Devine Scripture

Hebrews 12:17

What does Hebrews 12:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 12:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 12:17 means

Esau’s tears came too late to reverse the consequences of despising his birthright. He sought the blessing afterward but was rejected, because his father would not change his decision. The point is not that true repentance is refused by God, but that some choices close doors in this life and carry irreversible outcomes. Esau’s sorrow was real, yet it did not restore what he had scorned. This is a sober warning: do not treat God’s gifts lightly, imagining you can reclaim them at will. Value the inheritance now. Act with foresight and faith, not appetite and impulse, lest regret find no remedy in the structures God has set.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought it diligently with tears.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought it diligently with tears.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For you have knowledge that even long after, when he was desiring the blessing for his heritage, he was turned away, though he made his request frequently and with weeping; because the past might not be changed.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for ye know that also afterwards, wishing to inherit the blessing, he was disapproved of, for a place of reformation he found not, though with tears having sought it.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For know ye that afterwards, when he desired to inherit the benediction, he was rejected. For he found no place of repentance, although with tears he had sought it.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for ye know that also afterwards, desiring to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, (for he found no place for repentance) although he sought it earnestly with tears.

Context

Continuing from the example of Esau’s profanity (v. 16), this verse highlights the irretrievability of certain losses. It deepens the warning tone of verses 15–16 and forms a bridge to the majestic comparison of Sinai and Zion (vv. 18–24). Having shown the danger of despising sacred privilege, the writer will now remind readers of what they have received under the new covenant, so they do not turn back in fear or folly. The flow moves from cautionary tale to positive, awe-inspiring reality.

v.16lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one mess of meat sold his own birthright.

v.17This passage

v.18For ye are not come unto a mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jeremiah 6:30

    Refuse silver shall men call them, because Jehovah hath rejected them.

  • Genesis 27:30

    And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.

  • Hebrews 6:8

    but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned.

  • Matthew 25:11

    Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

  • Hebrews 6:4

    For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

  • Hebrews 10:26

    For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins,

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Hebrews 12

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Hebrews 12.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Hebrews 12:17.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary