Hebrews 12:22

An Unshakable Kingdom · Hebrews 12:18–29
Read Hebrews 12

Translations

Modern
Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels
Traditional
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Literal
But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
Latin
Sed accessistis ad Sion montem, et civitatem Dei viventis, Jerusalem cælestem, et multorum millium angelorum frequentiam,

Original

Greek
English
Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels

Notes

  • Instead: There is a clear difference between the old and new covenant. Believers now come to the amazing Mount Zion, closely linked with Jerusalem, representing God's home.

  • heavenly Jerusalem: See study note on Hebrews 8:5.

  • The new covenant creates a relationship with God, allowing us to experience his presence with joy, peace, and fellowship.

This passage compares the old covenant with the new one. The old covenant is represented by Mount Sinai (12:18–21). It was impersonal, frightening, and unapproachable. The mountain shook with loud sounds, flashes of light, and fearful power. The new covenant is represented by Mount Zion (12:22–24). It is personal, welcoming, and joyful.

Parallels

Exodus 20:18–21 Deuteronomy 5:22–33

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Hebrews, Letter to the New Jerusalem Zion

Topics

Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Innumerable Angel (A Spirit): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Angels are Innumerable Church: City of the Living God Church: Heavenly Jerusalem Church: Mount Zion Church: Triumphant Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Cities: Figurative Communion of Saints is With: Saints in Heaven Covenant: The Second Covenant Fear of God: Cultivated Gospel: Called the New Covenant Heaven: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Jerusalem of the Church The Angel of Death The Law of Moses: Darkness at Giving of, Illustrative of Obscurity of The New Jerusalem Titles and Names of the Church: City of the Living God Titles and Names of the Church: Heavenly of Jerusalem Titles and Names of the Church: Mount Zion Zion: Applied to the City of the Redeemed