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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 10:34 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:34 speaks to the generosity and faith of the early Christian community.

The verse refers to the empathy and support shown to the author, believed by some to be Paul or another early church leader, during a time of imprisonment.

The recipients of this letter are remembered for their compassion and the sacrificial act of enduring the seizure of their property with joy.

This joy stems from a deep-seated belief in the promise of a heavenly reward, which they considered to be better and more enduring than any material possession.

The phrase "knowing in yourselves" indicates a personal conviction regarding the truth of their faith and the eternal inheritance awaiting them in heaven. This reflects an understanding that their current sufferings are temporary, and their true treasure is spiritual and everlasting.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews is an epistle in the New Testament, written to a group of Jewish Christians who were likely facing persecution and hardship due to their faith.

This verse comes in the context of the author encouraging steadfastness and perseverance.

During the time Hebrews was written, Christians often faced social ostracism, imprisonment, confiscation of goods, and sometimes even death because of their belief in Jesus Christ.

Their faith subjected them to various trials, which they were encouraged to endure by looking forward to their heavenly reward.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Hebrews 10:34 touches on several key Christian doctrines:

Communion of the Saints: The bond among believers is such that they share each other's burdens, indicative of the early church's practice. 2.

Persecution and Martyrdom: The verse reflects the early Christian understanding that suffering for the faith is an honor and shares in Christ's own suffering. 3.

Eschatology: The belief in a heavenly substance points toward the eschatological hope of Christians, where earthly troubles are overshadowed by the promise of an eternal heavenly inheritance. 4.

Detachment from Worldly Possessions: The joy in losing material goods suggests a teaching of detachment, where faith and spiritual riches are prioritized over material wealth.

From various denominational perspectives, this verse serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of worldly belongings and promotes a focus on the spiritual rewards of faith.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can be applied in the following ways:

Encouragement in Trials: Individuals facing hardship or persecution for their beliefs can find solace in the promise of a better heavenly reward.
Generosity and Compassion: Believers are encouraged to support one another materially and emotionally, especially those suffering for their faith.
Perspective on Material Goods: This verse advocates for a healthy perspective on possessions, emphasizing the temporary nature of earthly wealth in comparison to eternal spiritual riches.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:19-20: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth...

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."

Romans 8:18: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
2 Corinthians 4:17: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
Philippians 3:7-8: "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."

Language Study

"Compassion" is translated from the Greek word "sunecho," which entails an emotional understanding and sharing in the sufferings of others.
"Bonds" generally refers to imprisonment or restrictions, implying that the author was in some form of confinement.
"Spoiling" translates from the Greek "harpagmos," which implies the act of seizing or taking away by force.
"Substance" in this context comes from the Greek "hupostasis," which signifies a foundation or assurance, often used to express something concrete or guaranteed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse with other ancient texts, the Christian notion of enduring suffering with joy is mirrored in various religious traditions.

For example, Stoicism values the endurance of hardship with a sense of detachment and inner peace.

In Buddhism, there is also an emphasis on non-attachment to material possessions and finding contentment despite worldly suffering.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse intersects with modern science mostly in the psychological understanding of human behavior.

Studies on altruism and happiness suggest that acts of generosity, such as the Christians' support for their persecuted brethren, can lead to increased well-being and joy, transcending the immediate negative impact of material loss.

commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the benevolence of the believers towards the writer and highlights the eternal rewards as motivation for such acts of kindness.
The ESV Study Bible notes that this show of solidarity among early Christians in the face of persecution underscored the community's values and their belief in heavenly rewards.
The NIV Study Bible points out not only the compassion for those in prison but also the willingness to accept joyfully the confiscation of property, illustrating a strong belief in the future promise of God.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:34 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 10:34 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?