Bible Verse

Hebrews 12:1-2

After recounting the 'Hall of Faith' in chapter 11, the author calls believers to persevere in their own faith journey, looking to Jesus as the ultimate example.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

— Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

— ESV

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

— KJV

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

Hebrews 12 transitions from examples of faith to application. These verses connect the cloud of witnesses to practical Christian living focused on Christ.

Historical Background

Written to Jewish Christians (60-69 AD) tempted to abandon faith under persecution. The author urges perseverance by pointing to Jesus' example.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses"

'Cloud of witnesses' refers to the faithful saints in chapter 11. Like spectators in an arena, they testify to faith's reality. Their examples inspire us to persevere.

"let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles"

'Throw off' (apotithemi) means put away decisively, like a runner removing weights. 'Hinders' is anything slowing spiritual progress. 'Sin that entangles' (euperistatos) wraps around us easily—besetting sins that repeatedly trip us.

"And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us"

Christian life is a marathon requiring endurance (hypomone). Each has their own 'race'—unique calling and path. Not a sprint but sustained faithfulness to the finish.

"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith... he endured the cross"

'Fixing eyes' (aphorao) means look away from distractions to focus intently. Jesus is both 'author' (begins our faith) and 'finisher' (completes it). His endurance of the cross, motivated by joy, is our model for perseverance.

Key Themes

Perseverance in faithFixing eyes on JesusRunning the raceRemoving sin's entanglementsJesus' example

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Identify and remove specific sins or hindrances that slow your spiritual progress.

  2. 2

    Keep your focus on Jesus, especially when tempted to look at circumstances or others.

  3. 3

    View Christian life as a marathon requiring sustained faithfulness, not just initial enthusiasm.

  4. 4

    Draw inspiration from faithful saints who've gone before, but ultimately look to Jesus.

  5. 5

    Remember Jesus endured the cross for future joy—let eternal perspective motivate present perseverance.

Questions for Reflection

  • What sins or hindrances are currently entangling you that need to be thrown off?
  • Are your eyes fixed on Jesus, or are you distracted by circumstances or comparisons?
  • How can you run your unique race with more perseverance?
  • What future joy motivates you to endure present difficulty?

Related Scripture

Philippians 3:13-14

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize."

1 Corinthians 9:24

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

2 Timothy 4:7

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Colossians 3:1-2

"Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

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