Hebrews 12:1
New International Version
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,

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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,

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore we also, having such a great cloud of witnesses encompassing us, having laid aside every weight and the sin easily entangling, should run with endurance the race lying before us,

King James Bible
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,

New King James Version
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

New American Standard Bible
Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us,

NASB 1995
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

NASB 1977
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Amplified Bible
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us,

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,

American Standard Version
Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, 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,

Contemporary English Version
Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us.

English Revised Version
Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, 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,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Since we are surrounded by so many examples [of faith], we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up.

Good News Translation
As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us.

International Standard Version
Therefore, having so vast a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, and throwing off everything that hinders us and especially the sin that so easily entangles us, let us keep running with endurance the race set before us,

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.

NET Bible
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us,

New Heart English Bible
Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Webster's Bible Translation
Wherefore, seeing we also are encompassed 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,

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore, surrounded as we are by such a vast cloud of witnesses, let us fling aside every encumbrance and the sin that so readily entangles our feet. And let us run with patient endurance the race that lies before us,

World English Bible
Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us, having put off every weight, and the closely besetting sin, may we run the contest that is set before us through endurance,

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore we also, having such a great cloud of witnesses encompassing us, having laid aside every weight and the sin easily entangling, should run with endurance the race lying before us,

Young's Literal Translation
Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us, every weight having put off, and the closely besetting sin, through endurance may we run the contest that is set before us,

Smith's Literal Translation
Wherefore we also having such a cloud of witnesses lying round about us, having laid down every weight, and sin easily captivating, by patience we should run the race set before us,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And therefore we also having so great a cloud of witnesses over our head, laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Furthermore, since we also have so great a cloud of witnesses over us, let us set aside every burden and sin which may surround us, and advance, through patience, to the struggle offered to us.

New American Bible
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THEREFORE, seeing we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Therefore, we also, who have all of these witnesses who surround us like clouds, let us throw off from us all the weights of the sin which is always ready for us, and let us run with patience this race that is set for us.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Wherefore, since we also have so great a cloud of witnesses lying round about us, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that lies before us,

Godbey New Testament
Therefore let us indeed, having around us so great a cloud of witnesses, having laid aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, run with patience the race which is set before us,

Haweis New Testament
THEREFORE also seeing we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight, and that most easily besetting sin, let us run with patience the race lying before us,

Mace New Testament
Wherefore, since we are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every incumbrance, and the sin which does so easily embarrass us, and let us pursue with constancy the course that is proposed to us:

Weymouth New Testament
Therefore, surrounded as we are by such a vast cloud of witnesses, let us fling aside every encumbrance and the sin that so readily entangles our feet. And let us run with patient endurance the race that lies before us,

Worrell New Testament
Therefore, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us?having thrown off every encumbrance and the easily besetting sin?let us run with patience the race lying before us;

Worsley New Testament
Having therefore so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every incumbrance, and the sin that easily besets us, and run with patience the race that is set before us,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Call to Endurance
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ...

Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. / Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

Galatians 5:7
You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. / Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

1 Peter 2:1
Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Colossians 3:8-10
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. / Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, / and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Ephesians 4:22-24
to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; / to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; / and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Psalm 119:32
I run in the path of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart.

Proverbs 4:25-27
Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. / Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. / Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.

Isaiah 35:3-4
Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! / Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.”

Jeremiah 12:5
“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?


Treasury of Scripture

Why seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

seeing.

Hebrews 11:2-38
For by it the elders obtained a good report…

a cloud.

Isaiah 60:8
Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

Ezekiel 38:9,16
Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee…

witnesses.

Luke 16:28
For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

John 3:32
And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

John 4:39,44
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did…

let us lay.

Matthew 10:37,38
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me…

Luke 8:14
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Luke 9:59-62
And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father…

and the sin.

Hebrews 10:35-39
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward…

Psalm 18:23
I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.

and let us.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain…

Galatians 5:7
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

Philippians 2:16
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Jump to Previous
Beset Cloud Compassed Easily Encompassed Encumbrance Endurance Entangles Feet Fling Great Lay Patience Patient Race Readily Run Sin Surrounded Vast Weight Wherefore Witnesses
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Beset Cloud Compassed Easily Encompassed Encumbrance Endurance Entangles Feet Fling Great Lay Patience Patient Race Readily Run Sin Surrounded Vast Weight Wherefore Witnesses
Hebrews 12
1. An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness by Christ's example
22. A commendation of the new covenant.














Therefore
The word "Therefore" serves as a bridge connecting the previous chapter, Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," with the exhortation in Hebrews 12. It implies that the lessons and examples of faith from the past should directly influence our present actions. In Greek, "toigaroun" is used, emphasizing a logical conclusion drawn from the preceding arguments. This word encourages believers to apply the faith demonstrated by the ancients to their own lives.

since we are surrounded
The phrase "since we are surrounded" evokes the imagery of an arena, where spectators encircle the athletes. The Greek word "echontes" suggests a continuous state of being encompassed. This implies that the witnesses are not passive observers but active encouragers, providing a sense of accountability and inspiration to the believer.

by such a great cloud of witnesses
The "great cloud of witnesses" refers to the faithful individuals mentioned in Hebrews 11. The term "cloud" (Greek: "nephos") suggests a vast, encompassing presence, indicating that these witnesses are numerous and significant. Historically, clouds often symbolize divine presence and guidance, as seen in the Old Testament. These witnesses serve as a testament to the power of faith and perseverance, encouraging believers to remain steadfast.

