Hebrews 12:10 Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.

◄ Hebrews 12:10 ►

New International Version
They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

New Living Translation
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.

English Standard Version
For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

Berean Standard Bible
Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.

Berean Literal Bible
For truly they were disciplining us for a few days, according to that seeming good to them; but He for our benefitting, in order to share His holiness.

King James Bible
For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

New King James Version
For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.

New American Standard Bible
For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.

NASB 1995
For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.

NASB 1977
For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.

Legacy Standard Bible
For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our benefit, so that we may share His holiness.

Amplified Bible
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for only a short time as seemed best to them; but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.

Christian Standard Bible
For 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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For 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.

American Standard Version
For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.

Contemporary English Version
Our human fathers correct us for a short time, and they do it as they think best. But God corrects us for our own good, because he wants us to be holy, as he is.

English Revised Version
For they verily for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
For a short time our fathers disciplined us as they thought best. Yet, God disciplines us for our own good so that we can become holy like him.

Good News Translation
Our human fathers punished us for a short time, as it seemed right to them; but God does it for our own good, so that we may share his holiness.

International Standard Version
For a short time they disciplined us as they thought best, but God does it for our good, so that we may share in his holiness.

Majority Standard Bible
Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.

NET Bible
For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness.

New Heart English Bible
For they indeed, for a few days, disciplined us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.

Webster's Bible Translation
For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Weymouth New Testament
It is true that they disciplined us for a few years according as they thought fit; but He does it for our certain good, in order that we may become sharers in His own holy character.

World English Bible
For they indeed for a few days disciplined us as seemed good to them, but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For they, indeed, for a few days, according to what seemed good to them, were disciplining, but He for profit, to be partakers of His separation;

Berean Literal Bible
For truly they were disciplining us for a few days, according to that seeming good to them; but He for our benefitting, in order to share His holiness.

Young's Literal Translation
for they, indeed, for a few days, according to what seemed good to them, were chastening, but He for profit, to be partakers of His separation;

Smith's Literal Translation
For they truly for a few days, according as it seemed to them, corrected; but he for profit, in order to partake in his holiness.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they indeed for a few days, according to their own pleasure, instructed us: but he, for our profit, that we might receive his sanctification.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And indeed, for a few days and according to their own wishes, they instructed us. But he does so to our benefit, so that we may receive his sanctification.

New American Bible
They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness.

New Revised Standard Version
For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For they only for a short while, disciplined us as seemed good to them; but God corrects us for our advantage, that we might become partakers of his holiness.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For they, for that short time, disciplined us as they pleased, but God, for our benefit, that we may share in his holiness.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For they, indeed, for a few days, chastened us as they thought it good; but he chastens us for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.

Godbey New Testament
For they indeed for a few days were accustomed to chastise us according to that which seemed right to them; but he made unto our profit, in order that we might partake his holiness.

Haweis New Testament
For they indeed for a few days as seemed proper to themselves corrected us; but he for our own advantage, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Mace New Testament
their discipline was temporary, and the effect of humour; whereas God chastises us for our advantage, to make us partakers of his holiness.

Weymouth New Testament
It is true that they disciplined us for a few years according as they thought fit; but He does it for our certain good, in order that we may become sharers in His own holy character.

Worrell New Testament
For they, indeed, for a few days were chastening us, according to what seemed good to them; but He for our profit, that we may partake of His holiness.

Worsley New Testament
For they indeed corrected us for a while, as seemed good to them; but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

God Disciplines His Sons
…9Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. 11No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; / for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.

2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.

Romans 8:28-29
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. / For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 3:19
Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.

Psalm 94:12
Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law,

Job 5:17-18
Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. / For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal.

Deuteronomy 8:5
So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.

1 Corinthians 11:32
But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

Lamentations 3:31-33
For the Lord will not cast us off forever. / Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion. / For He does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men.

Isaiah 48:10
See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

Psalm 119:67
Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word.

Treasury of Scripture

For they truly for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

after their own pleasure.

Hebrews 12:5,6
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: …

partakers.

Leviticus 11:44,45
For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth…

Leviticus 19:2
Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.

Psalm 17:15
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

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Best Character Chastened Disciplined Disciplines Fathers Few Fit Good Holiness Holy Indeed Little Order Partakers Pleasure Profit Punished Punishment Seemed Sharers Short Thought True. Verily

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Best Character Chastened Disciplined Disciplines Fathers Few Fit Good Holiness Holy Indeed Little Order Partakers Pleasure Profit Punished Punishment Seemed Sharers Short Thought True. Verily

Hebrews 12

1. An exhortation to constant faith, patience, and godliness by Christ's example
22. A commendation of the new covenant.

Berean Study Bible

They disciplined us
This phrase refers to earthly parents and their role in the upbringing of their children. The Greek word for "disciplined" here is "ἐπαίδευον" (epaideuon), which implies training, instruction, and correction. In the historical context of the Greco-Roman world, discipline was seen as an essential part of a child's education and moral development. The Bible consistently upholds the value of parental discipline as a means of guiding children in the way of righteousness (Proverbs 13:24).

for a short time
The phrase emphasizes the temporary nature of earthly parental discipline. The Greek word "πρὸς ὀλίγον" (pros oligon) suggests a limited duration. This reflects the understanding that human life is transient, and the period during which parents can directly influence their children is brief. This temporal aspect contrasts with the eternal perspective of God's discipline.

as they thought best
This phrase acknowledges the subjective nature of human judgment. The Greek "κατὰ τὸ δοκοῦν αὐτοῖς" (kata to dokoun autois) indicates that parents discipline according to their understanding and perception of what is right. This can vary widely and is often influenced by cultural, social, and personal factors. It highlights the imperfection and fallibility of human discipline compared to divine discipline.

but God disciplines us
Here, the focus shifts to divine discipline. The Greek "ὁ δὲ Θεὸς" (ho de Theos) introduces a contrast between human and divine actions. God's discipline is perfect, just, and always aligned with His divine will and purpose. Unlike human discipline, which can be flawed, God's discipline is always for the ultimate benefit of the believer.

for our good
This phrase underscores the benevolent purpose behind God's discipline. The Greek "ἐπὶ τὸ συμφέρον" (epi to sympheron) means "for the benefit" or "for the advantage." God's discipline is not punitive but redemptive, aimed at bringing about spiritual growth and maturity. It reflects God's love and desire for His children to thrive in their faith.

so that we may share
The Greek "εἰς τὸ μεταλαβεῖν" (eis to metalabein) suggests participation or partaking. This phrase indicates that the purpose of God's discipline is to bring believers into a deeper relationship with Him. It is an invitation to partake in something greater than ourselves, aligning with the biblical theme of believers being co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

in His holiness
The ultimate goal of divine discipline is holiness. The Greek "τῆς ἁγιότητος αὐτοῦ" (tēs hagiotētos autou) refers to God's sacred and set-apart nature. Holiness is a central theme in Scripture, representing moral purity and spiritual integrity. Through discipline, God refines and sanctifies His children, conforming them to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). This process is essential for believers to fulfill their calling to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(10) After their own pleasure.--Rather, as seemed good unto them. The contrast is continued here between human liability to mistake and the perfect knowledge of our heavenly Father, who seeks our profit, and cannot err in the means which He employs. There is a general resemblance between this verse and the last, the "few days" corresponding to the "fathers of our flesh;" and the last clause here, "that we may be partakers of His holiness," to the words which close Hebrews 12:9, "and live." To the "few days" no contrast is directly expressed in the second member of the verse; none was needed, because the last words so clearly imply the permanence of the result.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 10. - For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. The afortiori argument is thus continued. The discipline of our earthly fathers was "for a few days," i.e. during our childhood only, since which we have been left to ourselves; and even then not necessarily for our greatest advantage; it was only as seemed good to them (κατὰ τὸ δοκοῦν αὐτοῖς); it might be injudicious, or even capricious. But our heavenly Father's discipline we may trust to be always good for us, and with a definite final purpose. Though there is here no distinctly expressed antithesis to the "few days" of ordinary parental chastisement, yet one is implied in the last clause; for if God's purpose in chastening us is to make us partakers of his own holiness, we may conclude that the discipline will be continued till the end be attained; and thus also a further reason is implied why Christians should not "faint" under even lifelong trials.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[Our fathers] disciplined [us]
ἐπαίδευον (epaideuon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3811: From pais; to train up a child, i.e. Educate, or, discipline.

for
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

a short
ὀλίγας (oligas)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3641: Puny; especially neuter somewhat.

time
ἡμέρας (hēmeras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

as
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

they
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

thought best,
δοκοῦν (dokoun)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[God disciplines us]
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

for
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[our]
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

good,
συμφέρον (sympheron)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4851: From sun and phero; to bear together, i.e. to collect, or to conduce; especially advantage.

so that
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

we may share
μεταλαβεῖν (metalabein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3335: From meta and lambano; to participate; genitive case, to accept.

in His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

holiness.
ἁγιότητος (hagiotētos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 41: Holiness, sanctity, as an abstract quality. From hagios; sanctity.

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NT Letters: Hebrews 12:10 For they indeed for a few days (Heb. He. Hb)