Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 12:8

"But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." — Hebrews 12:8 (ASV)

The hypothetical possibility of being without chastisement is looked at and a devastating conclusion drawn. It is the universal experience of children that life means discipline. If anyone does not receive discipline, then, the author says, that child is “illegitimate” (GK 3785). This word is used of one born of a slave or a concubine, or of illegitimate children in general. The point is that such children are not heirs, not members of the family. For them the father feels no responsibility. Their freedom from discipline is not evidence of a privileged position. Rather, the reverse is true.