Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

HEBREWS 12:14KJV
Know the Bible

Hebrews 12:14 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 12:14 mean?

Hebrews 12:14 urges readers to actively pursue peace with everyone and to live in holiness, warning that without holiness, no one will see the Lord. The verse highlights that both peace and holiness are essential for anyone who hopes to truly encounter God.

The letter to the Hebrews was written to early Christians, encouraging them to remain faithful under pressure and not turn back from their commitment. In this verse, the writer is reminding believers that their relationships with others and their personal character both matter deeply. The call to "follow peace" and "holiness" is not optional, but a necessary part of the Christian life.

The Greek behind Hebrews 12:14

  • "Follow" (διώκω, diōkō) is often used for pursuing something with determination, not just passively hoping for it. Here, it means making a real effort to seek peace and holiness.
  • "Peace" (εἰρήνη, eirēnē) refers to harmony or right relationships, not just the absence of conflict. The writer is calling for an active pursuit of good relationships with all people.
  • "Holiness" (ἁγιασμός, hagiasmos) means being set apart or dedicated to God. This word emphasizes a life that reflects God's character, not just outward religious acts.
  • "See" (ὀπτάνομαι, optanomai) is used for seeing with the eyes or experiencing directly. The verse warns that without holiness, a person will not truly experience or encounter the Lord.

Why Hebrews 12:14 matters

  • Hebrews 12:14 clarifies that holiness is not just a private matter between a person and God, but is closely tied to how one treats others—peace and holiness go together.
  • The verse emphasizes that seeing the Lord is not automatic; it is connected to a life that actively pursues both peace and holiness.
  • In the context of Hebrews, this verse connects to the larger theme of perseverance and spiritual discipline, showing that the Christian journey involves effort and intentional choices.

Where else these words appear

“holiness” Greek G38 · used in 10 verses

  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

“without” Greek G5565 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
  • Romans 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
  • Hebrews 7:20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:

“Follow” Greek G1377 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 22:7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
  • Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

“see” Greek G3700 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
  • Acts 13:31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.