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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 10:23 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:23 encourages believers to remain steadfast in their Christian faith and confession, assured by the fidelity of God to His promises.

The phrase "hold fast" suggests a firm grip without any slackening, while "the profession of our faith" refers to the public declaration or testimony of belief in Jesus Christ and adherence to His teachings.

The term "without wavering" implies persistent consistency and unwavering conviction. The latter part of the verse ("for he is faithful that promised") provides the foundation for this exhortation: the assurance that God is reliable and trustworthy in all that He has promised to those who believe.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews is a New Testament epistle that was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and hardship because of their faith.

The exact authorship and date of the epistle are uncertain, though traditionally it has been attributed to Paul the Apostle, or one of his associates.

The letter could have been written any time between AD 60 and 95.

At this time, early Christians were often tempted to revert to Judaism or to blend their new faith with old Jewish customs, losing the distinctiveness of the Gospel.

The epistle as a whole, and this verse in particular, serves to encourage believers to persevere in their faith despite challenges.

Theological Insights

This verse underscores several theological concepts.

One is the communal aspect of faith, seen in the collective "us," which speaks to the importance of mutual encouragement and support within the Christian community.

Another concept is the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, which holds that those who are truly saved will, by God's grace, continue in faith until the end.

There is also an eschatological element, believers look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises in the future.

Additionally, the verse speaks to the character of God as trustworthy, emphasizing His faithfulness as the basis for human faithfulness.

Practical Applications

The admonition of Hebrews 10:23 can be directly applied in several areas of a believer’s life.

It calls for a committed and resolute profession of faith in both personal practice and within the Christian community, even amid trials and persecution.

It serves as a reminder to trust in God's promises, especially in times of doubt or spiritual struggle.

Believers are encouraged to be active in their spiritual disciplines and in the life of their faith communities, demonstrating the reliability of their faith through loving actions, words of encouragement, and consistent living.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 1:20: "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
1 Thessalonians 5:24: "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."
Romans 4:20-21: "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."

Language Study

The phrase "hold fast" is translated from the Greek word "κατέχω" (katecho), which means to hold onto or retain.

"Profession" is from "ὁμολογία" (homologia), implying a confession or acknowledgment.

"Faith" in this context is "ἐλπίς" (elpis), commonly translated as hope but fundamentally embodies the idea of a confident expectation.

The original language stresses the significance of tightly grasping onto one's declaration of faith, with the assurance of what God has promised and will indeed bring to pass.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the broader context of ancient religious practices, professions of faith, often in the form of creeds or oaths, were common among various religious traditions.

In Judaism, the Shema ("Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.") is a declaration of faith.

In comparison, the Christian profession of faith focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ and the certainty of God's promises, setting it apart as a distinct response to divine revelation and redemptive history.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives primarily deal with the natural world and do not typically intersect with matters of personal faith and spiritual convictions explicitly.

However, the study of psychology can offer insights into the human need for reliability and trust, which are concepts highlighted in this verse. The assurance that comes from God's faithfulness might be seen as a foundational aspect of psychological well-being for believers.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians reflect on Hebrews 10:23 with a general consensus on its exhortational nature.

Matthew Henry's commentary highlights the need to persevere in faith and the mutual encouragement required among Christians.
John Calvin emphasizes the community of the church and the interdependence of believers, noting that the public profession of faith has an important role in nurturing collective steadfastness.
William Barclay discusses the Greek idea of "parresia," often translated as "confidence" or "boldness," in relation to the verse, suggesting that Christians should have a bold and unashamed profession of their hope because of God's faithfulness.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:23 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 10:23 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?