Hebrews 9:6

Hebrews 9:6, 12:6 and the usage of δε

An Exegetical Study of the Particle δέ in Hebrews 9:12 and 12:6

This exegetical study of ‘Hebrews 9:6, 12:6 and the usage of δε‘ is based on a b-greek discussion from Wednesday, July 17, 2002. The initial inquiry concerned the varied semantic functions of the Greek particle δε, specifically in Hebrews 12:6 and Hebrews 9:12. The original post queried whether δε in Hebrews 12:6 functions as a “mild adversative” and whether its usage in Hebrews 9:12 might signify a “new thought.”

The main exegetical issue revolves around the polysemous nature of the conjunction δε, which can serve various discourse functions ranging from simple continuation to strong adversative contrast. Interpreters often grapple with discerning its precise nuance in a given context, a task made more complex by its post-positive grammatical position. The discussion explored whether grammatical position (e.g., “in-line” vs. “post-positive”) could provide consistent clues to its function, ultimately concluding that contextual analysis is paramount for accurate interpretation. The specific challenge in these passages is to determine if δε primarily introduces a contrast, a consequential statement, or merely advances the narrative or argument.

Greek text (Nestle 1904)

Hebrews 12:6: ὃν γὰρ ἀγαπᾷ Κύριος παιδεύει, μαστιγοῖ δὲ πάντα υἱὸν ὃν παραδέχεται.

Hebrews 9:12: οὐδὲ δι᾽ αἵματος τράγων καὶ μόσχων, διὰ δὲ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος εἰσῆλθεν ἐφάπαξ εἰς τὰ ἅγια αἰωνίαν λύτρωσιν εὑράμενος.

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• Hebrews 12:6: The Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010 texts are identical in this verse, including the presence and position of δε.
• Hebrews 9:12: The Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010 texts are identical in this verse, including the presence and position of both instances of δε.

Textual Criticism (NA28): A review of the NA28 apparatus reveals no significant textual variants concerning the particle δε in either Hebrews 12:6 or Hebrews 9:12. The reading of δε in both instances is consistently attested across major manuscript traditions.

Lexical Notes (BDAG): The particle δε (BDAG 211) is a versatile conjunction with a broad semantic range. Its primary functions include:

• **Continuative/Connective:** Often used to connect clauses or sentences, merely indicating progression in thought, discourse, or narrative, sometimes rendered as “and,” “but,” “now,” or left untranslated.
• **Adversative/Contrastive:** Used to introduce a contrast or opposition, typically translated as “but,” “however,” “on the other hand.” The strength of the opposition can vary significantly, from a mild shift to a strong antithesis, often intensified when paired with a preceding negative (e.g., “not this, but that”).
• **Explanatory/Emphatic:** Occasionally introducing an explanation or a more emphatic statement.

In Hebrews 12:6, παιδεύει (paideuei, “he disciplines”) refers to the loving discipline of God. BDAG (749) defines παιδεύω as “to train, educate, instruct,” but also “to discipline, chasten, punish.” The context clearly points to corrective discipline. In Hebrews 9:12, λύτρωσιν (lytrōsin, “redemption/deliverance”) signifies a release secured by payment. BDAG (605) defines λύτρωσις as “redemption, deliverance,” often in the context of ransom, emphasizing the comprehensive and permanent nature of Christ’s work.

Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The interpretation of δε in Hebrews 12:6 and 9:12 hinges on discerning its specific rhetorical function within its immediate and broader contexts.

Hebrews 12:6: “ὃν γὰρ ἀγαπᾷ Κύριος παιδεύει, μαστιγοῖ δὲ πάντα υἱὸν ὃν παραδέχεται.”

