Hebrews 12 28

Hebrews 12:28 kjv

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Hebrews 12:28 nkjv

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Hebrews 12:28 niv

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

Hebrews 12:28 esv

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

Hebrews 12:28 nlt

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

Hebrews 12 verses

Hebrews 12 28 Meaning

This verse serves as a pivotal conclusion to the epistle's extensive argument on the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant. It urges believers, on the firm foundation that they are presently receiving an eternal and unshakeable kingdom from God, to respond appropriately. This response involves embracing and holding fast to divine grace, which enables them to offer a spiritual service to God. This service, in turn, must be rendered in a manner that is pleasing to God, characterized by profound reverence, holy awe, and a careful, respectful fear of His majestic presence and power. It encapsulates the core call to faithful living in light of Christ's ultimate supremacy and the New Covenant's permanent reality.

Hebrews 12 28 Context

Hebrews 12:28 concludes a climactic section (12:18-29) where the author dramatically contrasts the terrifying, conditional manifestation of God at Mount Sinai, which characterized the Old Covenant, with the accessible, grace-filled reality of heavenly Mount Zion, representative of the New Covenant. The description of Sinai's unapproachability and fire (Exo 19-20) underscores the separation under the old order. In stark contrast, believers have, by faith, approached Mount Zion—the city of the living God—where heavenly multitudes and the perfect assembly reside. Building on this, verses 26-27 introduce the prophecy from Haggai 2:6-7 about God shaking both heaven and earth. The author interprets this as a final, comprehensive divine act that will remove all created, temporary things, leaving only what is permanent and eternal—the unshakable kingdom of God. Therefore, in light of such a profound and lasting inheritance, the call to worship and service with fitting attitudes is presented.

Hebrews 12 28 Word analysis

• Therefore (Διὸ - Dio): This conjunction acts as a strong logical bridge, signalling that what follows is a necessary and rational response to the preceding theological truths, especially the contrast between the shaken and unshaken realities. It emphasizes the profound implication for how believers ought to live.
• since we are receiving (παραλαμβάνοντες - paralambanontes): A present active participle that conveys not just a future hope, but a present, ongoing reality. Believers are actively and continuously taking possession of, or being given, this kingdom right now, even while on earth. It highlights that participation in God's reign is an established fact for the faithful.
• a kingdom (βασιλείαν - basileian): This term signifies the reign, rule, or kingly authority of God, more than merely a geographical domain. It represents the sovereign governance of God, fully manifested in Christ, which is spiritual and eternal, and already partially realized in the lives of believers.
• which cannot be shaken (ἀσάλευτον - asaleuton): This critical adjective underscores the permanence, stability, and immutability of God's kingdom. Directly contrasting the "shaking" described in 12:26-27, it highlights that unlike the transient physical creation or the temporary Old Covenant, God's kingdom is eternally secure, unaffected by any earthly or cosmic upheaval.
• let us have grace (ἔχωμεν χάριν - echōmen charin): This phrase can be interpreted in two interconnected ways: 1) "Let us hold fast to grace," understanding charis as the divine favor, spiritual enablement, and power that empowers true service. 2) "Let us be thankful" or "let us express gratitude," acknowledging that receiving such an unshakable kingdom demands a heartfelt response of thankfulness. The enabling power nuance is often preferred due to the subsequent phrase "by which we may serve."
• by which we may serve God (διʼ ἧς λατρεύωμεν τῷ θεῷ - di hēs latreuōmen tō theō):
  • serve (λατρεύωμεν - latreuōmen): Refers to spiritual service or worship offered to God, transcending mere external ritual. In the New Covenant, this encompasses the entire devotion of a believer's life—their obedience, praise, and moral conduct—as an offering to God. It evokes the spiritual priesthood of believers.
• acceptably (εὐαρέστως - euarestōs): Meaning "well-pleasing" or "agreeable," this adverb indicates that God does not accept just any service. Our worship and devotion must meet His standards, be sincere, and performed with a right attitude to genuinely please Him.
• with reverence (μετὰ αἰδοῦς - meta aidous): This word implies a profound sense of awe, respect, and proper modesty in the presence of someone or something superior and sacred. It suggests humility, dignity, and a cautious attentiveness born from recognizing God's majesty and holiness. It guards against a casual or flippant approach to God.
• and godly fear (καὶ εὐλαβείας - kai eulabeias): This term refers to a cautious, watchful, and proper fear of God, which is not a cowering dread of punishment, but an awe-filled reverence. It stems from understanding His power, holiness, and righteous judgment, inspiring a desire to please Him and avoid sin. It leads to carefulness in walking obediently before Him.

