Hebrews 12:1 (YLT)

Passage

Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us, every weight having put off, and the closely besetting sin, through endurance may we run the contest that is set before us,

Nearby Context

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us, every weight having put off, and the closely besetting sin, through endurance may we run the contest that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:2 looking to the author and perfecter of faith--Jesus, who, over-against the joy set before him--did endure a cross, shame having despised, on the right hand also of the throne of God did sit down;

Hebrews 12:3 for consider again him who endured such gainsaying from the sinners to himself, that ye may not be wearied in your souls--being faint.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "therefore", "having", "great", "cloud", "witnesses", "around", and "weight". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "therefore" and "having", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The next verse adds "looking to the author and perfecter of...", so "therefore" and "having" should be read forward into that movement. In Hebrews context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "therefore" and "having" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.