A.T. Robertson Commentary Hebrews 12:15

"looking carefully lest [there be] any man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby the many be defiled;" — Hebrews 12:15 (ASV)

Looking carefully (επισκοπουντες). Present active participle of επισκοπεω, to have oversight, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 5:2. Cf. επισχοπος (bishop).

Lest there be any man (μη τις). Negative purpose clause with ε (present active subjunctive) omitted.

Falleth short of (υστερων απο). Present active participle of υστερεω agreeing with τις. Followed here by απο and the ablative.

Root of bitterness . (ριζα πικριας). Quoted from De 29:18. Vivid picture.

Springing up (ανω φυουσα). Present active participle of φυω, to sprout. Pictured here as a quick process. Also from De 29:18.

Trouble (ενοχλη). Present active subjunctive (in final clause with μη τις) of ενοχλεω, old verb to trouble with a crowd, to annoy. In N.T. only here and Lu 6:18.

Be defiled (μιανθωσιν). First aorist passive subjunctive (in final clause with μη) of μιανω, old verb to dye, to stain, to defile as in Tit 1:15 (the conscience). The contagion of sin is terrible as any disease.