1Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses12:1 Heb 11:2,4–5,39 surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance12:1 1Co 9:24; Heb 10:36 the race that lies before us,

2keeping our eyes on Jesus,12:2 Or us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter12:2 Or the founder and completer, or the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him,12:2 Or who instead of the joy lying before him he endured the cross, despising the shame,12:2 Lk 24:26; Php 2:8–9; Heb 13:13 and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.12:3 Mt 10:24; Gl 6:9

4In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

5And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:

7Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?

8But if you are without discipline — which all receive12:8 Lit discipline, of which all have become participants — then you are illegitimate children and not sons.12:7–8 Dt 8:5; 1Pt 5:9

9Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live?12:9 Nm 16:22; Is 38:16

10For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness.12:10 Lv 11:44; 2Pt 1:4

11No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit12:11 Is 32:17; Jms 3:17–18 of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.12:11 1Pt 1:6

14Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness12:14 Rm 6:22; 14:19 — without it no one will see the Lord.12:14 Mt 5:8; 2Co 7:1

15Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.12:15 2Co 6:1; Gl 5:4; Heb 3:12; 10:39

16And make sure that there isn’t any immoral12:16 Or sexually immoral or irreverent12:16 1Tm 1:9; 4:7; 6:20; 2Tm 2:16 person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal.12:16 Gn 25:33

17For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance.12:17 Gn 27:34–38