THE
LETTER
TO THE
HEBREWS.
[WRITTEN FROM ROME, OR ITALY, A. D. 63.]
I.–God, who in ancient times spoke often, and in various ways, to the fathers, by the forthtellers, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom he has appointed Lord of all things, by whom also he made the universe. Who, being a reflected brightness of his glory, and an exact representation (GK: charakter) of his person, and controlling all things by his own powerful word. When he had by himself made a washing away (Gk:katharismos; a washing off, expiation) of our sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; being exalted as far above the messengers, as the name he has inherited, is more excellent than theirs.
5 For to which of the messengers did he at any time say, “You are my Son: today I have brought you forth?” and again, “I will be his Father, and he shall be my Son?” Or again when he brings the unique first-born into the world, he says, “Let all the messengers of God worship him.” Whereas concerning messengers, he says, “Who makes his messengers winds, and His servants flaming fire.”
8 But to the Son, “your throne, O God, endures forever. The scepter of righteousness is a the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved (agape) righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your associates.” And, “You, Lord, in the beginning did lay the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands. They shall perish, but you do remain; and they as a garment shall grow old; and as a garment you will fold them up, and they shall be changed: but you are the same; and your years shall never come to an end.”
13 Moreover, to which of the messengers did he say, at any time, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to serve those who shall inherit salvation?”
Chapter 2
II. (On this account, we ought to attend super abundantly to the things which have been heard; for fear at any time we should let them flow past. For if the word spoken by messengers was firm, and every transgression and disobedience received a just payment; how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Which was at first spoken by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him; God also bearing witness, both by signs and wonders, and various miracles, and distributions of the Holy Spirit, according to his own pleasure.)
5 Moreover, he has not subjected the world to come of which we are speaking to the messengers. But one in a certain place has testified, saying, “What is man, that you are mindful of him;–or the son of man, that you should regard him? You have made him a little lower than the messengers; you have crowned (stephanos wreathe) him with glory and honor, you have put all things under his feet.” Now, by putting all things in subjection to him, he left nothing that is not subordinate to him.
9 But now, we do not yet see all things subjected to him; but we see Yeshua, crowned (stephanos wreathe) with glory and honor, who was made a little lower than the messengers, by the suffering of death, that he, by the favor of God, might taste death for all.
10 For it was fitting for him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, to make him, who leads many sons to glory,–even the leader of their salvation,– to be made complete through sufferings.
11 For both he who sanctifies, and they who are sanctified, are all of one father; for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren; in middle of the assembly saying “I will sing praises to you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold I and the children whom God has given me.”
14 Since, then, the children are sharers of flesh and blood; he also, in like manner, became a sharer of these; that through death, he might vanquish him, who had the power of death, that is The Accuser; and deliver those who through fear of death, were in all their lifetime subject to bondage. For, he has not at all taken hold to rescue messengers; but he has taken hold to rescue the seed of Abraham.
17 Here, it was necessary for him, to be made like his brethren in all things; that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest, in matters pertaining to God, in order to make reconciliation for the sins of the people: for by what he suffered himself when tested; he is able to help (lit:run to the cry) those who are tested.
Chapter 3
III.–Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, attentively consider Yeshua, the Delegate and High Priest whom we have confessed; who, as well as Moses, is faithful to him that appointed him over all his house. He has been accounted worthy of glory, as far superior to Moses, as the builder of the house is superior to the house. Now, every house is built by someone; but he, the builder of all things, is God. And Moses, as an attendant, was faithful in all his house, for a testimony of the things, that were to be spoken later; but The Anointed, as a Son was faithful, over his own house;–whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence, and the rejoicing of our hope, unshaken to the end.
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as in the bitter provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness where your fathers tested me though they had seen my works. For forty years. therefore, I was displeased with that generation, and said, They always go astray in heart, and they have not known my ways. So I swore, in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.”
