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Selected Verse: Hebrews 12:28 - Strong Concordance
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Heb 12:28 |
Strong Concordance |
Wherefore [1352] we receiving [3880] a kingdom [932] which cannot be moved [761], let us have [2192] grace [5485], whereby [1223] [3739] we may serve [3000] God [2316] acceptably [2102] with [3326] reverence [127] and [2532] godly fear [2124]: |
| |
King James |
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
receiving--as we do, in prospect and sure hope, also in the possession of the Spirit the first-fruits. This is our privilege as Christians.
let us have grace--"let us have thankfulness" [ALFORD after CHRYSOSTOM]. But (1) this translation is according to classical Greek, not Paul's phraseology for "to be thankful." (2) "To God" would have been in that case added. (3) "Whereby we may serve God," suits the English Version "grace" (that is Gospel grace, the work of the Spirit, producing faith exhibited in serving God), but does not suit "thankfulness."
acceptably--Greek, "well-pleasingly."
reverence and godly fear--The oldest manuscripts read, "reverent caution and fear." Reverent caution (same Greek as in Heb 5:7; see on Heb 5:7) lest we should offend God, who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity. Fear lest we should bring destruction on ourselves. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved - We who are Christians. We pertain to a kingdom that is permanent and unchanging. The meaning is, that the kingdom of the Redeemer is never to pass away. It is not like the Jewish dispensation, to give place to another, nor is there any power that can destroy it; see the notes on Mat 16:18. It has now endured for eighteen hundred years, amidst all the revolutions on earth, and in spite of all the attempts which have been made to destroy it; and it is now as vigorous and stable as it ever was. The past has shown that there is no power of earth or hell that can destroy it, and that in the midst of all revolutions this kingdom still survives. Its great principles and laws will endure on earth to the end of time, and will be made permanent in heaven. This is the only kingdom in which we can be certain that there will be no revolution; the only empire which is destined never to fall.
Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God - Margin, "let us hold fast." The Greek is, literally, let us have grace; the meaning is, "let us hold fast the grace or favor which we have received in being admitted to the privileges of that kingdom." The object of the apostle is, to keep them in the reverent fear and service of God. The "argument" which he presents is, that this kingdom is permanent. There is no danger of its being overthrown. It is to continue on earth to the end of time; it is to be established in heaven forever. If it were temporary, changeable, liable to be overthrown at any moment, there would be much less encouragement to perseverance. But in a kingdom like this there is every encouragement, for there is the assurance:
(1) that all our interests there are safe;
(2) that all our exertions will be crowned with ultimate success,
(3) that the efforts which we make to do good will have a permanent influence on mankind, and will bless future ages; and
(4) that the reward is certain.
A man subject to a government about whose continuance there would be the utmost uncertainty, would have little encouragement to labor with a view to any permanent interest. In a government where nothing is settled; where all policy is changing, and where there are constantly vacillating plans, there is no inducement to enter on any enterprise demanding time and risk. But where the policy is settled; where the principles and the laws are firm; where there is evidence of permanency, there is the highest encouragement. The highest possible encouragement of this kind is in the permanent and established kingdom of God. All other governments may be revolutionized; this never will be - all others may have a changeful policy; this has none - all others will be overthrown; this never will.
With reverence and godly fear - With true veneration for God, and with pious devotedness. |
| The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917] |
grace
Grace (imparted). (Heb 12:15); (Heb 12:28); (Heb 13:9); (Rom 6:1); (Pe2 3:18). |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Receiving a kingdom (βασιλείαν παραλαμβάνοντες)
The participle gives no note of time, but simply indicates the fact that Christians as such receive. The compounded preposition παρὰ adds to the idea of receiving that of transmission or communication. They receive from God. See Dan 7:18. Βασιλεία in the sense of the kingdom of Christ, in this epistle only here and Heb 1:8 (citn.). See on Mat 3:2; see on Luk 6:20.
Let us have grace (ἔχωμεν χάριν)
For grace rend. thankfulness. See Luk 17:9; Ti1 1:12; Ti2 1:3. Comp. Psa 50:23.
Acceptably (εὐαρέστως)
N.T.o, olxx. Ἑυαρεστεῖν to be well pleasing, Heb 11:5, Heb 11:6; Heb 13:16. For the adjective εὐάρεστος well-pleasing, see on Tit 2:9.
With reverence (μετὰ εὐλαβίας)
Rend. "with pious care." Reverence is translated from T. R. αἰδοῦς (see on Ti1 2:9). See on Heb 5:7; see on Heb 11:7.
