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Hebrews Chapter Ten

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

Christ is the High Priest of the Better Covenant ()

A.  The comparison of the offering between the new and old covenants (v.1-18);

1. The sacrifices offered in the old covenant cannot make those who approach perfect (v.1-4).

2. Christ makes those who approach Him sanctified though the offering of His body (v.5-10).

3. The comparison of the effects between the sacrifices of both the old and new covenants (v.11-14).

4. The Spirit testifies the perfectness of the sacrifice of the new covenant (v.15-18).

B.  Christ is the High Priest over the house of God (v.19-25);

1. He consecrated for us a new and living way (v.19-21).

2. Let us draw near to God to lead a normal life in the house of God (v.22-25).

a.    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith (v.22);

b.    Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (v.23);

c.Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works (v.24);

d.    Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together (v.25);

C.  Let us keep the sacrifice for sins with diligence (v.26-39);

1. If one sins willfully he has trampled the Son of God underfoot and counted His blood a common thing (v.26-31).

2. Let us accept joyfully the tribulations for the sake of the better and enduring possession in heaven (v.32-36).

3. We are not of those who draw back to perdition but of those who believe to the saving of the soul (v.37-39).

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Heb. 10:1 “For the law having a shadow of the good things to come and not the very image of the things can never with these same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year make those who approach perfect.”

YLT: “For the law having a shadow of the good things to come and not the very image of the things can never with these same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year make those who approach perfect.”

Meaning of Words: image”: likeness; “never”: in no wise; “continually”: perpetually; “perfect”: fulfill accomplish;

Literal Meaning: “for the law having a shadow of the good things to come” “law”: in the Mosaic system the law is closely linked with the priesthood of the Levites. “The good things to come” the good things that have been accomplished in the times of the new covenant is the salvation fulfilled by Christ for us (see 9:11 14). “Shadow” the shadow produced by the real substance or the vague outline of it. The law is only a shadow which only provides a concept of salvation dimly to us.

  “And not the very image of the things” “the things” are synonymous with “the good things to come”. Strictly speaking here it refers to the true and efficacious sacrifices in the will of God namely the body of Christ (see v.10). “The very image”: the clear image; the law is merely a shadow not the very image of the things.

  “Can never with these same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year” “offer continually” it is an action repeated continually.

  “Make those who approach perfect” “those who approach”: those who draw near to God; “perfect”: achieve the goal of offering the sacrifices;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The law is the shadow which is unable to manifest the real things completely. He that focuses on the letter or customs or rules may have not seen clearly the real meaning of spiritual things and is blinded by the external doings (see Rom. 2:28-29).

2)    Believers in the new covenant serve God by the Spirit not the letter. The letter kills and the Spirit quickens (2Cor. 3:6 the original). Therefore we shall serve the Lord according to the newness of the Spirit not the oldness of letter.

 

Heb. 10:2 “For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers once purified would have had no more consciousness of sins.”

YLT: “For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers once purified would have had no more consciousness of sins.”

Meaning of Words: cease”: refrain stop;

Literal Meaning: “for then would they not have ceased to be offered? It indicates that there would be of no necessity to offer any more if the sacrifices offered under the law of the old covenant were perfect.

For the worshipers once purified would have had no more consciousness of sins” “worshipers”: those who offer the sacrifices including the priests and the people who provided sacrifices (see Lev. 1:2-9; 2:1-2); “once purified” it shows that the purpose of offering in the old covenant is to be purified before God (see Lev. 16:30). However the purification in the old covenant was done in rituals and its effect could not enter into the worshipers to give them peace and innocence in conscience.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    If we believers have made mistakes (e.g. speaking wrong or doing wrong) we shall not confess our faults orally only but deal with the sins truly until we are peaceful in conscience.

2)    Our conscience should be purified so that we can serve God in a clear conscience (2Tim. 1:3). An unclear conscience cannot enable a man to serve God (see 9:14).

 

Heb. 10:3 “But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.”

YLT: “But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.”

Meaning of Words: reminder”: remembrance recollection;

Literal Meaning:but in those sacrifices” “those sacrifices” refer to the sacrifices offered according to the rules of the law (see v.8.)