12 Brethren, take care, for fear there be in any of you an evil heart of faithlessness, by departing from the living God. But, for fear any of you be hardened, through the deceitfulness of sin, exhort one another every day, while it is called Today: (for we are all partakers of The Anointed, if, we hold fast the first confidence firm to the end;) with this saying, “Today, if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as in the bitter provocation. For who bitterly provoked him when they heard? was it not all those that came out of Egypt by Moses? But with whom was he displeased forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear, that they should not enter into his rest, but to those who did not believe? So we see, that those could not enter in because of unbelief.
Chapter 4
IV. Therefore, let us be afraid, for fear while a promise remains of entering his place of rest (Gk:katapausis, resting abode),, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For the good news has been proclaimed to us, as well as to them: but the word which they heard did not benefit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
3 For we who have believed do enter into the place of rest, as he said, “So I swore, in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest;” namely, from the works that were finished at the formation of the world. 4 For he has spoken in a certain place concerning the seventh day: “And God rested on the seventh day, from all his works.” And in this, again, “They shall not enter into my place of rest.” Since, then, it remains, for some to enter into it, and that those who first received good news, did not enter in on account of obstinate disobedience;–again he sets out a certain day, saying by David, “Today,” after so long a time; as it is said, “Today, if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
8 For, if Yeshua (the son of Nun) had given them a place of rest, he would not after that, have spoken of another day. There remains therefore, a rest keeping (Gk:sabbatismos) for the people of God. For he who has entered into his quiet place, has himself also settled down from his own works, like God did from his. Therefore, let us carefully strive to enter into that place of rest, for fear anyone should fall after the same example of obstinate disobedience.
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing split of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and purposes of the heart. And there is no creature concealed from his sight, for all things are naked and open to the eyes of him, to whom we must give an account.
14 Now, having such a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Yeshua the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest, who cannot sympathize with our weakness; but one who was tempted in all points yet without sin. Let us, therefore, approach with boldness to the throne of favor, that we may receive mercy, and obtain favor in time of need.
Chapter 5
V.–For every high priest taken from among men, is appointed to perform for men the things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: being able to have a right measure of compassion on the ignorant and erring; because he himself, also, is surrounded with weakness. And for that reason he must for the people, and also for himself, offer sacrifices for sins. Now, as no one takes this honor to himself, but he who is called of God, as Aaron was so also, The Anointed did not assume to himself the honor of being a High Priest: but he who said to him, “You are my Son; today I have brought you forth,”–also says, in another place, “You are a Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedec.”
7 He, (who, in the days of the flesh, having, with loud cries, and with tears, offered up prayers and supplications to him, who was able to save him from death, and was delivered from his fear,) though being a Son, learned obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made complete, became the author (or source) of eternal salvation to all who obey him; being proclaimed by God a High Priest forever, after the order of Melchizedec.
11 Concerning whom we have much to say, and but it is difficult, since you have become lazy of hearing. For by this time, you ought to be teachers, yet you have need of someone to teach you again the first elements of the oracles of God; and have become in need of milk, rather than solid food. Now everyone who uses milk, is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe: but solid food is for those of mature age, whose judgment has been trained by long practice to discern both good and evil.
Chapter 6
VI.–Therefore, leaving the first principles of Christian teaching, let us progress towards the finish, not laying again the foundation concerning repentance from dead works, and faith toward God;–concerning the teaching of immersions, and of imposition of hands, of a resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment; and this we will do, if God permits.
4 For it is impossible to renew again to repentance, those who have been once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, and yet have fallen away, crucifying again to themselves the Son of God, and exposing him to public shame.7.–For the land that drinks in the rain, which often comes upon it, and brings forth growing plants, fit for those by whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God: but that which produces thorns and briars is rejected, and near to a curse; whose end is to be burned.
9.–But, beloved, we hope better things for you, even things which are connected with salvation, though we are speaking in this way. For God is not unrighteous, to forget your work, and the love (agape) which you have showed toward his name, in that you have served the holy ones, and still serve. Yet we desire every one of you, to show the same diligence, in order to the realize this hope, to the end:–that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience are inheriting the promises.
13 For when God made the promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself,–saying, ” I will certainly bless you, I will certainly multiply you;” and so having patiently waited, he obtained the promise. For men, swear by that which is greater; and an oath for confirmation is to end of all disputes.
