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?
Read it in contextWarning and endurance
Start reading at Hebrews 10:26 (Hebrews 10:26 to Hebrews 10:39).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
A severe warning against willful rejection is followed by remembrance of earlier endurance and the call to continue in faith.
10:26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
10:27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
10:28He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
10:29Of 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?
10:30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
10:31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
10:32But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
10:33Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
10:34For 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.
10:35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
10:36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
10:37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
10:38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
10:39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? The author is unknown. Paul is a longstanding attribution, while Barnabas and Apollos are among other historical proposals; none can be established with certainty. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hebrews 5:1–10:39): The Christian hearers are taught about Jesus' priesthood and sacrifice, with calls to maturity and perseverance. Israel's priests and worshippers are historical examples in the explanation. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A community of Christians who had endured suffering and needed perseverance. They are traditionally identified as Jewish Christians, but their precise location and ethnic composition are uncertain. Biblical references: Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 13:22. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Warning and endurance. Read Hebrews 10:26 through Hebrews 10:39 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? A severe warning against willful rejection is followed by remembrance of earlier endurance and the call to continue in faith. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The writing refers to the readers' earlier suffering and continuing need for endurance. It does not supply a calendar date or identify its author. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The exact destination and place of composition are not explicitly settled. The reference to those of Italy is a greeting and does not by itself establish where the writer is located. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Warning and endurance (Hebrews 10:26 to Hebrews 10:39).
Start reading at Hebrews 10:26. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus' priesthood, sacrifice, and help for the tempted govern the exposition. The repeated warnings and calls to hold fast belong to that same argument and should not be explained away. See Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Hold fast, encourage one another, and obey the word heard. Read assurance and access through Christ alongside the warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back. interpretation
Uncertain; Pauline authorship is held by manyNot known
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author.
Early traditionAncient opinion was divided. Some in the East accepted Pauline authorship; Origen concluded that only God knows who wrote it. Tertullian suggested Barnabas.
What is debatedThe author is genuinely unknown. The polished Greek and the manner of citing Scripture differ from Paul's letters. Claiming certainty here overstates the evidence.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Hebrews 10
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Connection to the wholeThe argument brings the repeated sacrifices into contrast with Christ's offering and the covenant promise of sins remembered no more.
Connection to the wholeThe sacrifice's significance becomes an appeal to approach, hold the confession, and encourage one another rather than forsake gathering.
Connection to the wholeA severe warning against willful rejection is followed by remembrance of earlier endurance and the call to continue in faith.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Hebrews
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes the Son's greatness, warns against neglecting salvation, and explains His participation in flesh and blood and help for the tempted.
Connection to the wholeThe doctrinal argument leads to sustained exhortation, examples of faith, and warnings that preserve the readers' responsibility to continue.
Connection to the wholePractical instructions and final requests apply the preceding exhortation to the readers' conduct together and their continuing confession.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.