“There is a reminder of sins every year” the sacrifice itself could not remove the sin (see v.4 11) but cover the sins temporarily. And the fact shall be repeated “year by year” in order to remind men that their sins has never been taken away

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    God accepted the offering in the old covenant which had its negative function ---- it was a reminder of sins for men so that men would know that sins prevented men having a normal fellowship with God so as to stimulate them to seek the way of salvation.

2)    The most terrible condition for a believer in the new covenant is senselessness of any sin. If one who has sins apparently says that he has no sin he just deceives himself and the truth is not in him (1John 1:8). What is important is that whenever we think of sins we have to confess and deal with our sins (1John 1:9).

 

Heb. 10:4 “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”

YLT: “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”

Meaning of Words: take away”: eliminate;

Literal Meaning: for…the blood of bulls and goats” it refers to all the blood of the sacrifices in the old covenant.

  “It is not possible that …could take away sins” the reasons are listed as follows: 1) it is only the shadow of the precious blood of the Lord not the real substance and is not even the very image of the things (see v.1); 2) it only purifies men externally (see 9:13) not internally (see v.2). 3) The sacrifices are not human beings and the life is not human so they can serve as a substitute for men.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Though the blood of the sacrifices cannot remove the sin God in the times of the old covenant still appointed men to offer the sacrifices until the Lamb of God comes which tells us that we have to present all of us according to what God has appointed though our functions are faint in the services of God. 

2)    A man who serves God has to be faithful in the things that God has appointed him to do. Even though he is not so capable to do that he cannot lose heart or give up what he is able to do.

 

Heb. 10:5 “Therefore when He came into the world He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire But a body You have prepared for Me.”

YLT: “Therefore when He came into the world He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire But a body You have prepared for Me.”

Meaning of Words: offering”: oblation the sacrifice without blood the meat-offering;

Literal Meaning: “therefore when He came into the world He said” it is quoted from the Book of Psalm (40:6) according to both the literal and suggestive meaning. “Came to the world” it refers to the incarnation of the Son of God; “He said” it is not a real oral word out of Him but an expression of the desire and purpose of Christ who came to the world to be a man.

  “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire” according to the original the words “desire” and “will” share the same etymon. The will of God is not to obtain the sacrifice and gift from men but to gain men.

  “But a body You have prepared for Me” it is “My ears You have opened” in the Book of Psalm (40:6). The author of this epistle quotes this verse and changes it slightly according to its meaning. In the law of the old covenant if a bondservant desires to serve his lord all his life his lord will bore his ear through with an awl to show his acceptance (see Ex. 21:5-6; Deut. 15:16-17). Therefore “My ear You have opened” ---- a body You have prepared for Me for devotion.

  Since the sacrifice and gift in the old covenant could not satisfy God Christ then incarnated for the purpose of offering Himself.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The value of believers’ physical bodies is offering as the sacrifice unto God. Therefore let us present our bodies a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1).

2)    That God gives us a body is not to serve our own need but serve the need of Him. It is our intelligent service to present our bodies (Rom. 12:1).

3)    If believers do not present their bodies to God it will cause the greatest hindrance to their spiritual life. Many believers do not put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit (Rom. 8:13) but fulfill flesh’s lust (Gal. 5:16) and are even brought under the power of it.

 

Heb. 10:6 “In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.”

YLT: “In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.”

Meaning of Words: burnt offerings”: the offering that the whole sacrifice is offered;

Literal Meaning: it is quoted from the Book of Psalm (40:6c). “Burnt offering”: the offering that is burnt out utterly; “sacrifices”: sin offerings namely the sacrifices offered for the sake of sin;

  “Burnt offerings and sacrifices” and “sacrifice and gift” (see v.5) are the whole offering system in the Book of Leviticus. Moreover “sacrifice and gift” in verse five are both in the singular form so it is not a certain offering but any offering. And “burnt offering and sacrifices” are in the plural form so they are the totality of the offerings. Anyway none of them are not what God desires.

  “Did not desire” (see v.5) belongs to the sphere of will and here “had no pleasure” is in the sphere of emotion. Both of them here emphasize God’s dissatisfaction with the whole offering system in the old covenant.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    No matter what we do earthly things or spiritual things we shall seek the will of God. And we shall do what God desires and pleases and will not do what He does not desire or please.

2)    The basic principle of the walking of God’s servants is: not seek to satisfy men but God; and not please men but God (Gal. 1:10).

 

Heb. 10:7 “Then I said "Behold I have come-- In the volume of the book it is written of Me-- To do Your will O God."'”

YLT: “Then I said "Behold I have come-- In the volume of the book it is written of Me-- To do Your will O God."'”

Meaning of Words: written of Me”: all that is about me;

Literal Meaning: “then I said” it is quoted from the Book of Psalm (40:7). “Then” it is the time when Christ (Messiah) comes to the world (see v.5) and it also refers to the time when God’s “not desiring and not pleasing” are manifested (see v.5-6). “I said”: the declaration of Christ;

 “I have come…O God” “I have come” it is a more intensive and emphatic word in the original which means “I have come Here I come” showing that He has come to the world to fulfill the epoch-making works.

  “To do Your will” since God “did not desire and please” the whole offering system in the old covenant He would surely have His will and pleasure. And the coming of Christ is just for the purpose of obeying and performing such will of God.

  “In the volume of the book it is written of Me” “volume” refers to the scripture. Narrowly it is the Pentateuch in which the will of God and the way of obedience are recorded. And broadly it refers to all things about Christ written in the scriptures (see Luke 24:27 44 46; John 5:39 46).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The Lord Jesus came to the world for the purpose of keeping the will of God the Father (see John 6:38). Keeping the will of God is the motivation and goal of His walking on the earth. It is also supposed to be the principle of Christians all the lifetime (see 1Pet. 4:2).

2)    Christ is the central character in the Scriptures. The records of Him are filled in the whole Scriptures. Therefore we shall aim at seeking Christ when we search the scriptures and come to Him to receive life (see John 5:39-40).

 

Heb. 10:8 “Previously saying "Sacrifice and offering burnt offerings and offerings for sin You did not desire nor had pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the law) ”

YLT: “Previously saying "Sacrifice and offering burnt offerings and offerings for sin You did not desire nor had pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the law) ”

Literal Meaning: “previously saying” it refers to all the above-mentioned verses quoted from the Book of Psalm. And they are put together again as below.

  “Sacrifice and offering burnt offerings and offerings for sin” it is the whole Levitical offering system (see v.5-6). And what is different is that the sacrifice and gift in the original are in the plural.

  “You did not desire nor had pleasure in them” “did not desire nor had pleasure” (see v.5-6) the double negations emphasize God’s total disapproval.

 

Heb. 10:9 “then He said "Behold I have come to do Your will O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second.”

YLT: “then He said "Behold I have come to do Your will O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second.”

Meaning of Words: take away”: remove; “establish”: lay appoint stand;

Literal Meaning: “then He said what he said as follows was the quotation of verse seven.

"Behold I have come to do Your will O God." “I have come”: the incarnation of Christ. “Your will” here it specifically indicates that God will replace the offering system in the old covenant with better sacrifices.

He takes away the first that He may establish the second” “He”: God or Christ; “the first”: the sacrifices in the old covenant or the whole offering system in the old covenant; “the second”: the sacrifices in the new covenant namely Christ Himself or the whole content of the new covenant or the arrangement of the salvation.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    He takes away the first that He may establish the second.” In Christianity “the new covenant” is not used to supplement “the old covenant” but to replace “the old covenant”. Anyone who desires to keep the customs of the law in the old covenant he may destroy the faith of the new covenant (see Gal. 2:4-5).

2)    Christians have to put off the “old man” and put on “the new man” (Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:9-10). Both of what is old and what is new can not be kept together. Otherwise it will get worse (see Matt. 9:16-17).

 

Heb. 10:10 “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

YLT: “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Literal Meaning:by that will through…Jesus Christ” “that will”: it is “Your will” (see v.7 9) namely the will of God that He does not please the sacrifices offered according to the old covenant.

“We have been sanctified … the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all”have been sanctified” here it is not sanctification in life experience but in status namely the position of being received by God.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    “By that will we have been sanctified…” when we receive Christ we have received the will of God that He has accomplished for us. Now we are renewed by the Spirit by this will (Titus 3:5) and are sanctified.

2)    “Have been sanctified” (it refers to the sanctification in status) it is not the ultimate purpose of salvation but a necessary step of salvation so that we are enabled to enter into the Holiest of All to God with boldness (see v.19 22) and have fellowship with the holy God.