• "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken": This entire phrase sets the imperative. The foundation for all subsequent action is the firm reality of God's present and enduring kingdom being granted to believers. It’s an act of divine grace, a certain possession, which contrasts dramatically with the transience of all earthly and even heavenly (in terms of physical manifestation) things that can be shaken and removed. This solid, eternal inheritance serves as the powerful motivation for how believers should live and worship.
• "let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably": This grouping highlights the instrumental role of grace. It is by God's grace—His unmerited favor and divine empowerment—that believers are enabled to perform service that is truly pleasing in His sight. Our acceptable service does not stem from human strength or works, but from a divine supply that equips us for worship and obedience. This underscores that Christian service is fundamentally a gracious activity, rooted in receiving from God.
• "with reverence and godly fear": These two expressions form a crucial tandem describing the attitude with which service to God must be offered. They emphasize the solemnity and awe required when approaching the infinitely holy God. "Reverence" speaks to the internal attitude of respect and humility, while "godly fear" signifies a proper, pious awe that leads to careful obedience and circumspection. This guards against presumption or casualness in our walk with God, even as we enjoy the intimacy of the New Covenant.

Hebrews 12 28 Bonus section

The concept of "receiving" the kingdom emphasizes God's initiative and grace, not human effort. It's a divine gift freely bestowed, prompting gratitude and worship rather than striving for merit. The finality of the "shaking" (Heb 12:26-27) implies that anything removed in this process—be it old covenant rituals or earthly comforts—was never truly permanent or worthy of ultimate trust. The call to "have grace" subtly implies an active embrace and reliance upon this divine empowerment. It is not passive reception but an active posture of dependence on God for the strength to serve. The inclusion of both "reverence" (aidos) and "godly fear" (eulabeia) provides a rich, multi-faceted understanding of appropriate devotion, encompassing both inner respect and outer carefulness. This balance is crucial in a New Covenant context, where intimacy with God does not negate His majesty as "a consuming fire" (Heb 12:29). The entire passage subtly contrasts external adherence to ritualistic religion with authentic, Spirit-enabled, heart-felt devotion that impacts every aspect of a believer's life.

Hebrews 12 28 Commentary

Hebrews 12:28 powerfully distills the core message of the epistle: the unsurpassed and eternal supremacy of Christ's New Covenant. The call begins with a clear theological premise: we are already participants in an unshakable, divine kingdom. This is not a future dream but a present reality given by grace. Because of this ultimate security and privilege, the appropriate response is active engagement with God’s empowering grace. This "grace" is both the divine favor we receive and the enablement by which we live out our faith. It is the necessary ingredient for "acceptable" service—spiritual worship and obedient living that genuinely pleases God. This service is further defined by the vital attitudes of "reverence and godly fear." These are not relics of Sinai's terror but refined, New Covenant responses to a holy God who has drawn near. They denote profound respect, awe, humility, and careful attention to God's will and holiness, ensuring that our access to God doesn't breed irreverence but instead cultivates a deepening love and cautious devotion. In essence, the verse charges believers to live consistently with the profound privilege of their eternal inheritance, characterized by grace-empowered service and a heart filled with appropriate awe for the Divine.

Example: A leader humbly acknowledges divine enabling in their service (grace). A worshiper expresses profound respect for God's holiness through thoughtful prayers (reverence). A Christian chooses obedience over convenience, mindful of God's omniscient presence (godly fear).