Fear (δέους)
N.T.o. See 2 Macc. 3:17, 30; 12:22; 13:16; 15:23. Its fundamental idea is timid apprehension of danger; while φόβος is the terror which seizes one when the danger appears. Schmidt (Synon. 139, 10) illustrates happily. In a primitive forest an undefined sense of possible danger possesses one, and makes his heart beat quickly at every rustle of a leaf. This is δέος. When the voice and tread of a wild beast are distinctly heard close at hand, the δέος becomes φόβος. The phrase "with pious care and fear" is not explanatory of acceptably. These are to accompany (μετὰ) acceptable service. They do not imply a cringing or slavish feeling, but grow out of the warning in Heb 12:25, which runs through the two following verses, and implies that the catastrophe of Heb 12:27 will be final, leaving no more opportunity to retrieve the refusal of God's invitation to the privileges of the new covenant, or the relapse into the superseded economy of Judaism. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| Therefore let us, receiving - By willing and joyful faith. A kingdom - More glorious than the present heaven and earth. Hold fast the grace, whereby we may serve God - In every thought, word, and work. With reverence - Literally, with shame. Arising from a deep consciousness of our own unworthiness. And godly fear - A tender, jealous fear of offending, arising from a sense of the gracious majesty of God. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
We receiving a kingdom - The Gospel dispensation, frequently termed the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven, because in it God reigns among men, and he reigns in the hearts of them that believe, and his kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Which cannot be moved - Which never can fail, because it is the last dispensation.
Let us have grace - Εχωμεν χαριν· Let us have, keep, or hold fast, the benefit or gift, that is, the heavenly kingdom which God has given us. This is the meaning of the word, Co2 8:4, and is so rendered by our translators; and it is only by this heavenly gift of the Gospel that we can serve God acceptably, for he can be pleased with no service that is not performed according to the Gospel of his Son.
If we prefer the common meaning of the word grace it comes to the same thing; without the grace - the especial succor and influence of Christ, we cannot serve, λατρευωμεν, pay religious worship to God; for he receives no burnt-offering that is not kindled by fire from his own altar.
Acceptably - Ευαρεστως· In such a way as to please him well. And the offering, with which he is well pleased, he will graciously accept; and if he accept our service, his Spirit will testify in our conscience that our ways please him. When Abel sacrifices, God is well pleased; where Cain offers, there is no approbation.
Reverence - Αιδους· With shamefacedness or modesty.
Godly fear - Ευλαβειας· Religious fear. We have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, but let that boldness be ever tempered with modesty and religious fear; for we should never forget that we have sinned, and that God is a consuming fire. Instead of αιδους και ευλαβειας, modesty and religious fear, ACD*, several others, with the Slavonic and Chrysostom, have ευλαβειας και δεους, and others have φοβου και τρομου, fear and trembling; but the sense is nearly the same. |
7 Who [3739] in [1722] the days [2250] of his [846] flesh [4561], when he had offered up [4374] prayers [1162] and [5037] [2532] supplications [2428] with [3326] strong [2478] crying [2906] and [2532] tears [1144] unto [4314] him that was able [1410] to save [4982] him [846] from [1537] death [2288], and [2532] was heard [1522] in that [575] he feared [2124];
7 Who [3739] in [1722] the days [2250] of his [846] flesh [4561], when he had offered up [4374] prayers [1162] and [5037] [2532] supplications [2428] with [3326] strong [2478] crying [2906] and [2532] tears [1144] unto [4314] him that was able [1410] to save [4982] him [846] from [1537] death [2288], and [2532] was heard [1522] in that [575] he feared [2124];
18 And [1161] I say [3004] also [2504] unto thee [4671], That [3754] thou [4771] art [1488] Peter [4074], and [2532] upon [1909] this [5026] rock [4073] I will build [3618] my [3450] church [1577]; and [2532] the gates [4439] of hell [86] shall [2729] not [3756] prevail against [2729] it [846].
18 But [1161] grow [837] in [1722] grace [5485], and [2532] in the knowledge [1108] of our [2257] Lord [2962] and [2532] Saviour [4990] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547]. To him [846] be glory [1391] both [2532] now [3568] and [2532] for [1519] ever [165] [2250]. Amen [281].
1 What [5101] shall we say [2046] then [3767]? Shall we continue [1961] in sin [266], that [2443] grace [5485] may abound [4121]?
9 Be [4064] not [3361] carried about [4064] with divers [4164] and [2532] strange [3581] doctrines [1322]. For [1063] it is a good thing [2570] that the heart [2588] be established [950] with grace [5485]; not [3756] with meats [1033], which have [5623] not [3756] profited [5623] them that have been occupied [4043] therein [1722] [3739].
28 Wherefore [1352] we receiving [3880] a kingdom [932] which cannot be moved [761], let us have [2192] grace [5485], whereby [1223] [3739] we may serve [3000] God [2316] acceptably [2102] with [3326] reverence [127] and [2532] godly fear [2124]:
15 Looking diligently [1983] lest [3361] any man [5100] fail [5302] of [575] the grace [5485] of God [2316]; lest [3361] any [5100] root [4491] of bitterness [4088] springing [5453] up [507] trouble [1776] you, and [2532] thereby [1223] [5026] many [4183] be defiled [3392];
27 And [1161] this word, Yet [2089] once more [530], signifieth [1213] the removing [3331] of those things that are shaken [4531], as [5613] of things that are made [4160], that [2443] those things which cannot [3361] be shaken [4531] may remain [3306].
