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Hebrews 10

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

And having an high priest over the house of God;

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

What does Hebrews 10:30 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:30 consists of two citations from the Old Testament, which emphasize the principle that God is the one who exacts judgment and vengeance.

The first part, "For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord," references Deuteronomy 32:35, where it is established that vengeance is a divine prerogative.

The writer of Hebrews uses this to remind the readers that it is not their place to seek revenge, as this is a role that God has reserved for Himself.

The second citation, "The Lord shall judge his people," is a reminder that God will not only deal with His people's adversaries but also with His people themselves.

This is an allusion to Deuteronomy 32:36 or perhaps Psalm 135:14, suggesting that God's judgment is comprehensive and inclusive of both external and internal matters of the community of faith.

In its context, Hebrews 10:30 serves as a warning to the believers not to abandon their faith or revert to the old ways, as God will surely judge those who fall away. It underscores the severity and certainty of divine judgment against apostasy and rebellion.

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Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians likely undergoing persecution and facing the temptation to revert to Judaism for socio-religious reasons.

The historical setting of this epistle is generally considered to be in the late first century, possibly before the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D., a period fraught with turmoil and conflict for the young Christian church.

The writer of Hebrews reaches back to the Old Testament to establish continuity with the Hebrew Scripture and to argue that Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation and fulfillment of God's promises.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Hebrews 10:30 reflects several key ideas:

God as the Judge: It reinforces the concept of God's sovereignty in dispensing justice. 2.

Divine Retribution: The verse supports the view that God is just and will repay each person according to their deeds, whether for good or evil. 3.

The Fear of Apostasy: The context suggests a stern warning against the danger of turning away from the faith, implicating a possible judgment for those who do so. 4.

The Community of Faith: The reference to "his people" indicates that God has a special relationship with and concern for the community that follows Him.

Different theological traditions may emphasize various aspects of this verse. For instance, Reformed theology might highlight God's sovereignty in salvation and judgment, while Arminianism might stress the human responsibility to remain steadfast in faith to avoid judgment.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, Hebrews 10:30 can be applied in daily life in several ways:

It serves as a reminder to leave vengeance to God, promoting forgiveness and the release of grudges.

The verse can foster a healthy fear of God's judgment, encouraging believers to live righteously. 3.

It can help discourage believers from taking justice into their own hands, trusting instead that God will right all wrongs in His time. 4.

It reminds the community of believers to maintain their confession of faith, even in the face of persecution or hardship.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 32:35 "To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste."
Deuteronomy 32:36 "For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left."
Romans 12:19 "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
Psalm 135:14 "For the Lord will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word for "vengeance" (ἐκδίκησις - ekdikesis) conveys the idea of vindication or punishment that is executed by someone who has the authority, in this case, God.

"I will recompense" (ἀνταποδώσω - antapodōsō) indicates the act of repayment, which can imply compensation for wrongs.

By examining the original language, we discover that these phrases assert God's exclusive role in ensuring justice is served and His recompensing actions will be in proportion to the deeds committed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, one might notice the widespread theme of divine judgment in many cultures.

However, the monotheistic concept of a single, omnipotent God who is both loving and just is distinctive to Judeo-Christian theology.

Ancient polytheistic religions often portrayed their gods as capricious and revenge-seeking among each other, rather than focusing on the moral accountability of individuals.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly relate to this verse, as the concepts of divine vengeance and judgment fall outside the scope of empirical science.

However, the human desire for justice and fairness can be explored through social sciences like psychology and sociology, which study how these innate human values impact behavior and society.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians offer insights into Hebrews 10:30:

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the righteousness of God's judgment and cautions against the "fearful expectation" of falling into His hands. 2.

John Calvin comments on the necessity of patience in believers, trusting that God will eventually bring about justice for the wrongs they suffer. 3.

F.F.

Bruce points to the OT quotations as a stark reminder of God's exclusive role in delivering both vindication for the persecuted and punishment for the oppressors. 4.

The ESV Study Bible notes that these citations from the OT establish the principle of divine retribution while also affirming God's care for "his people" amidst their afflictions.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:30 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Hebrews 10:30 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?