3)    “Sanctification” is the prerequisite condition of having fellowship with God. No wonder that the book mentions it again and again (see 2:11; 9:13; 10:10 14 23; 13:12). And the importance of sanctification can be viewed here. Sanctification in status for us is perfected by the Lord. And sanctification in life should be sought by us.

 

Heb. 10:11 “And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices which can never take away sins.”

YLT: “And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices which can never take away sins.”

Meaning of Words: the same”: similar; “take away”: eliminate;

Literal Meaning:and every priest stands ministering daily” “daily” it shows that the work continues unceasingly. “Stand” it is a contrast with Christ’s “sitting down” (see v.12; 8:1). “Stand” also shows that the work is not finished. Here it emphasizes the action of the priest’s offering not the nature of the offering.

“And offering repeatedly the same sacrifices “repeatedly” it is a contrast with Christ’s “one” (see v.12). “The same sacrifices” it is not the same animals but the sacrifices of the same kind.

 

Heb. 10:12 “But this Man after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever sat down at the right hand of God ”

YLT: “But this Man after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever sat down at the right hand of God ”

Literal Meaning:but this Man after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever “forever” the word is used to describe both “sacrifice” and “sat down”. Anyway it is always connected with the effect of His offering once for all (see v.14). And He needs not to offer sacrifices “many times” thereafter (see 9:25-26) and He can sit down.

“Sat down at the right hand of God” “the right hand of God” it refers to the authority and honor (see 1:3; 8:1). “Sat down”: the work has been perfected.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    “One forever” speaks of two characteristics of Christ’s works ---- on one hand His “one” sacrifice perfects “eternal” salvation. On the other hand if we really do the services in the Lord or the Lord does in us there will be eternal effect (see 1Cor. 15:58).

2)    “Sat down” implies a meaning of enjoying the rest. If believers really “take the yoke of the Lord upon them and learn from the Lord” in services they will surely find rest to their souls (Matt. 11:29).

 

Heb. 10:13 “from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.”

YLT: “from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.

Meaning of Words: from that time”: after that later;

Literal Meaning: “from that time” after His offering and sitting down; waiting” there is none other thing but waiting for that moment; “His enemies are made His footstool” it means that His enemies are totally subdued to His footstool (see 1:13; 2:7).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The great redemption of Christ has accomplished and the end of the devil is set. Though it is rampant and furious today it is merely deathbed struggle.

2)    As Christ has wined those who are of Him shall also win likewise. As long as we appropriate the precious blood of Christ we will surely overcome all the enemies (see Rev. 12:11).

 

Heb. 10:14 “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”

YLT: “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”

Literal Meaning:for by one offering “for” it is not explaining the reason for His offering but explaining the result of the offering.

He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” “Has perfected forever” it shows that those who are being sanctified will never that holy position that they have obtained.

This verse shows that Christ’s working of offering has been perfected once for all and He needs not to offer again.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The “one” offering of Christ enables us to obtain the “eternal” sanctified position (see v.19 22). And henceforth we are enabled to come to God through Him with boldness at any time (see v.19 22).

2)    We are “those who are being sanctified”. Sanctification is not only our position but also our life performance. Therefore let us separate our mind interests and words and works continually everyday though the Holy Spirit and be real saints.

 

Heb. 10:15 “But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before ”

YLT: “But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before ”

Meaning of Words: witness”: testify;

Literal Meaning:but the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us “the Holy Spirit” is the Spirit of God who dwells in believers (1Cor. 3:16) to lead us into all the truth (John 16:33). “Us” here refers to the author of this epistle and its readers as well as believers at all times and in all over the world. “Witness”: testify or prove to us.

“For after He had said before” the words of verse sixteen are quoted from the Book of Jeremiah (Jer. 31:33).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The Scriptures are the words spoken by the holy men of God under the power of the Holy Spirit (2Pet.1:21). The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews here also confesses that the words in this epistle are the witness of the Holy Spirit to him. Therefore the Holy Bible should not be regarded as a masterpiece of men but shall read it in fear.

2)    The Holy Spirit also witnesses to all believers and His witnesses are according the works “God has spoken” namely the Holy Scriptures that have been written. Therefore let us read the scriptures with diligence so that the Spirit will continue to witness to us through the words of the scriptures.

 

Heb. 10:16 “"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts and in their minds I will write them "”

YLT: “"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts and in their minds I will write them "”

Literal Meaning: says the LORD” the following words are quoted from the Book of Jeremiah (31:33).