Here, the initial clause states, “For whom the Lord loves, he disciplines.” The particle δε then introduces “μαστιγοῖ πάντα υἱὸν ὃν παραδέχεται” (“he scourges every son whom he receives”). Grammatically, δε is post-positive, following the verb μαστιγοῖ. Rhetorically, the connection between “disciplines” (παιδεύει) and “scourges” (μαστιγοῖ) is one of amplification or specification rather than direct opposition. While “scourges” might seem more severe than “disciplines,” it describes the *manner* of discipline for *every* son, emphasizing the universality and intensity of God’s corrective action. Many translations render this as a simple continuation or intensification, not a strong adversative:

• NIV: “because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” (Continuative “and”)
• ESV: “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Continuative “and”)
• NASB: “For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives.” (Continuative “and”)
• KJV: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Continuative “and”)
• NET: “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he accepts.” (Continuative “and”)

The idea that δε here functions as a mild adversative (“but”) struggles against the rhetorical flow, as “scourging” is presented as part of the loving discipline, not a counterpoint to it. It introduces a parallel action that further defines or intensifies the preceding verb, rather than contrasting it. The context highlights that discipline is an expression of divine love and acceptance.

Hebrews 9:12: “οὐδὲ δι᾽ αἵματος τράγων καὶ μόσχων, διὰ δὲ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος εἰσῆλθεν ἐφάπαξ εἰς τὰ ἅγια αἰωνίαν λύτρωσιν εὑράμενος.”

This verse presents two instances of δε. The first, οὐδὲ (oude, “nor, neither”), combines οὐ (not) with δε, forming a strong negative conjunction. It immediately establishes a contrast: “not through the blood of goats and calves.” This sets up an expectation for an alternative. The second instance of δε, following διὰ (“through”), introduces that alternative: “but through his own blood.” This is a classic example of an emphatic adversative usage where δε functions to present a direct and strong contrast to a preceding negative statement. The contrast is between the insufficient sacrifices of the Old Covenant (blood of animals) and the efficacious, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (his own blood). Many English translations capture this strong adversative sense:

• NIV: “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” (Strong adversative “but”)
• ESV: “not through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, thus entering once for all into the holy places, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Strong adversative “but”)
• NASB: “and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Strong adversative “but”)
• KJV: “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Strong adversative “but”)
• NET: “And not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood he entered the sanctuary once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Strong adversative “but”)

The rhetorical force of δε here is undeniable. It marks a pivotal theological distinction between the temporary, animal-based sacrifices and the permanent, self-sacrifice of Christ. Its function is clearly contrastive, presenting the true means of atonement.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The analysis demonstrates that while δε has a broad semantic range, its specific function is primarily determined by context rather than an inherent grammatical position. In Hebrews 12:6, it serves a continuative or intensifying role, whereas in Hebrews 9:12, it carries a strong adversative force.

Translation Suggestions for Hebrews 12:6:

1. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he also scourges every son whom he receives.”
   This translation emphasizes the continuative aspect of δε, showing that scourging is an integral, perhaps even intensified, part of divine discipline for every accepted child.
2. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, indeed, he scourges every son whom he receives.”
   This rendering uses “indeed” to capture a sense of emphasis or further specification, highlighting the thoroughness of God’s loving discipline.
3. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves; moreover, he scourges every son whom he receives.”
   “Moreover” provides a sense of addition and further elaboration, indicating that scourging is a further descriptor of the discipline, not a contrast.

Translation Suggestions for Hebrews 9:12:

1. “Neither through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood he entered the holy places once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
   This translation clearly articulates the strong adversative nature of δε, contrasting the old and new covenants directly.
2. “Not by means of the blood of goats and calves; rather, by means of his own blood he entered the sanctuary once for all, having secured eternal deliverance.”
   “Rather” effectively conveys the sharp antithesis, distinguishing Christ’s unique and superior sacrifice.
3. “It was not with the blood of goats and calves, but it was with his own blood that he entered the holy place once for all, acquiring eternal salvation.”
   This version employs a more emphatic structure to underscore the exclusivity and efficacy of Christ’s blood as opposed to animal sacrifices.