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17 For you know that[a] later when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance, although he sought the blessing[b] with tears. 18 For you have not come to something that can be touched,[c] to a burning fire and darkness and gloom and a whirlwind 19 and the blast of a trumpet and a voice uttering words[d] such that those who heard begged to hear no more.[e]

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 12:17 tn Or a command: “for understand that.”
  2. Hebrews 12:17 tn Grk “it,” referring either to the repentance or the blessing. But the account in Gen 27:34-41 (which the author appeals to here) makes it clear that the blessing is what Esau sought. Thus in the translation the referent (the blessing) is specified for clarity.
  3. Hebrews 12:18 tn This describes the nation of Israel approaching God on Mt. Sinai (Exod 19). There is a clear contrast with the reference to Mount Zion in v. 22, so this could be translated “a mountain that can be touched.” But the word “mountain” does not occur here and the more vague description seems to be deliberate.
  4. Hebrews 12:19 tn Grk “a voice of words.”
  5. Hebrews 12:19 tn Grk “a voice…from which those who heard begged that a word not be added to them.”

17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears,(A) he could not change what he had done.

The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy

18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm;(B) 19 to a trumpet blast(C) or to such a voice speaking words(D) that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them,(E)

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