Hebrews 12:29
New International Version
for our “God is a consuming fire.”

New Living Translation
For our God is a devouring fire.

English Standard Version
for our God is a consuming fire.

Berean Standard Bible
“For our God is a consuming fire.”

Berean Literal Bible
For also, our God is a consuming fire.

King James Bible
For our God is a consuming fire.

New King James Version
For our God is a consuming fire.

New American Standard Bible
for our God is a consuming fire.

NASB 1995
for our God is a consuming fire.

NASB 1977
for our God is a consuming fire.

Legacy Standard Bible
for OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE.

Amplified Bible
for our God is [indeed] a consuming fire.

Christian Standard Bible
for our God is a consuming fire.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
for our God is a consuming fire.

American Standard Version
for our God is a consuming fire.

Contemporary English Version
Our God is like a destructive fire!

English Revised Version
for our God is a consuming fire.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After all, our God is a destructive fire.

Good News Translation
because our God is indeed a destroying fire.

International Standard Version
For "our God is an all-consuming fire."

NET Bible
For our God is indeed a devouring fire.

New Heart English Bible
for our God is a consuming fire.

Webster's Bible Translation
For our God is a consuming fire.

Weymouth New Testament
For our God is also a consuming fire.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“For our God is a consuming fire.”

World English Bible
for our God is a consuming fire.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for our God [is] also a consuming fire.

Berean Literal Bible
For also, our God is a consuming fire.

Young's Literal Translation
for also our God is a consuming fire.

Smith's Literal Translation
For also our God is a consuming fire.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For our God is a consuming fire.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For our God is a consuming fire.

New American Bible
For our God is a consuming fire.

New Revised Standard Version
for indeed our God is a consuming fire.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For our God is a consuming fire.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For our God is a consuming fire.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
for our God is a consuming fire.

Godbey New Testament
for our God is a consuming fire.

Haweis New Testament
for our God is a devouring fire.

Mace New Testament
for "our God is a consuming fire."

Weymouth New Testament
For our God is also a consuming fire.

Worrell New Testament
for, verily, our God is a consuming fire.

Worsley New Testament
for our God is a consuming fire.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
An Unshakable Kingdom
28Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.”

Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:24
For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Deuteronomy 9:3
But understand that today the LORD your God goes across ahead of you as a consuming fire; He will destroy them and subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them swiftly, as the LORD has promised you.

Exodus 24:17
And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites.

Isaiah 33:14
The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling grips the ungodly: “Who of us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting flames?”

Malachi 3:2-3
But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. / And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels / in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Revelation 1:14
The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire.

Revelation 19:12
He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15
his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. / If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. / If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames.

2 Peter 3:10-12
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. / Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness / as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.

Psalm 97:3
Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.

Isaiah 30:27-30
Behold, the Name of the LORD comes from afar, with burning anger and dense smoke. His lips are full of fury, and His tongue is like a consuming fire. / His breath is like a rushing torrent that rises to the neck. He comes to sift the nations in a sieve of destruction; He bridles the jaws of the peoples to lead them astray. / You will sing as on the night of a holy festival, and your heart will rejoice like one who walks to the music of a flute, going up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel. ...

Nahum 1:6
Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.

Matthew 3:11-12
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. / His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Luke 3:16-17
John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. / His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”


Treasury of Scripture

For our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 10:27
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Exodus 24:17
And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

Numbers 11:1
And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.

Jump to Previous
All-Burning Consuming Fire
Jump to Next
All-Burning Consuming Fire
Hebrews 12
1. An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness by Christ's example
22. A commendation of the new covenant.














For our God
This phrase emphasizes the personal relationship between God and His people. The possessive "our" indicates a covenant relationship, reminiscent of the Old Testament where God often refers to Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This connection underscores the continuity of God's nature and His promises from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It also reflects the communal aspect of faith, where believers collectively acknowledge God as their own.

is a consuming fire.
This imagery of God as a "consuming fire" is rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in Deuteronomy 4:24, which states, "For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." The metaphor of fire represents God's holiness, purity, and judgment. Fire in the biblical context often signifies God's presence, as seen in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites (Exodus 13:21). It also symbolizes purification and refinement, as in Malachi 3:2-3, where God is described as a refiner's fire purifying the sons of Levi. This phrase serves as a warning and a reminder of God's righteous judgment against sin, urging believers to live in reverence and obedience. The concept of God as a consuming fire also points to the ultimate judgment and the purging of evil, aligning with eschatological themes found throughout Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God
The central figure in this verse, depicted as a "consuming fire," which emphasizes His holiness, purity, and judgment.

2. Mount Sinai
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Hebrews 12 includes a comparison between Mount Sinai, where God gave the Law, and Mount Zion, representing the new covenant.

3. Mount Zion
Represents the heavenly Jerusalem and the new covenant, contrasting with the fearsome presence of God at Mount Sinai.

4. Israelites
The original recipients of the Law at Mount Sinai, who experienced God's presence as a consuming fire.

5. Early Christians
The audience of the Book of Hebrews, encouraged to understand the nature of God and live in reverence and awe.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Holiness
Recognize that God's nature as a consuming fire highlights His absolute holiness and purity. This understanding should lead us to approach Him with reverence and awe.

