Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 12:3

"For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls." — Hebrews 12:3 (ASV)

“Consider” (GK 382) is a word used in calculations. The readers are invited to “take account of” Jesus, the one who “endured” [GK 5702] opposition from sinful men.” He was thus in the same kind of position the readers found themselves in, and he served as the example for them. They were not being called upon to put up with something their Master had not first endured. The two verbs “grow weary” (GK 2827) and “lose [GK 1725] heart” are sometimes used of runners who relax and collapse after they have passed the finishing post. The readers were still in the race. They must not give way prematurely, nor allow themselves to faint and collapse through weariness. Once again there is the call to perseverance in the face of hardship.