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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 10:33 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:33 discusses the suffering and solidarity among early Christians.

The verse describes two types of experiences: one where the audience was directly subjected to persecution ("made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions"), and the other, where they showed empathy and support for their fellow believers who were being persecuted ("ye became companions of them that were so used").

The term "gazingstock" suggests that they were publicly exposed to humiliation and hardship, becoming spectacles or objects of public scorn. The deeper meaning revolves around the sense of community and the importance of mutual support in the face of trials.

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Historical Context

This verse is situated within the context of early Christian persecution, primarily within the Roman Empire.

The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were likely facing severe persecution and could have been tempted to abandon their faith in favor of the safety and familiarity of Judaism.

This epistle encourages them to persevere, emphasizing the supremacy and finality of Jesus Christ's sacrifice over the Old Covenant.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Hebrews 10:33 touches on the doctrines of suffering and perseverance.

It illustrates the concept of communal suffering as part of the Christian experience, reflecting the belief in sharing in Christ's sufferings.

Different theological perspectives will interpret this verse in light of God's providence (Calvinism), free will (Arminianism), or as a test of faith (Lutheranism), among others.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can be used to encourage believers to stand firm in their faith during difficult times and to support others who are facing challenges.

It champions the virtues of empathy, community, and courage.

Modern believers can draw strength from this verse by remembering that enduring trials is part of the Christian journey and that they are not alone in their struggles.

Cross-References

1 Peter 4:12-13: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
Romans 12:13: "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
Matthew 5:11-12: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Hebrews 10:33, the term "θεατρίζομενοι" (theatrizomenoi) is translated as "made a gazingstock," which conveys being put on public display, much like actors on a stage. The use of this term highlights the public and humiliating aspect of the persecution.

The word "κοινωνοὶ" (koinonoi) means “companions”, indicating a shared experience or partnership in the circumstances faced by others.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, individuals were often publicly shamed or made spectacles as a form of punishment.

Similarly, in various religious texts, the idea of communal suffering or shared struggles is present, where adherents are called to empathize with and support each other.

For instance, in the Bhagavad Gita, there are discussions about facing difficulties with fortitude, which is somewhat analogous to the endurance highlighted in this verse.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology and social sciences recognize the value of social support in improving resilience and coping mechanisms during adversity.

Therefore, one can see parallels between the communal support encouraged in Hebrews 10:33 and modern understandings of the importance of community in human health and well-being.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of Hebrews 10:33.

For instance, Matthew Henry views it as an encouragement for Christians to endure suffering with patience and joy, while John Calvin speaks to the shame endured as being for Christ's glory and how believers should be willing to bear reproach for His sake.

More contemporary scholars might examine the social dynamics of early Christian communities in interpreting this passage, noting how shared experiences served to bind the community together.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:33 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 10:33 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

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