The Pulpit Commentary on Hebrews 12:12

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Wherefore lift up (for, straighten anew) the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees (rather, the relaxed hands and the loosened or enfeebled knees). The word παραλελυμένα is used only by St. Luke elsewhere in the New Testament, and with reference to persons paralyzed (Luke 5:18, Luke 5:24; Acts 8:7; Acts 9:33).

The form of the exhortation is taken from Isaiah 35:3, ἰσχύσατε χεῖρες ἀνειμέναι καὶ γόνατα παραλελυμένα. The figure of the palaestra is thus again brought into view, with reference both to boxing and running.

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