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 phrase "fail of the grace of God" isn't just about someone losing grace they already possess; it highlights the danger of never truly receiving or holding onto it in the first place. This "root of bitterness" isn't just a personal problem; it's a contagious force within the community that has the power to corrupt "the many," meaning the whole congregation.
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 urging the Hebrew Christians to persevere in their faith, reminding them of the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before them. After describing the costly perseverance of Jesus, he now warns against allowing anything to disrupt the community's walk with God. This includes guarding against individuals who might turn away from God's grace or sow discord, as such bitterness can spread and corrupt many within the church.
Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions in your faith? Hebrews warns against a subtle but dangerous drift away from God's grace.
The phrase "fail to obtain the grace of God" isn't just about never starting the race. It's a warning that even those within the community can fall short, or even fall back from, the grace God offers. It suggests a deficiency, a not reaching the necessary standard, which could be through neglect or a conscious turning away.
This isn't necessarily about losing salvation, but about failing to experience its fullness or letting it slip through one's grasp. It's a call to personal diligence, to actively ensure we are not only in the faith but actively participating in and benefiting from God's grace.
Imagine a single poisonous plant hidden among healthy crops. Its effect isn't isolated; it can spread and ruin the harvest. That's the danger of bitterness in the community.
The image of a "root of bitterness" is powerful and directly alludes to Deuteronomy 29:18. It's not just about personal sadness or a fleeting bad mood; it's a deep-seated, persistent negativity that, like a hidden root, can poison the spiritual life of a community. This bitterness can stem from various sources – unforgiveness, resentment, envy, or false doctrine – but its effect is consistent: it causes trouble and defiles others.
This isn't a passive affliction; it actively "springs up" and "troubles" the community. The consequence is that "many become defiled," meaning they are corrupted, tainted, or led astray by this pervasive negativity. It highlights the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the serious responsibility each member has to guard against and address such destructive influences.
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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 readers of Hebrews were facing immense pressure to abandon their newfound faith in Christ and return to Judaism or paganism. This letter urges them to persevere, drawing on the example of Old Testament faithfulness and warning against the spiritual poison of apostasy.
c. 1446 BC
Covenant at Mount Sinai
God establishes a covenant with the people of Israel, laying out His laws and promises, marking a pivotal moment of their identity as His chosen people.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters the Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, cross the Jordan River and begin conquering Canaan, establishing themselves in the land promised by God.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and leading to a significant loss of national and religious identity for many.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile a large portion of the Judean population, leading to a profound crisis of faith and identity.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
The central events of Christianity unfold, offering a new covenant and a path to salvation through faith in Christ.
c. AD 48-49
Council of Jerusalem
Apostles and elders gather to address issues of Gentile inclusion in the early church, particularly regarding the necessity of circumcision and adherence to Mosaic Law.
c. AD 64— this verse
Persecution Under Nero Begins
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, initiating a period of intense persecution that would challenge the resolve of believers.
This passage is a direct allusion, describing a 'root that bears poisonous and bitter fruit' as a warning against turning away from God and leading others astray, directly paralleling the 'root of bitterness' in Hebrews.
1 Samuel 15:23This verse highlights the destructive nature of rebellion, comparing it to the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness, which is like the 'root of bitterness' that causes spiritual defilement and trouble.
Acts 8:23Peter's strong declaration to Simon Magus, 'you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity,' directly uses the 'bitterness' imagery and shows how such a spiritual state corrupts and enslaves individuals.
Galatians 5:9Paul's statement, 'A little leaven leavens the whole lump,' echoes the idea that a single corrupting influence, like a root of bitterness, can spread and defile the entire 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 phrase "fail of the grace of God" isn't just about someone losing grace they already possess; it highlights the danger of never truly receiving or holding onto it in the first place. This "root of bitterness" isn't just a personal problem; it's a contagious force within the community that has the power to corrupt "the many," meaning the whole congregation.
The author is urging the Hebrew Christians to persevere in their faith, reminding them of the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before them. After describing the costly perseverance of Jesus, he now warns against allowing anything to disrupt the community's walk with God. This includes guarding against individuals who might turn away from God's grace or sow discord, as such bitterness can spread and corrupt many within the church.
The author is urging the Hebrew Christians to persevere in their faith, reminding them of the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before them. After describing the costly perseverance of Jesus, he now warns against allowing anything to disrupt the community's walk with God. This includes guarding against individuals who might turn away from God's grace or sow discord, as such bitterness can spread and corrupt many within the church.
"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 phrase "fail of the grace of God" isn't just about someone losing grace they already possess; it highlights the danger of never truly receiving or holding onto it in the first place. This "…
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Last reviewed October 2026