Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 12:10

"For they indeed for a few days chastened [us] as seemed good to them; but he for [our] profit, that [we] may be partakers of his holiness." — Hebrews 12:10 (ASV)

There is a difference in the quality of the discipline we have received from our earthly fathers and that which comes from God. They disciplined us “for a little while,” i. e., the comparatively brief days of childhood; and they did their best (the phrase implies that they made mistakes). But God’s discipline is always “for our good”; its aim is “that we may share in his holiness.” The word “holiness” (GK 42) points to God’s holy character. The aim of his chastisement of his people is to produce in them a character like his own.