Hebrews 12:5

Ye have forgotten. The Greek may be taken either as a question or as a statement. A question would seem to be more forceful and at the same time less severe. A child undergoing discipline may realize that his chastisement is just and that he deserves it, but he may not realize that it is administered in love. Too often Christians are prone to overlook the disciplinary value of difficult experiences, and this carelessness deprives them of precious lessons they might otherwise learn. Too often they resent the fact that God permits such experiences to come upon them and complain about their lot.

Exhortation. Greek paraklesis, “encouragement,” “exhortation,” “consolation.” For comment on paraklesis and related words see on Matthew 5:4; John 14:16.

Which speaketh. The quotation in verses 5, 6 is from Proverbs 3:11, 12.

Children. Literally, “sons.” The line of instruction contained in verses 5-11 centers in the father-son relationship and comes to a focus on the desire of the father that his son shall learn certain lessons necessary to his success in life.

My son. A form of address common in the book of Proverbs, whence the quotation is taken. It implies the solicitude of a loving father.

Despise. Greek oligdred, “to think lightly of,” “to make light of [something],” that is, to fail to take it seriously. The purpose of discipline is to make an impression. Discipline that makes little or no impression has served no useful purpose.

Chastening. Greek paideia, “upbringing,” “training,” “instruction,” “discipline,” “correction” (see on Ephesians 6:4), from paidion, “child.” Discipline is training that corrects, molds, strengthens, and perfects character. Too often the word is restricted to the narrower meaning of punishment or chastisement. Discipline has been defined as the fine art of making disciples, inasmuch as a disciple is one who submits himself to a particular pattern of discipline, or training. The Greek word paideia may include, but does not specifically denote, remedial discipline, as implied in the words punishment or chastening. Paideia refers to the entire process by which children are prepared for the responsibilities of adult life.

Of the Lord. The experiences of life are all “of the Lord” in the sense that nothing can happen to us except by His permission. God is never the author of suffering and sorrow, though He may, at times, permit us to experience them. See on 2 Chronicles 18:18; Job 42:5; Psalm 38:3; 39:9.

Faint. Greek ekluo, “to become weary,” “to give out,” “to lose courage.” A faint disciple will never graduate from the school of experience. He who loses courage and feels like giving up is invited to turn his eyes unto Jesus and “consider him” (see on verses 2, 3). Above all else, he should remember that God is not angry with him, but loves him like a devoted father and is attempting to help him learn a much-needed lesson. Often it is not the discipline itself, but one’s attitude toward it, that makes life difficult.

Rebuked. Greek elegcho, “to reprove,” “to correct,” “to punish,” “to discipline.” It is never pleasant to be reproved or corrected, much less to undergo punishment. The natural reaction is to despise it. The easy way of escape is to faint before it. The wise attitude is to profit from it.