17 Therefore God, willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the unchangeableness of his purpose, confirmed it with an oath; that, by two unchangeable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have strong comfort, who have fled for refuge, to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and entering into the place within the veil, where a forerunner has entered on our account; even Yeshua, made a High Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedec.
Chapter 7
VII.–For this Melchizedec–king of Salem, Priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him, to whom Abraham imparted a tenth of all; is first of all by interpretation, king of righteousness, and next also king of Salem; which, by interpretation, is king of peace. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life: but, being made like the Son of God, he remains a priest continually.
4 Now, consider how great this priest was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch, gave a tenth of the spoils. For the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to tithe (gifting one tenth) people according to the law; that is, their brethren, although they have come forth from the loins of Abraham: But the one who did not derive his genealogy from them tithed Abraham, and blessed the holder of the promises. Now, beyond all dispute the less is blessed by the greater. Besides, here men who die take tithes; but there one of whom it is testified that he lives. And one may say even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes in Abraham: for he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedec met him.
11.–Moreover, if completion was through the Levitical priesthood, (for with it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should arise, according to the order of Melchizedec, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? Therefore, the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity, a change also of law. For he to whom these things are said, was of a different tribe, of which no one gave attendance at the altar. For it is very plain, that our Lord has sprung from Yehuwdah, in relation to which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. Moreover, it is still more plain, that according to the comparison of Melchizedec, another priest arises, who is made, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For he testifies, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedec.” 18 Here, then, there is a cancellation of the preceding commandment, because of its weakness and unprofitableness, (for the law made no one complete,)–and now the bringing in of a better hope, by which we draw near to God.
20.–Moreover, it was not without an oath—–(for they were made priests without an oath, but he, with an oath, by him who said to him, “The Lord has sworn, and will not repent, You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedec,”) so much the more was Yeshua made the pledge of a better covenant. Besides, many, are made priests, because by death they are hindered from continuing: but he, because he lives forever, has a priesthood which does not pass from him. Here also he is forever able to save those, who come to God through him; always living to make intercession for them.
26 Now, such a High Priest is fitting for us; who, being holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens has not like the high priests needed from time to time to offer sacrifices, first for his own sins, then for those of the people; because this he did once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men high priests, who have weakness; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, appointed the Son, who is complete forevermore.
Chapter 8
VIII.–Now of the sum of things which we have spoken is: We have such a High Priest, who has taken his seat at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens;–a minister ( Gk:leitourgos a public servant) of the holy places; namely, of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.
3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Here it was necessary that this High Priest also, should have something which he might offer. For, if he were on earth, he could not be a Priest, there being priests who offer gifts according to the law. These perform divine service for an example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses, when about to construct the tabernacle, was admonished of God: “See, now, (says he,) that you make all things according to the pattern, that was shown you in the Mountain.” Besides, he has now obtained a more excellent ministry, as he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been established upon better promises.
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, a place would not have been sought for a second. But finding fault, he says to them, “Behold the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will execute a new covenant with the house of Ysrael, and with the house of Yehuwdah: not according to the covenant, which I made with their fathers, at the time of my taking them by the hand, to lead them out of the land of Egypt;–because they did not remain in my covenant, I also did not care for them, says the Lord.–Now this is the covenant, which I will make with the house of Ysrael after these days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their mind, and inscribe them on their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people. And they shall not teach every man his fellow-citizen, saying, Know the Lord; for all shall know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. Because I will be merciful to their iniquities and, and their sins I will remember no more.” By saying, “a new covenant,” he has made the former old: now, that which is decaying and growing old, is ready to vanish away.
Chapter 9
IX.–Now, the first covenant has both ordinances of service, and a worldly holy place. For the first tabernacle, which is called the holy place, was set in order; in which were both the lamp stand, and the table, and the loaves of presentation; and behind the second veil, the tabernacle, which is called the holy of holies;–having the golden alter of incense, and the ark of the covenant, covered everywhere with gold, in which were the golden jar holding the manna, and the rod of Aaron which budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it the cherubim (kher-oo-beem, a type of messenger) of glory, overshadowing the mercy-seat; concerning which things, we cannot at present speak in detail.