let us throw off every encumbrance
The call to "throw off every encumbrance" is an invitation to remove anything that hinders spiritual progress. The Greek word "ogkos" refers to a weight or burden, suggesting that believers must identify and eliminate distractions or hindrances in their spiritual journey. This phrase encourages self-examination and the intentional shedding of anything that impedes one's relationship with God.

and the sin that so easily entangles
Sin is described as something that "so easily entangles," using the Greek word "euperistatos," which conveys the idea of being skillfully surrounded or ensnared. This highlights the deceptive and pervasive nature of sin, which can subtly hinder spiritual growth. The phrase serves as a warning to remain vigilant and proactive in resisting sin's entrapment.

and let us run with endurance
The metaphor of running "with endurance" emphasizes the need for perseverance in the Christian life. The Greek word "hupomonē" denotes steadfastness and patience, qualities essential for completing a long and challenging race. This phrase encourages believers to maintain their faith and commitment, even in the face of trials and difficulties.

the race set out for us
The "race set out for us" implies a divinely ordained path or course, unique to each believer. The Greek word "agon" refers to a contest or struggle, suggesting that the Christian life involves effort and determination. This phrase reassures believers that their journey is purposeful and guided by God's sovereign plan, encouraging them to trust in His direction and provision.

(1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about.--Rather, Therefore let us also--since we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses--having put away all encumbrance and the sin . . . run with patient endurance the race that is set before us, looking, &c. (In so difficult a verse as this we need an exactness of translation which might not otherwise be desirable.) It is plain that the chief thought is, "Let us run our race with patient endurance, looking unto Jesus the Author . . . of our faith;" so that here again we have the thought which the writer is never weary of enforcing, the need of faith and patience for all who would inherit the promises. The connection is chiefly with the last verses of Hebrews 11, which are, indeed, a summary of the whole chapter. The purpose of God has been that those who throughout the past ages obtained witness of Him through their faith should not reach their consummation apart from us. To that consummation, then, let us press forward. Present to us in the view of Christ's accomplished sacrifice, it is all future in regard of personal attainment. As those who have preceded us reached the goal, each one for himself, by faith and patient endurance, so must we. The thought of persevering effort crowned by a recompence of reward (Hebrews 6:12; Hebrews 6:18; Hebrews 10:35-39) very naturally suggested the imagery of the public games (by this time familiar even to Jews), to which St. Paul in his Epistles so frequently alludes. (See 1Corinthians 4:9; 1Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:12-14; 1Timothy 6:12; 2Timothy 4:7-8; comp. Hebrews 10:32-33.) In these passages are called up the various associations of the great national festivals of Greece--the severe discipline of the competitors, the intenseness of the struggle, the rewards, "the righteous judge," the crowd of spectators. Most of these thoughts are present here (Hebrews 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:4), and new joints of comparison are added, so that the scene is brought vividly before our eyes. It has been often supposed that the word "witnesses" is used in the sense of spectators of the race. To an English reader this idea is very natural (as "witnesses" may simply mean beholders), but there is no such ambiguity in the Greek word (martyres). The Greek fathers rightly understood it to signify those who bear witness, and the chief point of doubt seems to have been whether the sense is general, or whether the word bears its later meaning--martyrs, who have borne testimony with their blood. Those who thus encompass us, a countless "host (a "cloud" of witnesses), have had witness borne to them through their faith, and in turn stand forth as witnesses to faith, bearing testimony to its power and works. One and all 'they offer encouragement to us in our own contest of faith, and for this reason they are mentioned here. That the idea of the presence of spectators may be contained in the other words, "compassed about with so great a cloud," is very possible; but no interpretation must be allowed to interfere with the chief thought--that the runner's steadfast gaze is fixed on Him who has Himself traversed the course before us, and is now the Judge and Rewarder. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Therefore,
Τοιγαροῦν (Toigaroun)
Conjunction
Strong's 5105: Consequently, therefore, well then, so then. From toi and gar and oun; truly for then, i.e. Consequently.

[since] we
ἡμεῖς (hēmeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

are
ἔχοντες (echontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

surrounded by
περικείμενον (perikeimenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4029: From peri and keimai; to lie all around, i.e. Inclose, encircle, hamper.

such a great
τοσοῦτον (tosouton)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5118: So great, so large, so long, so many. From tosos and houtos; so vast as this, i.e. Such.

cloud
νέφος (nephos)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3509: A cloud; met: a dense crowd, a multitude, great company. Apparently a primary word; a cloud.

of witnesses,
μαρτύρων (martyrōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3144: A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a 'martyr'.

let us throw off
ἀποθέμενοι (apothemenoi)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 659: To lay off or aside, renounce, stow away, put. From apo and tithemi; to put away.

every
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

encumbrance
ὄγκον (onkon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3591: (properly: bulk, mass, hence) a weight, burden, encumbrance. Probably from the same as agkale; a mass, i.e. Burden.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

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.

sin [that]
ἁμαρτίαν (hamartian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin.

so easily entangles,
εὐπερίστατον (euperistaton)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2139: From eu and a derivative of a presumed compound of peri and histemi; well standing around, i.e. thwarting in every direction.

[and] let us run
τρέχωμεν (trechōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 5143: Apparently a primary verb; which uses dremo drem'-o as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily.

with
δι’ (di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

endurance
ὑπομονῆς (hypomonēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5281: Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.

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

race
ἀγῶνα (agōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 73: From ago; properly, a place of assembly, i.e. a contest; figuratively, an effort or anxiety.

set out for
προκείμενον (prokeimenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4295: From pro and keimai; to lie before the view, i.e. to be present, to stand forth.

us.
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 12:1 Therefore let us also seeing we (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 11:40
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