“"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days “them” refers to the house of Israel (see 8:10) namely the elect of God that typifies believers in the New Testament.

I will put My laws into their hearts “My laws” refers to God’s requirements to His people. And it is the law of Christ to believers in believers in the New Testament (Gal. 6:2). “Into their hearts” the characteristic of the law in the New Testament is writing on fleshly tables of heart with the Spirit not on stone tables (2Cor. 3:3).

“And in their minds I will write them” “in” it is opposite to the word “outside of…” which shows that God does not ask men to keep the letter of the law externally but keep the spirit of the law internally (see Rom. 2:28-29; 2Cor. 3:6).

 

Heb. 10:17 “then He adds "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."”

YLT: “then He adds "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."”

Literal Meaning: “then He adds” the following words are quoted from the Book of Jeremiah (31:34).

  “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” the sacrifices in the old covenant could not take away sins (see v.4 11). However Christ offered Himself as the sacrifice in the new covenant so as to solve the problem of sin once for all. Therefore God will not remember the sins and lawless deeds no more.

 

Heb. 10:18 “Now where there is remission of these there is no longer an offering for sin.”

YLT: “Now where there is remission of these there is no longer an offering for sin.”

Meaning of Words: sin”: miss the mark;

Literal Meaning: “where there is a remission of these” “these” refer to the above-mentioned sins and lawless deeds (see v.17). “Remission”: what is remitted will never be remembered any more (see v.17).

  “There is no longer an offering for sin” “sin”: the totality of all unrighteousness sins and transgressions etc.

 

Heb. 10:19 “Therefore brethren having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus ”

YLT: “Therefore brethren having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus ”

Meaning of Words: boldness”: confidence; “the Holiest”: the sanctuary holy places;

Literal Meaning: “brethren…by the blood of Jesus” “by”: rely on depend on; “the blood of Jesus” it refers to the precious blood the Lord Jesus shed on the cross. The blood has two aspects of effect: 1) which redeems the sins of men (see Rom. 3:25); 2) which enables men to draw near to God (see 1John 1:7). Here the effect of the blood of Jesus relates more to the latter one ---- make us draw near to God through His blood.

  “Having boldness to enter the Holiest” “having boldness”: for their sins have been remitted (see v.18); “the Holiest”: the holy places in the heaven are the dwelling place of God (see 9:24).

 

Heb. 10:20 “by a new and living way which He consecrated for us through the veil that is His flesh ”

YLT: “by a new and living way which He consecrated for us through the veil that is His flesh ”

Meaning of Words: consecrate”: inaugurate renew dedicate; “new”: lately made recently slain (fresh); “veil”: the door screen falling to the ground;

Literal Meaning: “by a new and living way which He consecrated for us” “new …way” it is not only an unprecedented way but also an ever fresh and living way.

  “Through the veil” “veil” it separated the first and second tabernacles (see 9:3) above which were the cherubim (see Ex. 26:31-33) which implied that the glory and righteousness of God prevented all sinners from drawing near to God (see Gen. 3:22-24). When the Lord Jesus died on the cross the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom. Henceforth the access to God has opened for men.

  “That is His flesh” some Bible expositors think it is difficult to apprehend this word. They hold that the veil is the hindrance between God and men and the physical body of the Lord cannot be the barrier between God and men. Therefore they do not think “that” refers to the veil. The author of this epistle takes the veil as a type of the body of Christ to emphasize that fact both of them were rent at the same time. The body of Christ was divided for us just like the rock that was struck and forthwith there came out water (see Ex. 17:6; John 19:34; 1Cor. 10:4). Likewise the veil is rent because of the crucifixion of His body. Therefore we are enabled to enter into the Holiest through Him.

 

Heb. 10:21 “and having a High Priest over the house of God ”

YLT: “and having a High Priest over the house of God ”

Meaning of Words: over”: above;

Literal Meaning: “the house of God”: the church of the living God (1Tim. 3:15) which is composed of those who are sanctified by the offering of the High Priest (see v.14). The High Priest takes away our sins as well as resolves all the problems after we have been saved (see 3:6).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The salvation of Christ not only saves us to give us eternal blessings but also makes us the house of God for God to dwell in to manifest the glory of God.

