Hebrews 12:12

12 Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the failing knees;

Hebrews 12:12 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down
These words may be considered as spoken to the Hebrews, with respect to themselves; accordingly, the Syriac version reads, "your hands", and "your knees"; who were sluggish, and inactive in prayer, in hearing the word, in attendance on ordinances, in holding fast their profession, and in the performance of those things which adorn it; they were weary and fatigued with weights and burdens of sins and afflictions; and were faint, fearful, and timorous, through distrust of the promised good, because of their persecutions, being in present distress, and in a view of approaching danger, with which they might be surprised, as well as affected with their present afflictions: and then the exhortation to "lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees", is to be active in every duty; to be courageous against every enemy: to bear patiently every burden; to take heart, and be of good cheer under every afflictive providence: or else they may be considered as an exhortation to them with respect to others, which seems to be most agreeable to ( Isaiah 35:3 ) from whence they are taken; and then what is signified in them is done by sympathizing with persons in distress; by speaking comfortably to them, and by bearing their burdens.

Hebrews 12:12 In-Context

10 For they indeed chastened for a few days, as seemed good to them; but he for profit, in order to the partaking of his holiness.

11 But no chastening at the time seems to be [matter] of joy, but of grief; but afterwards yields [the] peaceful fruit of righteousness to those exercised by it.

12 Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the failing knees;

13 and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame be not turned aside; but that rather it may be healed.

14 Pursue peace with all, and holiness, without which no one shall see the Lord:

Footnotes

• [a] See Isa. 35.3.