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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 10:35 mean?

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 10:35, "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward," encourages believers to maintain their confidence in God and their faith.

The word "confidence" here reflects a sense of bold assurance and trust in God's promises.

The verse implies that this confidence is not without merit, as it brings with it a "great recompence of reward", a phrase indicating that perseverance in faith will lead to a significant and beneficent reward in due time.

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Historical Context

Hebrews is a New Testament epistle written to a group of early Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and hardships due to their faith.

The epistle's author, who remains anonymous, encouraged the readers to remain steadfast in their faith, despite the challenges they faced.

The verse is part of a larger argument which exhorts the audience to endure and to not revert to Judaism or abandon their Christian faith, as Christ's sacrifice has provided a new and living way for them.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize various aspects of this verse:

Protestant Theology might view this as an exhortation to persevere in the doctrine of "Sola Fide," faith alone, which is regarded as the means for salvation.
Catholic Theology may interpret this confidence as the hope and trust in God's plan for salvation through both faith and good works of the believer.
Reformed Theology could see this as a call to the perseverance of the saints, underscoring the idea that true believers will maintain their confidence in Christ until the end.

Practical Applications

This verse can encourage individuals to remain steadfast during difficult times, keeping faith and confidence in God's promises. It teaches believers to:

Trust in the ultimate justice and rewarding nature of God's plan.
Not to abandon their commitment to their faith when faced with adversity.
Find strength and resolve in the assurance of God’s faithfulness.

Cross-References

Hebrews 3:6, "But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end."
Hebrews 3:14, "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;"
Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Language Study

The original Greek word for "confidence" in this verse is "παρρησία" (parrhesia), which translates to "boldness" or "confidence." On the other hand, "recompence of reward" derives from "μισθαποδοσία" (misthapodosia), indicating a payment of wages or a reward.

This underscores the notion of faith as something active and dynamic, not merely passive belief.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient myths, perseverance and faithfulness are often rewarded, such as in the Greek myth of Penelope, who remains faithful to Odysseus and is rewarded for her steadfastness.

Similarly, in many religions, maintaining faith through trials is seen as meritorious, such as the Buddhist concept of enduring suffering to achieve enlightenment.

Scientific Perspectives

While faith and rewards are typically beyond the realm of empirical scientific analysis, the concept of perseverance is supported by psychological research as a trait that can lead to better outcomes in life challenges, including stress management and goal attainment.

Commentaries

Various biblical experts have commented on this verse:

Matthew Henry’s commentary interprets it as an admonition against apostasy, explaining that true believers have firm grounds for confidence and the expectation of a reward.
John Gill's Exposition of the Bible suggests that believers should keep their confidence in Christ and his righteousness, because of the glory and happiness that will follow.
The Pulpit Commentary stresses the importance of patience, alongside faith, interpreting the great reward as possibly referring to the final glorification of the saints.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:35 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 10:35 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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