Hebrews 12:15
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The warning isn't just about avoiding bitterness, but about diligently watching for it. The original Greek implies an active oversight, like a shepherd guarding the flock, because one person's "root of bitterness" can spread like poison, defiling the whole community.
The author is urging the Christian community to pursue holiness and live peacefully, warning them against the spiritual dangers that can afflict a congregation. He emphasizes the need for diligent oversight within the community, drawing on imagery from the Old Testament to caution against individuals who, by falling away from God's grace or harboring bitterness, can corrupt many others. This exhortation directly follows the call to pursue peace and holiness, highlighting that these pursuits are not just personal but communal responsibilities.
Ever feel like you're just barely keeping it together? This verse reminds us that there's a real danger in 'falling short' of God's grace.
The phrase 'fail to obtain the grace of God' isn't just about never receiving grace in the first place. It can also mean 'falling back from' or 'falling short' of the grace that has already been given.
Active Neglect
This isn't about God withdrawing His grace, but about our own active or passive neglect. It's about letting go of what we've been given, or not fully embracing it.
A Community Concern
This warning is given to the whole community ('you' and 'many'), highlighting that individual spiritual health impacts everyone. We need to be vigilant not just for ourselves, but for each other.
What exactly is this 'root of bitterness' that can poison an entire community? It's more than just a bad mood.
The image of a 'root of bitterness' is incredibly powerful, drawing from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 29:18). It describes something that starts small and hidden but produces destructive, poisonous fruit.
More Than Just Annoyance
This isn't merely about personal grumbling or a fleeting moment of anger. Commentaries suggest it can refer to:
Spreading Contamination
Understand the original words
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.
The writer's warning against a 'bitterness' echoes ancient covenant curses, reminding the early Hebrew Christians that just as unfaithfulness led to national disaster before, spiritual defection now could bring ruin to the church community.
c. 1446 BC
Covenant at Sinai
God establishes a covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, outlining laws and blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. This is the foundational covenant for the nation.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan
The Israelites enter and conquer the Promised Land. The process involves both military campaigns and settlement, setting the stage for future faithfulness or unfaithfulness.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Israel
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, and its people are exiled. This serves as a stark warning of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Southern Kingdom of Judah is conquered by the Babylonian Empire, and Jerusalem is destroyed. This event represents a major national catastrophe stemming from generations of disobedience.
This passage is the direct Old Testament source for the "root of bitterness" imagery, warning against those who turn from God and bring destructive influence upon the community.
Acts 8:23Peter's strong condemnation of Simon Magus as being in "the gall of bitterness" shows the severe spiritual danger and corrupting power that such a 'root' represents within the church.
1 Corinthians 5:6Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to explain how a small amount of wickedness or false teaching can corrupt the entire community, mirroring the defiling spread of a "root of bitterness."
Galatians 5:9This verse echoes the idea that "a little leaven" (or a root of bitterness) can spread and corrupt, warning against the pervasive influence of sin within the community.
wesleyHebrews 12:15: "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;"
12:15 Looking diligently, lest any one - If he do not lift up the hands that hang down. Fall from the grace of God: lest any root of bitterness - Of envy, anger, suspicion. Springing up - Destroy the sweet peace; lest any, not following after holiness, fall into fornication or profaneness. In general, any corruption, either in doctrine or…
barnesHebrews 12:15: "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;"
Looking diligently - This phrase implies close attention. It is implied that there are reasons why we should take special care. Those reasons are found in the propensities of our hearts to evil; in the temptations of the world; in the allurements to apostasy presented by the great adversary of our souls. Lest any man fail - As every man is…
The warning isn't just about avoiding bitterness, but about diligently watching for it. The original Greek implies an active oversight, like a shepherd guarding the flock, because one person's "root of bitterness" can spread like poison, defiling the whole community.
The author is urging the Christian community to pursue holiness and live peacefully, warning them against the spiritual dangers that can afflict a congregation. He emphasizes the need for diligent oversight within the community, drawing on imagery from the Old Testament to caution against individuals who, by falling away from God's grace or harboring bitterness, can corrupt many others. This exhortation directly follows the call to pursue peace and holiness, highlighting that these pursuits are not just personal but communal responsibilities.
The author is urging the Christian community to pursue holiness and live peacefully, warning them against the spiritual dangers that can afflict a congregation. He emphasizes the need for diligent oversight within the community, drawing on imagery from the Old Testament to caution against individuals who, by falling away from God's grace or harboring bitterness, can corrupt many others. This exhortation directly follows the call to pursue peace and holiness, highlighting that these pursuits are not just personal but communal responsibilities.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Hebrews 12:15 is available in the Sola app.
The danger lies in its ability to 'spring up' and 'trouble' the community. Like a toxic plant, it contaminates everything around it, leading 'many' astray.
Who is responsible for making sure no one falls away or a bitter root takes hold? The answer might surprise you.
The call to 'See to it' and 'Looking diligently' isn't just for pastors or elders. The original Greek word used for 'looking diligently' (episkopountes) means to 'exercise oversight' or 'inspect.'
Shared Responsibility
This points to a communal responsibility within the church. Every believer is called to be watchful – not in a suspicious or judgmental way, but with genuine care and concern for the spiritual well-being of others.
Preventing Defilement
This vigilance is crucial because one person's spiritual decline or the spread of bitterness can 'defile' many. It's about actively working to maintain the purity and health of the community, ensuring that the grace of God is not frustrated and that destructive influences are identified and addressed.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and then raised from the dead, inaugurating the new covenant. This event offers salvation and forgiveness to all who believe.
c. AD 40-60— this verse
Early Church Ministry
The apostles and early believers spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, establishing new Christian communities. The author of Hebrews is writing to encourage these believers.
"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;" — The warning isn't just about avoiding bitterness, but about diligently watching for it. The original Greek implies an active oversight, like a shepherd guarding the flock, because one person's "r…
