Hebrews 12:8 employs the metaphor of divine discipline: 'If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are illegitimate children (νόθοι) and not true sons.' The term denotes children born outside of legal marriage, often to slaves or concubines, who lacked inheritance rights and the father's full recognition. Classical usage extends the word to anything counterfeit or spurious—fake credentials, hybrid animals, adulterated wine. The author's point is stark: God's fatherly correction proves sonship. Those who escape discipline aren't privileged; they're excluded. Legitimate heirs receive training, correction, and preparation for their inheritance. To be a bastard in this sense is to lack relationship with God—a far graver fate than enduring temporary hardship under his loving hand.