Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say "strive for holiness"; it emphasizes the pursuit of "holiness" itself, implying an active, ongoing process rather than a static state. This pursuit of holiness is presented not as an optional addition to peace, but as an indispensable requirement for truly "seeing the Lord," highlighting its foundational importance for our ultimate destiny.
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author of Hebrews is encouraging believers who are facing hardship and persecution, reminding them of the great cloud of witnesses who have persevered before them. He urges them to strengthen their resolve, stay on the right path, and not fall away from God's grace. This leads into a call to pursue peace and holiness, emphasizing that these are essential for remaining connected to God, especially amidst difficulties and temptations.
When the Bible calls us to 'follow peace,' who exactly are we supposed to be peaceful with? Is it only our church buddies, or does it go deeper?
The call to 'follow peace with all men' in Hebrews 12:14 is radical. It's not just about getting along with fellow believers – though that's vital (Romans 14:19). This verse, especially in its context of persecution, urges believers to pursue peace even with those who oppose them. It calls us to a proactive, often difficult, pursuit of harmony, setting aside our own grievances as much as humanly possible. This doesn't mean compromising on truth or holiness, but it does mean not letting conflict fester or actively seeking reconciliation where it's feasible, even with outsiders.
We're told that without holiness, we won't 'see the Lord.' What does that really mean for our lives today, and how do we get it?
The second part of the verse, 'and for holiness without which no one will see the Lord,' is a non-negotiable requirement for entering God's presence. 'Holiness' here (the Greek word is hagiasmos) refers to a life set apart, dedicated to God, marked by moral purity and conformity to Christ's character. It's not about achieving a perfect, sinless state in this life, but about a continuous pursuit and dedication to God's ways. This isn't a minor detail; it's the very condition for experiencing God's presence, both now and in the future.
The verse links peace and holiness together. Can you really have one without the other in a way that pleases God?
Ask a follow-up
Hebrews 12:14 presents peace and holiness not as separate options, but as intertwined necessities. While we are to pursue peace with everyone, this pursuit must never come at the expense of holiness. The commentators are clear: peace is not to be maintained by compromising our commitment to God's standards or by condoning sin. True biblical peace is rooted in righteousness. We seek harmony, but not at the cost of our moral purity and devotion to God. This means discerning when to press for peace and when to stand firm on God's unchanging commands, always doing so in a way that honors Him.
Understand the original words
hagiasmos · Greek Noun
The state of being set apart for God's exclusive use, involving moral purity and consecration to His service.
The intense persecution faced by early Christians under Roman emperors like Nero provided the immediate backdrop for this exhortation. The author urged believers to maintain peace with all people, even their persecutors, while steadfastly pursuing holiness, a quality essential for seeing God, especially when external pressures tempted them to compromise their faith or retaliate.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational events of Christianity, establishing the covenant and the new way of life through faith in Christ.
c. AD 30s-40s
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The early Christian communities rapidly expand, facing increasing suspicion and persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council addresses the inclusion of Gentiles into the church, debating issues of law and custom that caused internal tension.
c. AD 60s
Jewish-Roman War Begins
Growing unrest and rebellion in Judea against Roman rule escalates, leading to widespread conflict and eventual destruction.
c. AD 64— this verse
Great Fire of Rome and Nero's Persecution
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, initiating a brutal period of persecution in the capital.
c. AD 67-70
Martyrdom of Apostles
Tradition holds that key apostles, including Peter and Paul, are martyred in Rome during Nero's persecution.
This verse directly echoes Psalm 34:14, 'Seek peace and pursue it,' highlighting the active and intentional pursuit required for peace in our relationships.
Matthew 5:8Jesus' Beatitude, 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,' strongly parallels the necessity of holiness for seeing the Lord, emphasizing the internal condition of the heart.
Romans 14:19Paul's exhortation in Romans to 'make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification' reinforces the active striving for peace mentioned in Hebrews, especially within the community of faith.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-7This passage explicitly states that 'God did not call us to impurity, but in holiness,' directly linking God's call to believers with the pursuit of sanctification, mirroring the Hebrews writer's emphasis.
1 Peter 3:10-11Peter quotes Psalm 34:14 and connects seeking peace with guarding one's tongue and doing good, showing that true peace involves abstaining from evil and actively pursuing good, aligning with the holistic nature of the exhortation in Hebrews.
ellicottHebrews 12:14: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
(14) Follow peace. —More clearly (as our word “follow” is somewhat ambiguous), follow after peace. There is a manifest allusion to Psalm 34:14 (quoted also in 1Peter 3:11 ). This charge is general ( Romans 12:18 ), and must not be limited to peace with fellow Christians ( Romans 14:19 ). The two admonitions of this verse were admirably suited to a period of persecution. Let all make peace their ai…
barnesHebrews 12:14: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
Follow peace with all men - Do not give indulgence to those passions which lead to litigations, strifes, wars; see the notes on Romans 14:19 . The connection here requires us to understand this mainly of persecutors. The apostle is referring to the trials which those whom he addressed were experiencing. Those trials seem to have arisen mainly from persecution, and he exhorts them to manifest a spi…
The verse doesn't just say "strive for holiness"; it emphasizes the pursuit of "holiness" itself, implying an active, ongoing process rather than a static state. This pursuit of holiness is presented not as an optional addition to peace, but as an indispensable requirement for truly "seeing the Lord," highlighting its foundational importance for our ultimate destiny.
The author of Hebrews is encouraging believers who are facing hardship and persecution, reminding them of the great cloud of witnesses who have persevered before them. He urges them to strengthen their resolve, stay on the right path, and not fall away from God's grace. This leads into a call to pursue peace and holiness, emphasizing that these are essential for remaining connected to God, especially amidst difficulties and temptations.
The author of Hebrews is encouraging believers who are facing hardship and persecution, reminding them of the great cloud of witnesses who have persevered before them. He urges them to strengthen their resolve, stay on the right path, and not fall away from God's grace. This leads into a call to pursue peace and holiness, emphasizing that these are essential for remaining connected to God, especially amidst difficulties and temptations.
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." — The verse doesn't just say "strive for holiness"; it emphasizes the pursuit of "holiness" itself, implying an active, ongoing process rather than a static state. This pursuit of holiness is presented…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026