Hebrews 12:14-15
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Peace is not just a passive state to be maintained, but an active pursuit, and holiness isn't merely the absence of sin, but a positive, growing separation unto God. The verse urges us to strive for peace and pursue holiness, showing both require intentional effort.
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is encouraging believers who are enduring hardship and persecution. After urging them to "lift up your hands that hang down and your knees that are weak," the text shifts to practical guidance on how to live faithfully amidst trials. This verse serves as a pivotal instruction on maintaining inner peace and moral purity as essential components for perseverance and remaining connected to God.
We often think of peace as simply the absence of arguments. But the Bible calls us to something much more active and intentional. What does it truly mean to 'follow peace'?
The Greek word used here, 'diokete', is a strong one, meaning 'to pursue' or 'to chase after' with great eagerness. It’s not passive; it’s a relentless pursuit.
Beyond Just Getting Along
This peace isn't just about avoiding fights or keeping the surface calm. It's about actively working towards reconciliation and harmony in all our relationships. This includes:
It's a challenging call, especially when conflict seems easier, but the text urges us to give it our all.
The verse links peace with holiness, stating that without the latter, we can't 'see the Lord.' What exactly is this holiness, and why is it so crucial?
The word for 'holiness' here, 'hagiasmos', refers to more than just being 'nice' or 'good.' It's about moral and spiritual purification—being set apart for God's purposes.
What Does 'Seeing the Lord' Mean?
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This phrase can refer to experiencing God's presence and fellowship in this life, as well as the ultimate vision of God in eternity. It’s about entering into His presence.
The Necessity of Sanctification
The text makes it clear: this 'seeing' or experiencing God is impossible without holiness. It's not an optional extra; it's a fundamental requirement. This holiness isn't about achieving perfection on our own, but about being progressively made holy by God’s Spirit through faith in Christ.
We’re called to pursue both peace and holiness. But what happens when these two pursuits seem to clash? How do we hold them together?
The placement of these two commands side-by-side is crucial. It's not 'peace at any cost.' The pursuit of peace must be balanced with an unwavering commitment to holiness.
The Limits of Peace
True biblical peace doesn't mean compromising on what is right or godly. We are not to sacrifice our integrity or God's truth for the sake of outward harmony. Sometimes, standing firm for what is right might disrupt a false peace, but it aligns with God’s character.
A Unified Goal
Both peace and holiness are presented as essential aspects of following Christ. They are not in opposition but are two vital streams flowing from the same source: God's will for His people. The goal is to live in harmony with others while being transformed into God’s likeness.
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.
charis · Greek Noun
The unmerited, gracious, and active favor of God toward humanity, which is the source of salvation and the enabling power for the Christian life.
pikria · Greek Noun
A figurative expression describing a persistent, poisonous attitude of resentment or apostasy that corrupts a community or individual spiritual life.
miainō · Greek Verb
To be polluted, stained, or made ritually and morally unclean, often as a result of association with sin or false doctrine.
This verse was written during a period of intense suffering for Christians. The call to 'follow peace' likely refers to maintaining good relationships even with persecutors, while 'holiness' was a vital reminder to remain pure and set apart from the pagan world that was often characterized by vice, especially sexual immorality.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Author Writes Hebrews
The author of Hebrews writes to a community facing severe trials and persecution, likely in or around Rome.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, after which Emperor Nero blames and persecutes Christians, intensifying hardships for believers.
c. AD 64-68
Neronian Persecution
Christians are brutally persecuted under Nero, leading to widespread suffering and martyrdom within the early church.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, a catastrophic event for Jewish people and a significant moment for the nascent Christian movement.
This passage is directly alluded to in Hebrews 12:14, as both call to 'seek peace and pursue it,' highlighting the active nature of maintaining peace in relationships.
Matthew 5:8This verse echoes the necessity of holiness for seeing God, stating, 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,' reinforcing the idea that inner purity is key to experiencing God's presence.
1 Thessalonians 4:3This passage directly links God's will with holiness, stating, 'For this is the will of God, your sanctification,' aligning with Hebrews' call to pursue holiness as essential for pleasing God.
Romans 12:18This verse provides a practical application of living peacefully, urging, 'If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all,' which complements the Hebrews' exhortation to strive for peace with everyone.
Revelation 21:27This verse describes the ultimate state of the redeemed, stating that 'nothing unclean will ever enter it,' underscoring the absolute necessity of holiness for entering God's eternal presence, just as Hebrews 12:14 concludes.
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…
Peace is not just a passive state to be maintained, but an active pursuit, and holiness isn't merely the absence of sin, but a positive, growing separation unto God. The verse urges us to strive for peace and pursue holiness, showing both require intentional effort.
The author is encouraging believers who are enduring hardship and persecution. After urging them to "lift up your hands that hang down and your knees that are weak," the text shifts to practical guidance on how to live faithfully amidst trials. This verse serves as a pivotal instruction on maintaining inner peace and moral purity as essential components for perseverance and remaining connected to God.
The author is encouraging believers who are enduring hardship and persecution. After urging them to "lift up your hands that hang down and your knees that are weak," the text shifts to practical guidance on how to live faithfully amidst trials. This verse serves as a pivotal instruction on maintaining inner peace and moral purity as essential components for perseverance and remaining connected to God.
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;" — Peace is not just a passive state to be maintained, but an active pursuit, and holiness isn't merely the absence of sin, but a positive, growing separation unto God. The verse urges us to strive fo…
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Last reviewed October 2026
