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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 10:36 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:36 is a verse that speaks to the importance of patience in the Christian life, particularly in the context of persevering through trials and challenges.

The passage suggests that patience is not simply a passive waiting but involves actively doing God's will, even when it may be difficult or when the fulfillment of God's promises is not immediately apparent.

The verse connects the Christian virtue of patience with the notion of receiving what God has promised.

This implies that there is a reward or a result that comes after a period of faithful endurance.

The "will of God" can refer to the moral and ethical demands of the Christian faith, the pursuit of Christ-like character, or the specific calling or destiny God has for an individual believer.

The "promise" reflects the biblical idea of God as faithful and true to His word, which may include promises of eternal life, restoration, justice, or other blessings that come from a covenant relationship with Him.

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.

These early believers were tempted to abandon their Christian faith and revert to Judaism, which, at the time, was more socially and politically acceptable.

The author of Hebrews encourages them to stand firm, using examples from the Old Testament, such as the faith of Abraham and the endurance of Moses, to inspire the readers to persevere.

Hebrews 10:36 fits into a larger argument that spans chapters 10 through 12, wherein the writer exhorts his audience to endure despite suffering and to look to Jesus as the ultimate example of faith.

Theological Insights

Different theological traditions might draw varying insights from Hebrews 10:36:

Reformed Theology might focus on the sovereignty of God in the fulfillment of His promises and the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, which states that true believers will endure to the end.
Arminian Theology might emphasize human responsibility in cooperating with God's grace, the need for patience and steadfastness implying a partnership in the process of salvation.
Catholic Theology could see this verse in light of merit, viewing patient endurance as a virtue that contributes to one's growth in holiness and eventual reception of God's promises.
Dispensational Theology may interpret the "promise" in a more eschatological sense, connecting it to the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Hebrews 10:36 speaks to the need for resilience in the face of life's challenges:

Christians can lean on this verse for encouragement when facing prolonged difficulties, reminding themselves that their current struggles are part of a larger story that culminates in God's faithfulness.
It can be applied in contexts of personal discipline, such as forming habits of prayer and Bible study, where the immediate rewards may not always be evident.
In ministry and service, it reminds believers to continue laboring for the good of others and the advancement of the gospel, trusting that their work is not in vain.

Cross-References

James 1:4: "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
Romans 5:3-4: "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"
Galatians 6:9: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
2 Peter 1:5-6: "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;"

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word translated as "patience" in Hebrews 10:36 is "ὑπομονή" (hypomonē), which denotes steadfastness, constancy, and endurance.

It is often associated with remaining under a load or burden without giving way.

The phrase "will of God" is "θέλημα Θεοῦ" (thelēma Theou), which emphasizes the purpose or desire of God.

The Greek for "after ye have done" is "ποιήσαντες" (poiēsantes), a verb that indicates action or performance of a task.

The word "promise" is "ἐπαγγελία" (epangelia), referencing an announcement or vow, often carrying legal or formal connotations of binding assurance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In broader cultural and religious contexts, the concept of enduring trials to receive a promise or reward is not unique to Christianity.

Many ancient mythologies contain themes of heroes persevering through ordeals to achieve their goals or destinies. In Ancient Greek mythology, for example, Hercules must complete twelve labors before he can be redeemed for his past wrongs and achieve immortality.

In Judaism, the concept of waiting for the fulfillment of God's promises is central, especially regarding the Messianic hope. In Islam, the idea of Sabr (patience) is a virtue that is deeply embedded in the faith, with promises of divine reward for those who are patient.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific research on the benefits of patience has shown that individuals who exhibit patience tend to experience better mental health, are more empathetic, and have more satisfying relationships.

While Hebrews 10:36 does not directly engage with scientific ideas, its emphasis on patience as a positive trait aligns with contemporary psychological understandings that highlight the role of patience in resilience and long-term well-being.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 10:36 offer various interpretations:

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the Christian's need for patience in suffering and views the verse as an assurance that those who do God's will shall receive what He has promised.
The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that the readers were in need of perseverance to avoid shrinking back into unbelief and to live out God's will in their lives.
The New International Commentary on the New Testament sees this verse as part of the larger exhortative section in Hebrews that encourages readers to remain faithful to gain the promised reward.

Each commentary tends to focus on the perseverance required of believers and the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises, although they may approach the specifics of its application and theological interpretation in diverse ways.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:36 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 10:36 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?