6.–Now, these things being set in order, the priests go continually into the first tabernacle, performing the services; but into the second tabernacle,–the high priest alone enters,–once every year, and not without blood, which he offers for himself, and for the sins of the people.
8 The Holy Spirit signifying this, that the way into the holiest place was not made clear while the first tabernacle was yet standing; which was a figurative comparison for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which cannot, with respect to the conscience, make him who does the service of worship complete: since they only relate to food and drinks, and various immersions;–ordinances concerning the flesh, imposed until the time of reformation.
11 But when The Anointed came as a High Priest of the good things to come, He entered through a greater and more complete tabernacle, not made with hands, (that is to say, not of this creation,) and he entered once into the holy places, having obtained eternal redemption; not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those polluted made holy for the cleanness of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of The Anointed, who, through the Eternal Spirit, who offered himself without fault to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15 And, for this reason, he is mediator of the new covenant that by means of death, for the ransom (Gk:apolutrosis to ransom in full) in full of the transgressions under the first covenant, those who had been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. Now where there is a testament (or will), there must be of necessity the death of the one who instituted it: since the testament is valid only when men are dead. It has no force while the one who made it lives.
18 Therefore neither was the first covenant introduced without blood; for “when Moses had spoken every precept in the law to all the people, taking the blood of calves, and of goats, with water and scarlet wool, and hyssop, he sprinkled both the book itself, and the people;” saying, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you.” Moreover, he in like manner sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the priesthood service. And almost all things, according to the law, were cleansed with blood; and without the shedding of blood, there is no remission.
23 It was necessary then, that the patterns of the things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves, with better sacrifices than these. Therefore, The Anointed has not entered into the holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God, on our account. Not, however, that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy places every year with other blood (other than his own); for then he would have suffered repeatedly since the foundation of the world: but now once, at the end of the ages, he has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And, as much as it is appointed to men once to die, and after that the judgment; even so The Anointed, being once offered, to bear away the sins of many will appear a second time not as a sin-offering but to bring salvation for those who eagerly wait for him.
Chapter 10
X.–Moreover, the law, containing only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of these things, never can, with the same sacrifices, which they offer every year continually, make those who come to them, complete. For then, would they not have ceased to be offered; since the offerers being once purified, should not have had consciousness of sins? but in these, there is a remembrance of sins yearly. Besides, it is impossible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
5 Therefore, when coming into the world, he says, “Sacrifice and offering you have not willed; but a body have you prepared for me. In whole burnt offerings, and sin offerings, you have no pleasure: Then, I said, behold I come to do your will, O God! (In the volume of the book it is written concerning me.”) Having said the above,–that sacrifice, and offering, and whole burnt offerings, and sin offerings, you have not willed, neither have pleasure in them, (which are offered according to the law,) then he said, “Behold I come to do your will.” He takes away the first will, that he may establish the second.
10 By this will, we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Yeshua The Anointed once for all. And every priest stands daily ministering, and offering often the same sacrifices, which never can take away sins: but he having offered only one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God; therefore waiting until his enemies are made his footstool. Therefore, by one offering he has made complete forever the sanctified. (Gk: hagiazo, to make holy)
15 Moreover, also the Holy Spirit testifies this to us; for after he had said, “This is the covenant which I will make with them after these days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their hearts, and inscribe them on their minds;” he adds, “and their sins and iniquities I will remember no more.” Now, where remission of these is, there is no longer any offering for sin.
19.–Therefore, brethren having free and fearless confidence to enter the most holy place by the blood of Yeshua by a new and living way, which he has initiated for us through the veil, (that is, his flesh;) and having a great High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near, with a true heart, in full assurance of faith;–having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of the hope unmoved; for he is faithful, who has promised. 24 And let us attentively consider how to incite one another to love (agape) and good works; not forsaking the assembling (Gk:episunagoge, a complete collection) of ourselves together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.
