Hebrews 12:8

8 But if you don't experience discipline, which happens to all children, then you are illegitimate and not real sons and daughters.

Hebrews 12:8 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 12:8

But if ye be without chastisement
Or have no affliction:

whereof all are partakers;
that is, all the children of God; they are all alike children; they are all in a state of imperfection, and prone to sin; God has an impartial respect unto them: and though they are not all alike chastened, nor chastened at all times, yet none are exempted from chastisement, but have it in some way or another, and at some time or another.

Then are ye bastards, and not sons;
all are not sons that are under a profession of religion; all that are under a profession of religion are not chastised; but then those are not the children of God, but the children of the world, of Satan, and of the antichristian harlot; for though all that are chastised are not children, yet all that are children are chastised: hence we learn, that outward peace and prosperity is not a note of a true church; and that such have reason to distrust their state, who know not what it is to have the chastising rod of God upon them; and that afflictions are rather arguments for than against sonship.

Hebrews 12:8 In-Context

6 because the Lord disciplines whomever he loves, and he punishes every son or daughter whom he accepts.

7 Bear hardship for the sake of discipline. God is treating you like sons and daughters! What child isn't disciplined by his or her father?

8 But if you don't experience discipline, which happens to all children, then you are illegitimate and not real sons and daughters.

9 What's more, we had human parents who disciplined us, and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live?

10 Our human parents disciplined us for a little while, as it seemed best to them, but God does it for our benefit so that we can share his holiness.