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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 10:25 mean?

Explanation

This verse from the Book of Hebrews is a call to believers to prioritize fellowship and communal worship.

The literal meaning is a straightforward admonition not to avoid meeting together for worship.

The deeper interpretation suggests that fellowship amongst the faithful serves as a means of mutual encouragement, particularly as they anticipate an eschatological event referred to as "the day approaching," which is often interpreted as the Second Coming of Christ or a final day of judgment.

This anticipation should intensify the believers' commitment to gathering and supporting one another.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews was likely written before 70 AD to a group of Jewish Christians, possibly in Rome, who were facing persecution and hardship.

This verse addresses a concern that some of the audience may have been neglecting to meet together, possibly due to fear, persecution, or wavering faith.

The author exhorts them to maintain their Christian commitment, understanding that community is crucial for endurance, especially in difficult times.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer a range of interpretations on this verse:

Evangelical Perspective: This verse is often cited to emphasize the importance of regular church attendance and active participation in Christian life.
Catholic Perspective: It reinforces the value of the Mass and the sacraments as central to the life of faith.
Reformed Perspective: It may be used to discuss the perseverance of the saints and the means of grace made available through fellowship and the preaching of the Word.
Eschatological Perspective: 'The day approaching' can lead to discussions on end-time theology and various interpretations of Christ’s return.

Practical Applications

Applying Hebrews 10:25 in daily life could involve committing to regular church attendance, participating in small groups or Bible studies, offering support to fellow believers, and encouraging those who are struggling in their faith.

Cross-References

Acts 2:42: "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."
Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Language Study

The Greek word translated as "forsaking" is "enkataleipontes," which means to desert or abandon.

"Assembling" comes from "episynagoge," referring to a gathering or assembly.

The phrase "the day approaching" uses the term "ēmeran," which means day, and "eggizousan," meaning approaching or drawing near.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing early Christian assemblies with other religious gatherings of the time, such as Jewish synagogues, offers insight into the communal aspects of religious worship.

It also helps to understand the radical nature of Christian community life, which was inclusive, supportive, and bound by a common faith in Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse doesn't directly intersect with scientific matters, it does touch on psychological and sociological concepts.

Studies show that communal activities and support networks can contribute to individual resilience, suggesting a benefit in the practices encouraged by the verse.

Commentaries

Biblical experts and commentators generally agree on the importance of the verse in promoting community life among Christians.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the need for communal worship as a way of strengthening faith and avoiding spiritual decline.

The Expositor's Greek Testament states that the day of the Lord is a compelling motive for Christian perseverance and community.

John Calvin highlights the significance of mutual exhortation within the Christian assembly.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:25 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 10:25 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?