26.–For if we sin willfully, after having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins; but a dreadful expectation of judgment, and of a fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Anyone who disregarded the Law of Moses, died without mercy, by two or three witnesses. How much more severer punishment, will he be thought worthy, who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and considered the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, a common thing, and has insulted the Spirit of Favor? For we know him who has said, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord:” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great combat of afflictions; partly, while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, while you became companions of those who were so treated. For you also suffered with me in my bonds, and with joy sustained the plundering of your goods, knowing within yourselves, that you have in heaven a better and permanent possession.
35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need patient endurance in doing the will of God, that you may obtain the promised reward. For yet in a very little while He who is coming will come, and will not delay. Now the righteous will live by faith; but if he shrinks back, my soul will not be well pleased with him.
39 We, however, are not of shrinking back to destruction; but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.
Chapter 11
XI.–Now, faith is the firm foundation of things hoped for, and the proven conviction of things not seen. By this the elders were good witnesses. By faith, we understand that the worlds were fitted out by the word of God; so that the things which are seen, were not made of things which are visible.
4.–By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, on account of which he was commended as righteous; God testifying in favor of his sacrifice: and so by it, though dead, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up, that he might not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him up; for before his transport, it was testified that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please God. For he who comes to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, when he received a warning from God concerning things not yet seen, being seized with fear, prepared an ark for the salvation of his family; by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when called to go out into a place which he would afterwards receive as an inheritance, obeyed, and went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith, he dwelt in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Yitschaq and Yaqob, the joint heirs of the same promise: for he expected the city having foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith also Sarah received strength for the conception of seed (lit: power for the laying down of seed), and brought forth when past the time of life; because she judged him faithful who had promised. And therefore there sprang from one, who was dead in this respect, a race, as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as the sand which is on the sea-shore, innumerable.
13 All these died in faith, not having received the promises. For seeing the things promised far off, and embracing them, they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims in the land. Now those who speak such things, plainly declare that they crave a country. For truly, if they had remembered that country from which they came out, they might have had an opportunity to return to it. But, they strongly desired a better country; that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them,–to be called their God; because he has prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when tested, offered up Yitschaq. He who had received the promise, offered up his special son, concerning whom it was said, that “In Yitschaq shall they seed be called;” reasoning that God was able to raise him, even from the dead; from where, he received him in a figure (Gk:parabole).
20 By faith Yitschaq blessed Yaqob and Esau, with respect to things to come. By faith Yaqob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Yowceph, and worshipped, bowing on the top of his staff. By faith Yowceph, when dying, made mention concerning the departing of the children of Ysrael, and gave orders concerning his bones. By faith, Moses, when born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and were not afraid of the king’s commandment. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer evil with the people of God, than to have the temporary pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of The Anointed greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked forward to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the wrath of the king. For he courageously persevered perceiving the invisible God. By faith he appointed the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood; that he who destroyed the first-born, might not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea, by dry land, which the Egyptians when they attempted it were swallowed up.
30 By faith the walls of Yericho fell down, having been surrounded seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot was not destroyed with the unbelievers, having received the spies in peace.
32 And what more shall I say? for the time would fail me to speak of Gideon, and Barak, and Samson, and Yiphtach, and David also, and Samuel, and the forthtellers,–who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,–quenched the strength of fire, escaped the edges of the sword, grew strong from sickness, became valiant in battle, and put alien armies in retreat.
35 Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others received the trial of mockings and whippings; and moreover, of bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they died by the slaughter of the sword, they went about in sheep skins, and in goat skins, being destitute, afflicted, maltreated; of these the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts, and mountains, and in caves and holes of the earth.
39 Now all these, though commended on account of faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they outside us should not be made complete.
Chapter 12
XII.–Since, then, we have so great a cloud of witnesses placed before us, laying aside every incumbrance, and the sin which easily entangles us, let us run with patient endurance the race set before us; looking to Yeshua, the leader and completer of the faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who from sinners endured such opposition against himself, so that you will not become discouraged in your minds, and weary. You have not yet resisted as far as blood, in your struggling against sin. Besides, have you forgotten the exhortation, which reasons with you as with children, “My son, do not think lightly of the Lord’s discipline, or do not faint when you are rebuked by him: for those whom the Lord loves (agape) he disciplines, and flogs every son whom he receives.”
