Hebrews 12:1

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 Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The author addresses believers in a moment of direct exhortation, positioned between the faith examples of chapter 11 and the command to fix eyes on Jesus in verse 2. He speaks at a point of transition urging the community to act on the preceding argument.

The words — Τοιγαροῦν (Toigaroun) means "therefore" and anchors the command in the preceding discourse. περικεὸμενον (perikeimenon) literally means "encompassing" or "surrounding," describing the cloud that encloses the readers.

The thread — The running metaphor appears in 2 Timothy 4:7 where Paul declares he has finished the race, and in 1 Corinthians 9:24 where runners compete for a prize. Philippians 2:16 also pairs running and laboring with holding forth the word of life.

Why it lands — The text commands readers to discard every hindrance and the sin that entangles, then to persevere in their assigned course. It requires deliberate removal of distractions and sustained effort rather than passive observation.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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,

Cross-references

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
1 Corinthians 9:24 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.
Philippians 2:16 as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Luke 21:34 But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
Hebrews 10:35 So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.
Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,
Galatians 5:7 You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?
1 Peter 2:1 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.
James 5:7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.
Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.