Hebrews 12:15-17

12:15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up ¹  and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled. 12:16 And see to it that no one becomes ²  an immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. ³  12:17 For you know that ⁴  later when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance, although he sought the blessing ⁵  with tears.

[12:15]  ¹ tn Grk “that there not be any root of bitterness,” but referring figuratively to a person who causes trouble (as in Deut 29:17 [LXX] from which this is quoted).

[12:16]  ² tn Grk “that there not be any,” continuing from v. 15.

[12:16]  ³ sn An allusion to Gen 27:34-41.

[12:17]  ³ tn Or a command: “for understand that.”

[12:17]  ⁴ 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.