2)    The church is the house of God and the divine Trinity is in us. And Christ is the head of the church over us. Therefore let Him have the first place in all things (Col. 1:18-19).

 

Heb. 10:22 “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.”

YLT: “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.”

Meaning of Words: evil”: wicked; “draw near”: approach;

Literal Meaning: “having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience” “conscience”: it is a function of man’s heart (Rom. 2:15). “Evil” it means that man is condemned by conscience because of doing wrong and has not given proper response. Gradually the conscience becomes an evil conscience (see Acts 24:16; 1Tim. 1:19) namely the corrupted and defiled conscience (see2Tim. 3:9).

  “And our bodies washed with pure water” the priests had to wash their bodies in the laver before fulfilling the ministry (Ex. 40:11-12). The Lord Jesus called His disciples those who had been washed in the New Testament (John 13:10). Therefore this verse shows that believers have obtained the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5).

  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” “a true heart”: the worship of God should be in spirit and in truth (John 4:24); “full assurance of faith”: assured confidence (Eph. 3:12) for it is impossible to please God without faith (see 11:6).

 

Heb. 10:23 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful.”

YLT: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful.”

Meaning of Words: hold fast”: withhold seize on retain possess; “confession”: profess acknowledge; “without wavering”: firmly unyieldingly;

Literal Meaning: “let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” it means that we shall not be waved by any argument or opinion appearing in our mind thinking that we need another Mediator and losing the confidence toward this High Priest.

  “For He who promised is faithful” “faithful”: He will fulfill all that He has promised.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Christ in us has been the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). And our hope is secure and firm (see 6:19) for Christ is our hope.

2)    Believers have assurance toward the hope in the future for we “stand on the ground of God’s promises”. And God who promises is faith and He never lets out hope come to nothing.

 

Heb. 10:24 “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works ”

YLT: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works ”

Meaning of Words: consider”: behold discover perceive observe fully; “stir up”: provoke unto incite dispute; “good works”: worthy works proper works;

Literal Meaning:and let us consider one another” let us not look on our own things but that of others (Phil. 2:4). That is to say we have to consider the needs and burdens of others (Gal. 6:2). 

“In order to stir up love and good works” it means that the considering of one another will stir up love and good works. Love and good works are cultivated and encouraged in the church life.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    We often know the need of ourselves but ignore that of others. We may usually consider our own benefit but forget that of others.

2)    Since the Lord loved His own who were in the world He commanded us to love one another (John 13:1 34). God shows favor to us to enable us to do good works (Eph. 2:10). Love and good works are normal responses which are expected in those who have been saved (see Eph. 5:1-2; 8-9).

 

Heb. 10:25 “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

YLT: “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Meaning of Words: “forsake”: leave behind in some place abandon reject give up; “exhort”: encourage; “approach”: draw near;

Literal Meaning: “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” “assembling” here it particularly refers to the gathering that believers are assembled according to the way of the New Testament. Here the author intentionally exhorts the Hebrew believers not to forsake the former gathering and come back to the gathering according to the Judaic way in the Old Testament.

  “As is the manner of some” it suggests that the forsaking of the assembling has become a habit.

  “But exhorting one another”: oral and practical encouragement or affectionate encouragement from the heart;

  “And so much the more as you see the Day approaching” “the Day” refers to the Day of the second coming of Christ.

 

Heb. 10:26 “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins ”

YLT: “For we -- willfully sinning after the receiving the full knowledge of the truth -- no more for sins doth there remain a sacrifice ”

Meaning of Words: received”: know stain obtain; “the knowledge of the truth”: the full knowledge of the reality; “willfully”: voluntarily;

Literal Meaning: “after we have received the knowledge of the truth” “the knowledge of truth” refers to the knowledge of truth concerning the faith in the New Testament.

  “If we sin willfully” “willfully” it emphasizes that there remains a motivation after the action. “Sin”: commit sins continually and habitually. Here the willful sin refers to the sin of apostasy namely the sin of giving up the assembling of the New Testament and turning back to the rituals of the Old Testament.

  “There no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” since the sacrifices in the old covenant had already been replaced by the only sacrifice of Christ if believers give up the sacrifice of Christ there will be no longer any other sacrifice for atonement.

