1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV.

“For what reason or purpose” [definition of “wherefore” (1)], “in view of the fact that” [definition of “seeing” (1)] we as believers are “compassed about” or we are encircled [definition of “compassed” (2)] “with so great a cloud” or with the inmost mind [definition of “cloud” (2)]  “of witnesses,” or martyrs [definition of “witnesses” (2)].

Paul says to “lay aside every weight,” or burden or hindrance [definition of “weight” (2)] “and the sin” or offence [definition of “sin” (2)] or a cause or occasion of sin, a stumbling block [definition of “offence” (1)] which “doth so easily beset us,” or baffles us [definition of “beset” (2)].

Through all this we are to “run with patience” or run or walk hastily [definition of “run” (2)] with a hopeful endurance [definition of “patience” (2)] “the race” or conflict, fight, effort, anxiety [definition of “race” (2)] “that is set before us.”

We look to Jesus who is “the author and finisher of our faith.”  Jesus our “chief leader” [definition of “author” (2)] and Jesus our “perfectionness” [definition of “finisher” (2)] “of our faith,” the system of Gospel truth itself, the reliance upon Christ for salvation [definition of “faith” (2)]; “who for the joy” or calm delight [definition of “joy” (2)] “that was set before him endured” or suffered [definition of “endured” (2)] “the cross,” or that He extinguished, subdued passion or selfishness [definition of “cross” (2)] , i.e., to crucify the flesh [definition of “cross” (1)].

Jesus “endured the cross, despising”  or to think against [definition of “despising” (2)] “the shame,” the dishonesty and disgrace [definition of “shame” (2)].

Jesus “is set down” or seated “at the right hand of the throne of God” His rightful place.

Praise be to God!

1 Merriam-Webster Dictionary

(2) The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible, by James Strong, LL.D., S.T.D.