Devine Scripture

Hebrews 12:4

What does Hebrews 12:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 12:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 12:4 means

The writer reminds the readers that, hard as their trials are, they have not yet faced martyrdom in their struggle against sin and opposition. The phrase “unto blood” points to the shedding of blood as the ultimate cost. This perspective check is not dismissive; it steadies them by comparing their situation to Christ’s sufferings and to the severe trials some believers have faced. The struggle is against sin in all its forms—within and without. Since they have not reached the worst-case scenario, they should not conclude that God has abandoned them. Instead, they should brace themselves for continued perseverance and be ready to resist even if the cost rises.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Till now you have not given your blood in your fight against sin:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Not yet unto blood did ye resist--with the sin striving;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For you have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, wrestling against sin.

Context

Coming after the call to consider Jesus’ endurance (v. 3), this verse lowers the emotional temperature by giving perspective: their suffering is real but has not reached the extreme. It prepares for the next section, where their hardships are reframed as loving discipline from God (vv. 5–11). Recognizing that their resistance has not yet led to death keeps the exhortation grounded and makes room for the comforting instruction that follows from Scripture.

v.3For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.

v.4This passage

v.5and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when thou art reproved of him;

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 18:24

    And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all that have been slain upon the earth.

  • Hebrews 10:32

    But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were enlightened, ye endured a great conflict of sufferings;

  • 2 Timothy 4:6

    For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come.

  • Hebrews 12:2

    looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • Revelation 17:6

    And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered with a great wonder.

  • Revelation 6:9

    And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of them that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

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