Understanding the Meaning of the Great Cloud of Witnesses in Scripture

In Hebrews 12:1, the Bible says,

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Before we move on, we should ask, “What is therefore there for?”

It points back to Hebrews chapter 11, which lists men and women who lived and died in faith. They trusted God even when they did not see the fulfillment of His promises during their lifetime.

The “great cloud of witnesses” is not describing people in heaven watching us. That is a common misunderstanding. The word “witnesses” comes from the Greek word marturon, which means those who give testimony. These are people whose lives testify that faith in God is worth it. They are witnesses to faith, not spectators of us.

This cloud is a powerful picture. Think of it as Black Americans often say we are “standing on the shoulders” of heroes like Harriet Tubman or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We are not literally standing on them, but their lives inspire us to keep pressing forward.

In the same way, because we have the examples of men and women who trusted God and held firmly to His promises, Hebrews 12:1 calls us to throw off every sin and weight that slows us down. Their faith proves that endurance through every trial is possible.

As verse 2 continues, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,” we are reminded that the same God who helped them endure will also help us finish strong if we keep our eyes on Him.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.