Run for peace?

The author of the book of Hebrews has an interesting choice of words in Hebrews 12:14, when he literally tells us to run after peace.​

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

The same word translated “strive for” in this setting is translated elsewhere as “pursue”. I think the meaning here is clear. Matthew Henry put it this way:

Peace with men, of all sects and parties, will be favorable to our pursuit of holiness. But peace and holiness go together; there can be not right peace without holiness.

%d bloggers like this: