Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

The writer appeals to the practice and result of discipline exercised in the human family. He and his readers experienced discipline from their fathers, who are seen in their capacity as trainers of their children by punishing them when they go wrong. The effect of such paternal chastisement is to arouse respect, not resentment. How much more, then, should believers submit to God’s discipline! “The Father of our spirits” means something like “our spiritual Father.” The verb “live” (GK 2409) as used here probably refers to the life to come. When people accept life’s sufferings as discipline from God’s fatherly hand, they enter the life that alone is worthy of the name.