7 If you endure discipline, God deals with you as his children. For what son is there, whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all sons are partakers, certainly you are illegitimate, and not sons. Further, we have had fathers of our flesh, who punished us, and to whom we gave respect: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of our spirits, and live? For they, during a very few days, punished us according to their pleasure; but he for our advantage, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no discipline, for the present, seems to be matter of joy, but of sorrow. Nevertheless, afterwards it returns the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.
12 Therefore, bring to their right position, the arms that hang down, and the weakened knees. And make smooth paths for your feet, so that which is lame, may not be put out of joint, but that it may rather be healed.
14 Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one shall see the Lord. Look carefully, observing, so no one will come short of the favor of God, for fear a bitter root springing up, troubles you, and by it many are polluted, that there not be any fornicator, or wicked person, as Esau; who, for one meal, gave away his birthrights. And you know, that although afterwards he wished to inherit the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place for effecting a change, though he begged for it with tears.
18.–Now you have not come to a mountain that can be touched, which burned with fire; and to blackness, and to darkness, and to storm, and to the sound of a trumpet, and to the voice of words where the hearers of which asked, that a no more words might be addressed to them: for they could not bear this command, “Even if a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned.” And so terrible was the appearance, that Moses said, “I exceedingly fear and tremble.”
22 But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Yerushalem, and to thousands of messengers; to the general assembly and church of the first born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made complete, and to Yeshua the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, which speaks better things than that of Abel.
25 Take care that you do not refuse him who speaks: for if those did not escape, who refused him who spoke on earth, much rather we shall not escape, who turn away from him that speaks from heaven: whose voice then shook the earth; but now he has promised, saying, “Yet once I shake not the earth only, but also the heavens.” Now this speech, “YET ONCE,” signifies the removing of the things shaken, as of things which were made, that the things that cannot shaken may remain. Therefore, since we having received a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have gratitude (Gk: charis, favor, grace) by which we may serve God acceptably, with godly fear and awe. For truly our God is a consuming fire.
Chapter 13
XIII.–Let brotherly love (philadelphia) continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers; for, by so doing, some have entertained messengers, without knowing them. Remember those who are in bonds, as fellow-prisoners; and those who suffer evil, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be honorable among all, and the bed be unpolluted; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
5 Let your behavior be without the love of money (Gk:aphilarguros, not fond of money), being content with the things you have; for he himself has said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” So that taking courage, we may say, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man can do to me.”
7 Remember those who ruler over you and who have spoken to you the word of God: observing carefully the result of their conduct, and imitate their faith. Yeshua The Anointed is the same, yesterday, and today, and forever. Do not be tossed about with various and foreign teachings; for it is good that the heart to be established by grace, and not by food through which those who have so walked did not profit.
10 We have an altar, of which they have no right to eat, who serve in the tabernacle. Moreover, the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought by the high priest into the most holy place as a sin-offering, are burnt outside the camp: Therefore Yeshua also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. So, then, let us go forth to him out of the camp, bearing his reproach. For we do not have here an abiding city, but we search for one to come.
15 Through him, therefore, let us offer up continually, the sacrifice of praise to God; namely, the fruit of our lips, confessing to his name. Do not forget to do good, and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey your rulers, and submit yourselves; for they watch over your souls, as those who must give account:–that they may do this with joy, and not with grief; for that would be unprofitable for you.
18 Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, as we are willing in all things to behave well. And I implore you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Yeshua, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you fit for every good work, to do his will, producing in you what is acceptable in his sight, through Yeshua The Anointed; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
20 Now I implore you, brethren, bear this word of exhortation, for I have sent it to you in brief. Know that our brother Timotheos is released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. Greet all your rulers, and all the holy ones. Those of Italy greet you. Favor be with you all. Amen.