Another Great 'Oun' — The Logic Chain of Hebrews

I’ve been reading through Hebrews, and that powerful, one little Greek word keeps jumping out at me: οὖν (oun), usually translated “therefore.”

I like to smile and say to myself: “Another great oun.” Because in Scripture, the “therefores” are never filler words. They are hinges. And every time the writer of Hebrews uses one, it swings open a big door: since this is true about Jesus… therefore, this is how I live.

When I slow down and trace them, a pattern emerges:

• Hebrews 2:1 — Jesus is greater than angels. Therefore pay close attention; don’t drift.

• Hebrews 3:1 — Jesus is greater than Moses. Therefore fix your thoughts on Him.

• Hebrews 4:1 — God’s promise of rest still stands. Therefore fear unbelief; strive to enter His rest.

• Hebrews 4:14, 16 — We have a great High Priest. Therefore hold fast and draw near with confidence.

• Hebrews 6:1 — The foundation is laid. Therefore press on to maturity.

• Hebrews 10:19–22 — Jesus has opened the way into God’s presence. Therefore draw near, hold fast, stir one another up.

• Hebrews 12:1 — We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. Therefore run with endurance, eyes fixed on Jesus.

• Hebrews 12:12 — God disciplines for our good. Therefore strengthen weak hands and keep walking straight.

• Hebrews 12:28 — We are receiving an unshakable kingdom. Therefore worship with reverence and awe.

• Hebrews 13:13, 15 — Jesus suffered outside the camp. Therefore go to Him, bear His reproach, and offer Him continual praise.

It’s like the author is building a staircase of logic. Step after step:

Christ is supreme → Christ is sympathetic → Christ is sufficient → Christ’s kingdom is sure.

And every step ends with a “therefore.”

I find that powerful. It reminds me that the Bible doesn’t just give me abstract theology; it gives me a living Savior and a living call. Every “therefore” is a summons. Every “oun” points me back to Jesus and pushes me forward in faith.

So now when I read Hebrews (or anywhere in Scripture) and bump into a “therefore,” I stop and whisper—“another great oun.” Because it’s one of the Spirit’s favorite ways to move me from truth to obedience.

Here is an interesting way to consider these:

All the “Ouns” Together

• Pay close attention so you don’t drift.
• Fix your thoughts on Jesus.
• Fear unbelief and strive to enter His rest.
• Hold fast your confession and draw near with confidence.
• Press on to maturity.
• Draw near, hold fast, and stir one another up in love.
• Run with endurance, eyes fixed on Jesus.
• Strengthen weak hands and keep walking straight.
• Worship with reverence and awe.
• Go to Him outside the camp, bear His reproach, and offer Him continual praise.