I
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
God Has Spoken Through His Son
1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
1In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
4Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
Greater Than the Angels
5For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
5For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father"? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?
6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."
7And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
7In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire."
8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
8But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy."
The Unchanging Creator and His Servants
10And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
10He also says, "In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
11They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.
12And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
12You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end."
13But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
13To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"?
14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
II
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Do Not Drift Away
1Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
1We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
2For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment,
3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
3how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.
4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
4God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Humanity Crowned Through Jesus
5For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
5It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.
6But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
6But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him?
7Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
7You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor
8Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
8and put everything under their feet." In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.
9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
9But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Not Ashamed to Call Us Family
10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
10In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.
11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
11Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
12Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
12He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises."
13And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
13And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me."
Sharing Our Flesh and Blood
14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
14Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—
15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
16For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants.
17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
17For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
18Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
III
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Greater Than Moses
1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
1Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.
2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
2He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house.
3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
3Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.
4For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
4For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.
5And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
5"Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house," bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future.
6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
6But Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.
Today, If You Hear His Voice
7Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
7So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice,
8Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
8do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness,
9When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
9where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw what I did.
10Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
10That is why I was angry with that generation; I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.'
11So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
11So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.'"
Guard Against Unbelief Together
12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
12See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
14We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
15While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
15As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."
Why They Failed to Enter
16For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
16Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?
17But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
17And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness?
18And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
18And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed?
19So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
19So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
IV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Promise of Rest Still Stands
1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
1Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
2For we also have had the gospel proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.
3For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
3Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, "So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.'" And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world.
4For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
4For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: "On the seventh day God rested from all his works."
5And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
5And again in the passage above he says, "They shall never enter my rest."
A Sabbath Rest for God's People
6Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
6Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the gospel proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience,
7Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
7God again set a certain day, calling it "Today." This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."
8For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
8For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.
9There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
9There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;
10For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
10for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.
11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
The Living and Piercing Word
12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
12For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Our Great High Priest
14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
16Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
V
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
What a High Priest Is
1For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
1Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
2He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.
3And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
3This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.
4And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
4And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.
Christ Appointed by God
5So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
5In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father."
6As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
6And he says in another place, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
8Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered
9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
9and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him
10Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
10and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Too Slow to Learn
11Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.
12For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!
13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.
14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
VI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Pressing On to Maturity
1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
1Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,
2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
2instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3And this will we do, if God permit.
3And God permitting, we will do so.
The Danger of Falling Away
4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
4It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
5who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age
6If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
6and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
7For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
7Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.
8But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
8But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Confidence in Better Things
9But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
9Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation.
10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
10God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.
12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Abraham's Patient Faith
13For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
13When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself,
14Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
14saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants."
15And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
15And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
An Anchor for the Soul
16For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
16People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.
17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
17Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.
18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
18God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.
19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
20where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
VII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Who Melchizedek Was
1For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
1This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,
2To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
2and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace."
3Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
3Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
Greater Than Abraham and Levi
4Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
4Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!
5And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
5Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham.
6But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
6This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
7And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
7And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater.
8And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
8In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living.
9And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
9One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham,
10For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
10because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
A New Priest, a New Law
11If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
11If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?
12For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
12For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.
13For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
13He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.
14For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
14For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
A Priest by Indestructible Life
15And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
15And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,
16Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
16one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.
17For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
17For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
18For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
18The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless
19For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
19(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
Guaranteed by God's Oath
20And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
20And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath,
21(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
21but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever.'"
22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
22Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.
A Priest Who Always Lives
23And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
23Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office;
24But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
24but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.
25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
The Perfect High Priest
26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
26Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.
27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
27Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
28For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
28For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
VIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
A Priest in the True Sanctuary
1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
1Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
2A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
2and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.
3For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
3Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.
4For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
4If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.
5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
5They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."
6But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
6But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.
The Promise of a New Covenant
7For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
7For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.
8For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
8But God found fault with the people and said: "The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.
9Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
9It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
10This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
11And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
11No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
12For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
13In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
13By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.
IX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Layout of the Earthly Tabernacle
1Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
1Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.
2For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
2A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place.
3And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
3Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,
4Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
4which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.
5And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
5Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.
What the Old System Could Not Do
6Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
6When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry.
7But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
7But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.
8The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
8The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning.
9Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
9This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.
10Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
10They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.
Christ's Blood Cleanses the Conscience
11But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
11But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation.
12Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
13For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.
14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
A Covenant Sealed by Death
15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
15For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
16For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
16In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it,
17For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
17because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living.
18Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
18This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.
19For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
19When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people.
20Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
20He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep."
21Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
21In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies.
22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
22In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Once for All, Then He Returns
23It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
23It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
24For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence.
25Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
25Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.
26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
26Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
27Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
X
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Shadows That Could Not Remove Sin
1For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
1The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.
2For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
2Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.
3But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
3But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins.
4For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
4It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
A Body Prepared to Do God's Will
5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
5Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me;
6In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
6with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.
7Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
7Then I said, 'Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.'"
8Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
8First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them"—though they were offered in accordance with the law.
9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
9Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second.
10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
10And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
One Offering, Finished Forever
11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,
13From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
13and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool.
14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
14For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
15Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
16This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
16"This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds."
17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
17Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."
18Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
18And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.
Draw Near, Hold Fast, Encourage
19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
19Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,
21And having an high priest over the house of God;
21and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The Danger of Deliberate Rejection
26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
26If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,
27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
28He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
28Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
29How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
30For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people."
31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
31It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Remember Your Earlier Endurance
32But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering.
33Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.
34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
34You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
37For, "In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay."
38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
38And, "But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back."
39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
39But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
XI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
What Faith Is
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
1Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
2For by it the elders obtained a good report.
2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Faith Before the Flood
4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
4By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
5By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: "He could not be found, because God had taken him away." For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
Abraham and Sarah Trust the Promise
8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.
10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
11And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.
12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
12And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
Strangers Seeking a Better Country
13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
13All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.
14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
14People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.
15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.
16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
16Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Faith Facing Death and the Future
17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
17By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son,
18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
18even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."
19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
19Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.
20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
21By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
21By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
22By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
22By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.
Moses and the Exodus
23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
23By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
24By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter.
25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
25He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
26He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
27By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.
28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
28By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
29By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
Jericho and Rahab
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.
31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
31By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
Faith in Triumph and in Suffering
32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
32And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets,
33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,
34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
34quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
35Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.
36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
36Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
37They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—
38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
38the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.
Waiting to Be Completed Together
39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
39These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised,
40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
40since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
XII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Run the Race Looking to Jesus
1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hardship as a Father's Discipline
4Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
5And 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:
5And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
6because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."
7If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
8But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
8If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.
9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!
10For 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.
10They 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.
11Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Strengthen, Pursue Peace, Avoid Esau's Mistake
12Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.
13And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
13"Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
14Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
15See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
16Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
16See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.
17For 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.
17Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.
Two Mountains
18For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
18You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm;
19And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
19to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them,
20(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
20because they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death."
21And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
21The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear."
22But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,
23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
23to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Do Not Refuse the One Who Speaks
25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
25See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?
26Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
26At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."
27And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
27The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
29For our God is a consuming fire.
29for our "God is a consuming fire."
XIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Love, Hospitality, Purity, Contentment
1Let brotherly love continue.
1Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
2Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
3Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
3Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
4Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
6So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
Follow Faithful Leaders, Hold Fast to Grace
7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
7Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
9Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.
Outside the Camp, Sacrifices of Praise
10We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
10We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.
11For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
11The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp.
12Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
12And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.
13Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
13Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.
14For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
14For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
15Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
16And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Submit to Leaders and Pray
17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
17Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
18Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
18Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
19But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
19I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
A Closing Blessing
20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
20Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,
21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
22And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
22Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.
23Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
23I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.
24Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
24Greet all your leaders and all the Lord's people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.
25Grace be with you all. Amen.
25Grace be with you all.