The Sin That So Easily Entangles in Hebrews 12
The phrase "the sin that so easily entangles us" appears in Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." This verse encourages believers to shed hindrances in their spiritual journey, drawing inspiration from the examples of faith detailed in Hebrews 11 [5].
The Greek word translated as "entangles" or "clings so closely" is euperistatos (εὐπερίστατος). While some interpret this as a specific sin, others understand it as sin in general, or a sin that is particularly pervasive or difficult to avoid [5]. The imagery evokes an athlete preparing for a race, shedding unnecessary weight and clothing that might impede progress. In this context, "sin that so easily entangles" refers to anything that hinders a believer's spiritual race [5].
Commentators have identified various sins as particularly entangling. For the Israelites, idolatry was a recurring "sin which now most easily beset them" [4]. Matthew Henry notes that the "bent to backslide is with great difficulty restrained" [4]. Other interpretations suggest that self-delusion, where individuals believe their own ways are right or that they are pure despite their actions, can be an entangling sin [2]. The book of Hosea, for instance, speaks of Ephraim's iniquity being "bound up" and his sin "hidden," indicating a deep-seated and persistent problem [1, 6].
Augustine, in his anti-Pelagian writings, discusses the persistent nature of sin even in those "born of God," acknowledging that while renewed, they still "carry about a body which is corrupt, and which presses down his soul" [7]. This suggests that the "sin that so easily entangles" might refer to the inherent human propensity toward sin, a corruption of human nature that makes sin ever-present [8]. The concept of a "sin offering" in Jewish tradition highlights the need for propitiation and atonement for sin, indicating its serious and pervasive nature [3]. The Midrash Rabbah also speaks of individuals who minimize their sin, viewing it as merely requiring an offering, thereby conducting themselves permissively [9].
Sources
- Hosea “Hosea 13:12 (YLT) — Bound up <FI>is<Fi> the iniquity of Ephraim, Hidden <FI>is<Fi> his sin,”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Delusion — A characteristic of the wicked -- Ps 49:18. Prosperity frequently leads to -- Ps 30:6; Ho 12:8; Lu 12:17-19. Obstinate sinners often given up to -- Ps 81:11,12; Ho 4:17; 2Th 2:10,11. Exhibited in thinking that Our own ways are right. -- Pr 14:12. We should adhere to established wicked practices. -- Jer 44:17. We are pure. -- Pr 30:12. We are better than others. -- Lu 18:11. We are rich in spiritual things. -- Re 3:17. We may have peace while in sin. -- De 29:19. We are above adversity. -- Ps 10:6. Gifts entitle us to heaven. -- Mt 7:21,22. Privileges ”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Sin Offering — The sin offering among the Jews was the sacrifice in which the ideas of propitiation and of atonement for sin were most distinctly marked. The ceremonial of the sin offering is described in Levi 4 and 6. The trespass offering is closely connected with the sin offering in Leviticus, but at the same time clearly distinguished from it, being in some cases offered with it as a distinct part of the same sacrifice; as, for example, in the cleansing of the leper. Levi 14. The distinction of ceremonial clearly indicates a difference in the idea of the two sacri”
- Judges (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Judges 4:1: Here is, I. Israel backsliding from God: They again did evil in his sight, forsook his service, and worshipped idols; for this was the sin which now most easily beset them, Jdg 4:1. See in this, 1. The strange strength of corruption, which hurries men into sin notwithstanding the most frequent experience of its fatal consequences. The bent to backslide is with great difficulty restrained. 2. The common ill effects of a long peace. The land had rest eighty years, which should have confirmed them in their religion; but, on the contrary, it made them secure and wanton”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 12 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO HEBREWS 12 In this chapter the apostle presses to a constant exercise of faith and patience, amidst the various afflictions the saints are exercised with; delivers out several exhortations useful in the Christian life; and shows the difference between the legal and Gospel dispensations. Having in the preceding chapter given many illustrious instances and examples of faith, he makes use of this cloud of witnesses, as he calls them, to engage the Hebrews to drop their unbelief, and run with faith and patience the race set before them, Heb”
- Hosea (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hosea 12 (introduction): In this chapter we have, I. A high charge drawn up against both Israel and Judah for their sins, which were the ground of God's controversy with them (Hos 12:1, Hos 12:2). Particularly the sin of fraud and injustice, which Ephraim is charged with (Hos 12:7), and justifies himself in (Hos 12:8). And the sin of idolatry (Hos 12:11), by which God is provoked to contend with them (Hos 12:14). II. The aggravations of the sins they are charged with, taken from the honour God put upon their father Jacob (Hos 12:3-5), the advancement of them into a people from”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 5: Augustine — Anti-Pelagian — CHAP. 12 [X.]--HE RECONCILES SOME PASSAGES: OF SCRIPTURE. The statement, therefore, "He that is born of God sinneth not,"[1] is not contrary to the passage in which it is declared by those who are born of God, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."[2] For however complete may be a man's present hope, and however real may be his renewal by spiritual regeneration in that part of his nature, he still, for all that, carries about a body which is corrupt, and which presses down his soul; and so long as this is the ”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 2: Augustine — City of God, Christian Doctrine — CHAP. 12.--OF THE NATURE OF MAN'S FIRST: SIN. If any one finds a difficulty in understanding why other sins do not alter human nature as it was altered by the transgression of those first human beings, so that on account of it this nature is subject to the great corruption 273 we feel and see, and to death, and is distracted and tossed with so many furious and contending emotions, and is certainly far different from what it was before sin, even though it were then lodged in an animal body,--if, I say, any one is moved by this, he ought”
- Midrash Rabbah (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Midrash Rabbah, Vayikra Rabbah 9:5: Another matter, “if he sacrifices it as a thanks offering” – that is what the verse said: “A fool proclaims his guilt” (Proverbs 14:9). Rabbi Yudan said: The fool articulates his guilt with his mouth and says: ‘Is it not a sin offering that I am liable to bring? Is it not a guilt offering that I am liable to bring?’ 12 He minimizes his sin by saying that he is merely required to bring an offering and all is fine. Rabbi Yudan said in the name of Rabbi Levi: These are people who conduct themselves permissively with maidservants in this world 13 They engage in ”