Charles Ellicott Commentary Hebrews 12:9

"Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" — Hebrews 12:9 (ASV)

Furthermore we have had fathers.—Rather, Furthermore we had the fathers of our flesh as chasteners (i.e., to chasten us). The thought of the former verses has been, “He chastens as a father.” From likeness we here pass to contrast. The contrast drawn is between our natural parents and “the Father of spirits” (Numbers 27:16; Zechariah 12:1)—the Creator of all spirits, who is the Giver of life to all, who knows the spirit which He has made and can discipline it by His chastening.

And live.—Since the life of the spirit subsists only in union with Him.