FUNCTIONAL FAITH
The Wording
The Pioneer Translation Rendering

Hebrews 12:1–3

Jesus the Pioneer of Faith

1Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us strip off every burden and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,

The Greek *εὐπερίστατον* (euperistaton) is rendered "so easily entangles" — this compound word carries the sense of something that stands around or encircles one readily, making it a hindrance; it describes sin as that which wraps itself around and trips the runner. The word *ὄγκον* (ogkon) means a bulk or weight, translated here as "burden" to preserve the athletic metaphor of stripping down to run. *Ὑπομονῆς* (hypomones) is rendered "endurance" rather than "patience," as the word denotes active steadfast persistence under pressure, not passive waiting.

2Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the stake, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

*Archēgos* is rendered **Pioneer** — the Pioneer Translation's name for this title — the one who goes first and blazes the path. *Stauros* is rendered **stake** rather than the conventional "cross," reflecting its primary meaning of an upright post. *Teleiōtēn* is rendered **Perfecter**, meaning the one who brings faith to its complete and mature end — Jesus not only initiates faith but brings it to its fullest expression.

3Consider carefully the one who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you do not grow weary and lose heart within your beings.

The verb *analogizomai* means to reckon carefully or think through thoroughly — stronger than a simple "think about." *Antilogian* is translated "hostility" in its primary sense of violent contradiction and opposition. *Tais psychais hymōn* (literally "in your beings") uses *psychē*, rendered here as "beings" following the Pioneer Translation's treatment of this word as life or being rather than an immaterial soul — the phrase captures the inner exhaustion being warned against.

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1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.

Therefore, let us too, with such a crowd of witnesses about us, throw off every impediment and the entanglement of sin, and run with determination the race for which we are entered,

2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the , scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

fixing our eyes upon Jesus, our leader and example in faith, who in place of the happiness that belonged to him, submitted to a cross, caring nothing for its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

3

Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Think of the opposition that he encountered from those sinners against themselves, if you would not grow weary and faint-hearted.

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Sources

SBL Greek New Testament (SBLGNT)License

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition

Copyright 2010 Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software.

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