Hebrews 12:9

Furthermore. There is a further point of comparison between earthly parental discipline and that of our heavenly Father.

Fathers of our flesh. That is, earthly fathers.

Gave them reverence. Or, “respected them.” This is the opposite of despising them (see on verse 5). Respect for duly constituted authority, whether it be that of the home, of society, or of God, is basic to peace, harmony, and security.

Be in subjection. Or, “submit.” Should we not recognize, appreciate, and benefit by the discipline of the Lord? Should we be less receptive to the discipline of our heavenly Parent than children should be to their earthly parents?

Spirits. Greek pneumata, “living beings,” or, possibly, “life” (see on Luke 8:55).

“Father of spirits” refers to God as the source of all life and being. This expression stands in contrast with “fathers of our flesh,” as Hebrews 12:10 makes evident. The argument is from the lesser to the greater: if we respect the discipline of an earthly father, to whom we owe our bodily existence, how much more should we “be in subjection” to — or “reverence” — the correction of our heavenly Father, to whom we owe life itself?

The word “spirits” stands in contrast with the word “flesh.” Both refer to living human beings, as the context and the Greek construction make clear. The entire context deals with the way in which God, as our heavenly Father, chastens His earthborn children. The Greek reads literally, “the spirits,” which in idiomatic Greek is equivalent to “our spirits.”