies, present active indicative of δηλοω — dēloō).

The removing (την μετατεσιν — tēn metathesin). For this word see Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 11:5. For the transitory nature of the world see 1 Corinthians 7:31; 1 John 2:17. “There is a divine purpose in the cosmic catastrophe” (Moffatt).

Made (πεποιημενων — pepoiēmenōn). Perfect passive participle of ποιεω — poieō Made by God, but made to pass away.

That those things which are not shaken may remain (ινα μεινηι τα μη σαλευομενα — hina meinēi ta mē saleuomena). Final clause with μη — mē and the first aorist active subjunctive of μενω — menō The Kingdom of God is not shaken, fearful as some saints are about it.

Wherefore (διο — dio). Ground for loyalty to Christ and for calm trust in God.

That cannot be shaken (ασαλευτον — asaleuton). Old compound with alpha privative and the verbal adjective from σαλευω — saleuō just used. In N.T. only here and Acts 27:41.

Let us have grace (εχωμεν χαριν — echōmen charin). Present active volitive subjunctive of εχω — echō “Let us keep on having grace” as in Hebrews 4:16, though it can mean “Let us keep on having gratitude” as in Luke 17:9.

Whereby (δι ης — di' hēs). That is δια χαριτος — dia charitos

We may offer service (λατρευωμεν — latreuōmen). This subjunctive in a relative clause can be volitive like εχωμεν — echōmen just before (cf. imperative στητε — stēte in 1 Peter 5:12) or it might be the futuristic subjunctive as in Hebrews 8:3 (ο προσενεγκηι — ho prosenegkēi).

Well pleasing (ευαρεστως — euarestōs). Old compound adverb, here only in N.T.

With reverence and awe (μετα ευλαβειας και δεους — meta eulabeias kai deous). For ευλαβεια — eulabeia see Hebrews 5:7; Hebrews 11:7. Δεος — Deos is apprehension of danger as in a forest. “When the voice and tread of a wild beast are distinctly heard close at hand the δεος — deos becomes ποβος — phobos ” (Vincent).

A consuming fire (πυρ καταναλισκον — pur katanaliskon). From Deuteronomy 4:24. Present active participle of καταναλισκω — katanaliskō old compound verb, here only in the N.T. This verse is to be coupled with Hebrews 10:31.