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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 10:29 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:29 discusses the seriousness of apostasy, which is turning away from the Christian faith after having received the knowledge of the truth.

The verse uses the imagery of "trod[den] under foot the Son of God," referencing an utter disrespect or disregard for something considered sacred.

Here, it implies that after acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God and being part of the new covenant marked by his sacrificial blood, turning away is viewed as a grave insult to God.

It suggests that a person who does this considers the sacrificial blood, which was meant to sanctify them, as common or unclean, thereby insulting the Spirit of grace that offered the gift of salvation.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and hardship because of their faith.

Considering the social pressures and the possibility of returning to Judaism to avoid persecution, the author of Hebrews encourages them to remain steadfast in their new Christian faith.

During this time, the sacrificial system of the Old Testament was still fresh in the minds of Jewish converts, and the idea of Jesus being the ultimate sacrifice was pivotal to their understanding of the New Covenant.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Hebrews 10:29 has been interpreted in various ways.

Some scholars, particularly from a Reformed perspective, argue that this verse indicates a wilful rejection of grace after having a full knowledge of it, reflecting the severity of apostasy.

Others argue a perspective based on Arminianism, which takes this verse as evidence that it is possible for believers to fall away from grace through deliberate sin.

There is also a debate over whether the "sanctified" refers to being set apart simply in terms of knowledge and affiliation or in an effectual saving sense.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Hebrews 10:29 serves as a strong warning against taking one’s faith lightly.

It urges believers to consider the weight of their commitment to Christ and to persevere in their faith, regardless of challenges.

It calls for Christians to treat their faith with the utmost respect and to avoid actions or beliefs that would dishonor what Christ has done for them.

Cross-References

Hebrews 6:4-6: "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."
2 Peter 2:21: "For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them."

Language Study

The Greek verbs "trod under foot" (katapateo) and "counted" (hegeomai) are present participles, implying an ongoing action of disdain toward Christ's sacrifice.

The term "unholy" (koinos) means common or profane, suggesting a total disregard for the sacred value. And "done despite" translates from "enubrizo," which means to insult or treat with contempt.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn with other religious traditions that view apostasy as a serious transgression.

In Judaism, turning away from the Mosaic covenant is considered a serious offense.

Similarly, in Islam, apostasy is viewed as a grave sin.

Various ancient cultures also had strict penalties for those who abandoned or insulted their deities or sacred practices.

Scientific Perspectives

While Hebrews 10:29 does not directly relate to scientific perspectives, it touches upon the human psychological and sociological phenomena of commitment and betrayal.

Research in these areas explores the impact of social pressures on beliefs and actions, which might be relevant when considering the original audience's struggle between their Christian faith and their Jewish background.

Commentaries

Commentators hold diverse views on Hebrews 10:29.

Some, like Matthew Henry, focus on the severity and danger of apostasy. John Calvin looks at it through the lens of covenant theology, emphasizing the sanctity of the new covenant. Modern evangelical commentators may focus on the passage as a warning to take faith seriously and persevere.

However, nearly all recognize the central message as a solemn warning against the abandonment of the Christian confession after having received full knowledge of the gospel.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:29 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 10:29 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?