25 See [991] that ye refuse [3868] not [3361] him that speaketh [2980]. For [1063] if [1487] they [1565] escaped [5343] not [3756] who refused him [3868] that spake [5537] on [1909] earth [1093], much [4183] more [3123] shall not we [2249] escape, if we turn away from him [654] that speaketh from [575] heaven [3772]:
7 By faith [4102] Noah [3575], being warned of God [5537] of [4012] things not [3369] seen [991] as yet [3369], moved with fear [2125], prepared [2680] an ark [2787] to [1519] the saving [4991] of his [846] house [3624]; by [1223] the which [3739] he condemned [2632] the world [2889], and [2532] became [1096] heir [2818] of the righteousness [1343] which is by [2596] faith [4102].
7 Who [3739] in [1722] the days [2250] of his [846] flesh [4561], when he had offered up [4374] prayers [1162] and [5037] [2532] supplications [2428] with [3326] strong [2478] crying [2906] and [2532] tears [1144] unto [4314] him that was able [1410] to save [4982] him [846] from [1537] death [2288], and [2532] was heard [1522] in that [575] he feared [2124];
9 In like manner [5615] also [2532], that women [1135] adorn [2885] themselves [1438] in [1722] modest [2887] apparel [2689], with [3326] shamefacedness [127] and [2532] sobriety [4997]; not [3361] with [1722] broided hair [4117], or [2228] gold [5557], or [2228] pearls [3135], or [2228] costly [4185] array [2441];
9 Exhort servants [1401] to be obedient [5293] unto their own [2398] masters [1203], and to [1511] please them well [2101] in [1722] all [3956] things; not [3361] answering again [483];
16 But [1161] to do good [2140] and [2532] to communicate [2842] forget [1950] not [3361]: for [1063] with such [5108] sacrifices [2378] God [2316] is well pleased [2100].
6 But [1161] without [5565] faith [4102] it is impossible [102] to please [2100] him: for [1063] he that cometh [4334] to God [2316] must [1163] believe [4100] that [3754] he is [2076], and [2532] that he is [1096] a rewarder [3406] of them that diligently seek [1567] him [846].
5 By faith [4102] Enoch [1802] was translated [3346] that he should [1492] not [3361] see [1492] death [2288]; and [2532] was [2147] not [3756] found [2147], because [1360] God [2316] had translated [3346] him [846]: for [1063] before [4253] his [846] translation [3331] he had this testimony [3140], that he pleased [2100] God [2316].
23 Whoso offereth [02076] praise [08426] glorifieth [03513] me: and to him that ordereth [07760] his conversation [01870] aright will I shew [07200] the salvation [03468] of God [0430].
3 I thank [2192] [5485] God [2316], whom [3739] I serve [3000] from [575] my forefathers [4269] with [1722] pure [2513] conscience [4893], that [5613] without ceasing [88] I have [2192] remembrance [3417] of [4012] thee [4675] in [1722] my [3450] prayers [1162] night [3571] and [2532] day [2250];
12 And [2532] I thank [2192] [5485] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424] our [2257] Lord [2962], who [3588] hath enabled [1743] me [3165], for [3754] that he counted [2233] me [3165] faithful [4103], putting me [5087] into [1519] the ministry [1248];
9 [3361] Doth he [2192] thank [5485] that [1565] servant [1401] because [3754] he did [4160] the things that were commanded [1299] him [846]? I trow [1380] not [3756].
20 And [2532] he [846] lifted up [1869] his [846] eyes [3788] on [1519] his [846] disciples [3101], and said [3004], Blessed [3107] be ye poor [4434]: for [3754] yours [5212] is [2076] the kingdom [932] of God [2316].
2 And [2532] saying [3004], Repent ye [3340]: for [1063] the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772] is at hand [1448].
8 But [1161] unto [4314] the Son [5207] he saith, Thy [4675] throne [2362], O God [2316], is for [1519] ever [165] and ever [165]: a sceptre [4464] of righteousness [2118] is the sceptre [4464] of thy [4675] kingdom [932].
18 But the saints [06922] of the most High [05946] shall take [06902] the kingdom [04437], and possess [02631] the kingdom [04437] for [05705] ever [05957], even for [05705] ever [05957] and ever [05957].
4 Praying [1189] us [2257] with [3326] much [4183] intreaty [3874] that we [2248] would receive [1209] the gift [5485], and [2532] take upon us the fellowship [2842] of the ministering [1248] to [1519] the saints [40].