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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 10:32 mean?

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 10:32 urges the recipients of the letter to remember the days following their conversion to Christianity when they faced many difficulties.

"After ye were illuminated" refers to their enlightenment or newfound understanding upon accepting Christian faith.

The "great fight of afflictions" likely portrays the trials and persecutions they endured because of their beliefs.

This recollection is meant to provide encouragement, reminding the readers that they have already overcome significant hardships through their faith and resilience.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and trials because of their faith in Jesus Christ. They likely suffered from social ostracism and perhaps even physical harm.

This verse is part of a broader argument that exhorts the audience to persevere in faith, drawing from examples of steadfastness in the Old Testament and the enduring sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The letter was written in the late first century AD, a time when Christianity was not an established or widely accepted religion, and converts often faced considerable adversity.

Theological Insights

Various theological viewpoints can interpret this verse.

From a Calvinistic perspective, the "illumination" may be understood as the moment of irresistible grace and the beginning of perseverance in the faith.

An Arminian viewpoint might emphasize the believer's continued free will and responsibility in responding to God's grace with endurance in adversity.

A Catholic interpretation may see the "fight of afflictions" as a form of redemptive suffering that unites the believer more closely with Christ's Passion.

Practical Applications

The verse counsels believers to reflect on past difficulties and the strength they found in their faith to face these challenges.

In daily life, this message encourages resilience and hope, alongside the recognition that past trials can provide the wisdom and fortitude necessary for overcoming present and future obstacles.

It also emphasizes the importance of community and solidarity among believers in supporting one another through difficult times.

Cross-References

Romans 5:3-4: "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;"
James 1:2-3: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
1 Peter 1:6-7: "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
2 Corinthians 4:8-9: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;"

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek in this verse is "φωτισθέντες" (photisthentes), derived from "φωτίζω" (photizo), meaning "to give light" or "to illuminate." This term implies not just intellectual or spiritual enlightenment but also the receiving of divine revelation.

The word for "afflictions" in Greek is "παθήμασιν" (pathemasin), which refers to experiences of suffering and hardships that test one's durability and character.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient religions and cultures, the concept of trials leading to spiritual enlightenment or maturity was not uncommon.

In Greek mythology, heroes often underwent significant trials to prove their worthiness.

In Judaism, the history of Israel is marked by trials and redemptions.

Within Christian tradition, this theme is consistent with the notion that suffering can be redemptive and that trials can refine one’s faith.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology supports the idea that overcoming adversity can lead to personal growth, a concept known as post-traumatic growth.

While scientific perspectives would not comment directly on the spiritual aspects of this growth, there is an understanding that facing and overcoming adverse events can result in increased resilience, improved relationships, and a greater appreciation for life.

commentaries

Commentators such as Matthew Henry note that the recollection of past sufferings serves to help Christians prepare for future trials, emphasizing God's preservation of the faithful.

John Calvin comments that the mention of their previous steadfastness serves as both a comfort and an admonishment: comfort in that God sustained them, and an admonishment not to lose heart in their current trials.

The New Testament scholar F.F.

Bruce suggests that the author of Hebrews is recapitulating the believers' initial fortitude to remind them of their capacity for endurance, fostering perseverance in faith amidst ongoing persecution.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:32 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 10:32 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?