The Fear of the Lord
Embrace a healthy fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. This fear is not about being afraid but having a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's power and authority.

Purification and Refinement
Allow God's consuming fire to purify and refine your life. Just as fire refines gold, God's presence can cleanse us from impurities and make us more like Christ.

Judgment and Accountability
Be aware that God's consuming fire also represents His judgment. Live a life that is accountable to God, knowing that our actions and motives will be tested.

Living in the New Covenant
Appreciate the privilege of living under the new covenant, where we can approach God with confidence through Jesus Christ, yet still maintain a reverent understanding of His holiness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Hebrews 12:29?

2. How does "our God is a consuming fire" influence your daily worship practices?

3. What does Hebrews 12:29 reveal about God's nature and holiness?

4. How does Hebrews 12:29 connect with Old Testament depictions of God's presence?

5. In what ways should Hebrews 12:29 inspire reverence and awe in your life?

6. How can understanding Hebrews 12:29 impact your approach to sin and repentance?

7. What does "our God is a consuming fire" in Hebrews 12:29 mean for believers today?

8. How does Hebrews 12:29 reflect God's nature in the context of the Old Testament?

9. Why is the imagery of fire significant in understanding God's holiness in Hebrews 12:29?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 12?

11. In Hebrews 12:29, how does describing God as a “consuming fire” fit with modern scientific understanding of fire and energy?

12. What does "God is a consuming fire" mean?

13. Deuteronomy 4:24 describes God as a “consuming fire” and “jealous”—how does this anthropomorphic language fit with the idea of an all-powerful, benevolent deity?

14. Revelation 15:2 describes a sea of glass mixed with fire—what evidence exists for such a phenomenon in reality?
What Does Hebrews 12:29 Mean
For

The word that starts the sentence reaches back to the warning‐and‐encouragement of Hebrews 12:25-28.

• Verse 28 reminds us, “Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” The “for” ties that call to worship directly to God’s nature.

• It is the author’s way of saying, “Here’s the reason you must respond with reverence—because of who God is.”

• Similar logic appears in Romans 12:1, where Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices “because of the mercies of God.”


our

The possessive pronoun highlights relationship.

• God is not distant; He has bound Himself to us in covenant love (Exodus 20:2; Jeremiah 31:33).

• Yet the intimacy of “our” never diminishes His majesty. Believers enjoy access (Hebrews 4:16) but never ownership in the sense of control.

1 Peter 2:9 celebrates that we are “a people for God’s own possession,” reminding us that belonging works both ways: we are His, and He is ours.


God

The focus shifts to His identity.

• Scripture insists on one true God who never changes (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17).

• He reigns as Creator (Genesis 1:1) and Judge (Psalm 50:6).

• Hebrews has already shown that this same God spoke through the Son (Hebrews 1:1-2), proving continuity between Old and New Covenant revelation.


is

A simple verb but packed with meaning.

• Present tense—God’s character is constant. The blazing holiness displayed at Sinai still stands today (Exodus 19:18).

• What He is in essence, He remains forever (Hebrews 13:8 about Christ, and John 4:24 describing God as Spirit).

• His present activity includes both sustaining grace (Colossians 1:17) and righteous wrath against sin (Romans 1:18).


a consuming fire

This phrase echoes Deuteronomy 4:24, “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God”.

• Fire in Scripture pictures:

– Purity that burns away dross (Malachi 3:2-3; 1 Peter 1:7).

– Presence that draws near yet warns (Exodus 3:2; Acts 2:3).

– Judgment that destroys what opposes Him (Deuteronomy 9:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).

• In Hebrews 12, that consuming fire contrasts the unshakable kingdom we inherit. What cannot stand God’s holiness will be burned away (vv. 26-27).

• For believers, this means:

– Healthy fear that guards against complacency (Proverbs 9:10).

– Confidence that evil will not prevail—God will deal with it fully (Revelation 20:11-15).

– Motivation for holy living, knowing that “each man’s work will be revealed by the fire” (1 Corinthians 3:13).


summary

Hebrews 12:29 anchors our worship in the unchanging reality of God’s fiery holiness. Because He is our covenant God, His purifying presence draws us close; because He is still a consuming fire, His blazing righteousness commands reverence. Holding both truths together fuels grateful, obedient, awe-filled lives as we await the unshakable kingdom that cannot be burned away.

(29) A quotation from Deuteronomy 4:24. There these words follow a solemn warning against idolatry. This passage then belongs to the same class as Hebrews 10:27-28; Hebrews 10:30. (See the Notes.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

[is a] consuming
καταναλίσκον (katanaliskon)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2654: To use up, spend, consume (as with fire). From kata and analisko; to consume utterly.

fire.
πῦρ (pyr)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4442: Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'.


Links
Hebrews 12:29 NIV
Hebrews 12:29 NLT
Hebrews 12:29 ESV
Hebrews 12:29 NASB
Hebrews 12:29 KJV

Hebrews 12:29 BibleApps.com
Hebrews 12:29 Biblia Paralela
Hebrews 12:29 Chinese Bible
Hebrews 12:29 French Bible
Hebrews 12:29 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 12:28
Top of Page
Top of Page