Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the opposition Jesus faced was "against himself," a profound detail showing that their rejection of him was ultimately self-destructive. This wasn't just external conflict; it was a fundamental clash that deeply impacted his own mission for their salvation. Considering this self-inflicted wound in those who opposed him helps us understand the gravity of their sin and the depth of his suffering, making our own trials seem less overwhelming by comparison.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is encouraging believers to keep running the spiritual race they've started, reminding them of the immense pressure and persecution they might face. This verse directly follows the call to lay aside hindrances and provides the crucial "why" behind continuing the race: to look to Jesus, who endured far greater opposition from sinners. The context emphasizes that comparison with Christ's suffering is the key to preventing discouragement and spiritual exhaustion.
Feeling overwhelmed by your challenges? The author of Hebrews has a powerful suggestion: compare. But not just any comparison. Let's look at who we're meant to be comparing ourselves to.
The Power of Comparison
The word for 'consider' in this verse is actually 'analogasasthe,' which means to 'reckon up' or 'compare.' It's not just a passive glance; it's an active comparison. The author is urging the readers to place their own sufferings side-by-side with what Jesus endured.
Christ's Opposition Was Unmatched
The 'contradiction' Jesus faced was more than just verbal disagreement. It was outright hostility, blasphemy, and rejection from those He came to save. Think about it: the very people He was sacrificing Himself for were the ones actively fighting against Him. This opposition came from 'sinners' – a group that, in a sense, included all of humanity.
The 'Against Themselves' Insight
Some ancient manuscripts suggest the opposition was 'against themselves.' This is a profound thought! When people opposed Jesus, they weren't just hurting Him; they were actively working against their own salvation and well-being. This makes Christ's suffering even more poignant – He endured the rejection of those who were ultimately harming themselves by rejecting Him.
Life can feel like a marathon, and sometimes the finish line seems impossibly far. This verse warns against a specific danger that comes with the long haul of faith. What is it, and how do we avoid it?
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The Danger of Fainting
The author uses language drawn from athletic contests, warning that believers can become 'weary' (kamen) and 'faint' (eklyomenoi). This isn't just physical tiredness; it's a deep discouragement, a loss of spiritual vitality and courage that can cause us to give up on the race of faith.
The Purpose of Christ's Example
The reason for considering Christ's endurance is precisely to prevent this spiritual exhaustion. His suffering wasn't for nothing; it's the very fuel we need to keep going. By remembering the immense hostility He faced and overcame, we gain the strength and perspective to persevere through our own trials.
Staying Energized for the Journey
When you feel your spiritual energy waning, the antidote isn't just rest; it's recalibration. It's looking back at the One who, despite unimaginable opposition, never gave up. His example reminds us that our struggles, though difficult, are not the end of the story and that endurance is possible through Him.
Understand the original words
antilogia · Greek Noun
Active, intense opposition, hatred, or active antagonism. In the context of the New Testament, it refers to the resistance believers face from a world hostile to the gospel.
The 'contradiction of sinners' Jesus endured wasn't a singular event but the culmination of a long history of opposition faced by God's people, from Israel's rebellions to Jesus' own ministry. This verse calls believers to endure their own struggles by comparing them to the ultimate opposition Christ faced and overcame.
c. 700-500 BC
Exile of the Northern Kingdom
The Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered and its people exiled by the Assyrian Empire, a devastating event that scattered many Israelites and led to significant cultural and religious upheaval.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, and exiled a large portion of the population. This period of exile deeply impacted Jewish identity, faith, and hope, shaping their understanding of God's relationship with them.
c. 539 BC
Return from Exile
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, conquered Babylon and allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marked a new era of rebuilding and re-establishing their community, though facing many challenges.
c. 400-100 BC
Post-Exilic Period and Internal Strife
The returned Jewish community faced internal divisions and external pressures from various empires, including the Seleucids. This era saw ongoing struggles to maintain their religious and national identity.
c. 30 BC - AD 30
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea came under direct Roman control, leading to a complex political and social climate. The Jewish people experienced foreign oppression, heavy taxation, and religious tension.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus' public ministry, marked by teaching, healing, and challenging religious and political authorities, culminated in his crucifixion by the Romans under pressure from Jewish leaders. This event, central to Christian faith, involved immense opposition and suffering from sinful humanity.
c. AD 40-60
Spread of the Gospel and Persecution
The apostles and early followers of Jesus spread the Christian message throughout the Roman Empire, often facing intense opposition, persecution, and rejection from both Jewish and Gentile communities.
This Psalm describes the suffering servant's intense shame and rejection, mirroring the 'contradiction of sinners' Jesus endured and highlighting the depth of His suffering for us.
Isaiah 53:3This prophecy foretells the Messiah being 'despised and rejected by men,' directly correlating with the 'sinners' who opposed Jesus and setting the stage for His suffering.
Matthew 27:27-44This passage vividly details the mockery and abuse Jesus faced from the soldiers and passersby, illustrating the specific 'contradiction of sinners' the author of Hebrews wants us to consider.
1 Peter 2:21-23Peter directly points to Christ's example of suffering without retaliating as the pattern for believers, echoing the encouragement in Hebrews to endure hardship by looking to Him.
Philippians 2:5-8This passage calls believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled Himself and endured the cross despite the shame, reinforcing the idea of considering His suffering as motivation to avoid growing weary.
ellicottHebrews 12:3: "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
(3) The figure of the race is still continued, “For unless ye thus look unto Jesus ye will grow weary.” Consider.—Literally, compare; place your sufferings by the side of His. Him that endured such contradiction.—Rather, Him that hath endured such gainsaying from sinners against themselves. The word “gainsaying,” (Hebrews 6:16; Hebrews 7:7) is so frequently us…
vincentHebrews 12:3: "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
For consider (ἀναλογίσασθε γὰρ)Γὰρ for introduces the reason for the exhortation to look unto Jesus. Look unto him, for a comparison with him will show you how much more he had to endure than you have. Ἁναλογίζεσθαι N.T.o. Comp. 3 Macc. 7:7. It means to reckon up; to consider in the way of comparison.Contradiction of sinners (ὑπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτωλῶν ἀντι…
The verse highlights that the opposition Jesus faced was "against himself," a profound detail showing that their rejection of him was ultimately self-destructive. This wasn't just external conflict; it was a fundamental clash that deeply impacted his own mission for their salvation. Considering this self-inflicted wound in those who opposed him helps us understand the gravity of their sin and the depth of his suffering, making our own trials seem less overwhelming by comparison.
The author is encouraging believers to keep running the spiritual race they've started, reminding them of the immense pressure and persecution they might face. This verse directly follows the call to lay aside hindrances and provides the crucial "why" behind continuing the race: to look to Jesus, who endured far greater opposition from sinners. The context emphasizes that comparison with Christ's suffering is the key to preventing discouragement and spiritual exhaustion.
The author is encouraging believers to keep running the spiritual race they've started, reminding them of the immense pressure and persecution they might face. This verse directly follows the call to lay aside hindrances and provides the crucial "why" behind continuing the race: to look to Jesus, who endured far greater opposition from sinners. The context emphasizes that comparison with Christ's suffering is the key to preventing discouragement and spiritual exhaustion.
"Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." — The verse highlights that the opposition Jesus faced was "against himself," a profound detail showing that their rejection of him was ultimately self-destructive. This wasn't just external conflict;…
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Last reviewed October 2026