Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

HEBREWS 12:15KJV
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Hebrews 12:15 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 12:15 mean?

Hebrews 12:15 warns believers to be watchful so that no one misses out on God’s grace and so that no “root of bitterness” grows up to cause trouble and harm others. The verse highlights the danger of unresolved bitterness spreading and negatively affecting a whole community.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing a group of Jewish Christians, urging them to look out for each other as they face challenges and temptations. The verse uses the image of a “root of bitterness” to describe how negative attitudes or unresolved conflicts can take hold quietly and then spread, causing spiritual harm not just to individuals but to many people in the group.

The Greek behind Hebrews 12:15

  • “Looking diligently” (ἐπισκοπέω, episkopeō): This word means to watch over or carefully oversee. It emphasizes active care and attention, not just passive observation.
  • “Fail” (ὑστερέω, hustereō): This word means to fall short or miss out. Here, it refers to someone not fully experiencing or continuing in God’s grace.
  • “Root” (ῥίζα, rhiza) and “bitterness” (πικρία, pikria): Together, these words picture a hidden source of trouble—like a plant root—that can grow and spread bitterness or resentment.
  • “Defiled” (μιαίνω, miainō): This word means to stain or pollute. The verse warns that bitterness doesn’t just stay private; it can corrupt or contaminate many others.

Why Hebrews 12:15 matters

  • Hebrews 12:15 clarifies that spiritual problems like bitterness are not just personal—they can affect an entire community if left unchecked.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of mutual care among believers, showing that everyone has a role in helping others stay connected to God’s grace.
  • This warning connects to the wider passage, which encourages perseverance and peace, highlighting how internal attitudes can shape the health of the whole group.

Where else these words appear

“diligently” Greek G1983 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

“springing” Greek G5453 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 8:6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
  • Luke 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

“bitterness” Greek G4088 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
  • Romans 3:14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
  • Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

“defiled” Greek G3392 · used in 4 verses

  • John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
  • Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
  • Jude 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.