Hebrews 12:29
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
“For our God is a consuming fire.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Greek, "For even": "for also"; introducing an additional solemn incentive to diligence. Quoted from Deu 4:24. our God--in whom we hope, is also to be feared. He is love (Jo1 4:8, Jo1 4:16); yet there is another side of His character; God has wrath against sin (Heb 10:27, Heb 10:31). Next: Hebrews Chapter 13
Open source ↗The apostle, in this chapter, applies what he has collected in the chapter foregoing, and makes use of it as a great motive to patience and perseverance in the Christian faith and state, pressing home the argument, I. From a greater example than he had yet mentioned, and that is Christ himself (Heb 12:1-3). II. From the gentle and gracious nature of the afflictions they endured in their Christian course (Heb 12:4-17). III. From the communion and conformity between the state of the gospel-church on earth and the triumphant church in heaven (Heb 12:18 to the end).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
But understand that today the LORD your God goes across ahead of you as a consuming fire; He will destroy them and subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them swiftly, as the LORD has promised you.
in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
For behold, the LORD will come with fire— His chariots are like a whirlwind— to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire.
but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries.
And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites.
As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.
Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.
And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.
Our God approaches and will not be silent! Consuming fire precedes Him, and a tempest rages around Him.