Controversial Clarification: someone misunderstands the verses here thinking that believers who have committed any purposeful sin will never be remitted by God again. Such view is contradictory to other verses in the Scriptures (see 1John 7-9) so it is unworthy of acceptance.

 

Heb. 10:27 “but a certain fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.”

YLT: “but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery zeal about to devour the opposers;”

Meaning of Words: fearful”: terrible; “expectation”: looking for; “adversaries”: opponents;

Literal Meaning: “but a certain fearful expectation of judgment” “judgment” refers to the judgment in the second coming of the Lord.

  “And fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries” God will no longer judge with water (see Gen. 9:11) but with fire (see 2Pet. 3:10).

 

Heb. 10:28 “Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

YLT: “any one who did set at nought a law of Moses apart from mercies by two or three witnesses doth die ”

Meaning of Words: reject”: disregard disannul; “mercy”: pity;

Literal Meaning: “who had rejected Moses’ law” the transgressions against the rules of the law;

  “Dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses” it is ordained in the law of the old covenant that the one who sins shall not be put to death at the mouth of one witness but is die to be put to death at the mouth of two or three witnesses (see Deut. 17:6).

 

Heb. 10:29 “Of how much worse punishment do you suppose will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing and insulted the Spirit of grace?”

YLT: “of how much sorer punishment shall he be counted worthy who the Son of God did trample on and the blood of the covenant did count a common thing in which he was sanctified and to the Spirit of the grace did despite?”

Meaning of Words: sanctified”: holy hallowed; “common”: unclean unholy profane; “insult”: despise; “suppose”: think; “worse”: more terrible;

Literal Meaning: “trampled the Son of God underfoot” the disrespect for the salvation the Son of God has accomplished on the cross is an open shame to Him (see 6:6).

  “Counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing” “the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified” it shows that the blood of the Lord has the sanctifying effect (see v.10). And the new covenant is established by His blood (see 9:14-22) so the Lord’s blood is called the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified. “Counted … a common” “common” in the original is opposite to “holy” so “counted … common” means “counted … holy” which contains a tone of despise.

  “And insulted the Spirit of grace”: humiliated the Spirit in the extreme; men are saved by the works of the Spirit on him (see John 16:8-11) so the Spirit is called the Spirit of grace.

“Of how much worse punishment do you suppose…” it means that such men will be severely punished.

 

Heb. 10:30 “For we know Him who said "Vengeance is Mine I will repay " says the Lord. And again "The LORD will judge His people."”

YLT: “for we have known Him who is saying `Vengeance Mine I will recompense saith the Lord;' and again `The Lord shall judge His people;' --”

Meaning of Words: vengeance”: retribution;

Literal Meaning: “for we know Him” the following words are quoted from the Book of Deuteronomy (32:35). 

  “Vengeance is Mine I will repay” it indicates that God will manifest His righteousness and deal with all unrighteousness among those who are of Him.

  “And again” the following words are quoted from the Book of Psalm (50:4) or from the Book of Deuteronomy (32:36).

  “The LORD will judge His people” the time of having the judgment begins from the house of God (1Pet. 4:17).

 

Heb. 10:31 “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

YLT: “fearful the falling into the hands of a living God.”

Meaning of Words: fall into the hands of…”: under the power of…;

Literal Meaning: “fall into the hands of the living God” it refers to the judgment of God caused by the willful sin (see v.26).

  “Fearful” it shows that the consequences will be too ghastly to contemplate and make men tremble with fear.

 

Heb. 10:32 “But recall the former days in which after you were illuminated you endured a great struggle with sufferings:”

YLT: “And call to your remembrance the former days in which having been enlightened ye did endure much conflict of sufferings ”

Meaning of Words: recall”: remind; “former”: previously; “endure”: be patient and suffer with hope; “struggle”: conflict;

Literal Meaning: “but recall the former days” “recall” means “remind”; “the former days”: the days that the Hebrew believers had experienced after their being saved;

  “In which after you were illuminated you endured a great struggle with sufferings” here it indicated that the Hebrew believers had ever been persecuted for the sake of the gospel of truth and experienced a great struggle and afflictions.

 

Heb. 10:33 “partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;”

YLT: “partly both with reproaches and tribulations being made spectacles and partly having become partners of those so living ”

Meaning of Words: reproach”: shame despise insult; “tribulation”: affliction; “made a spectacle”: expose as a spectacle make a gazing stock; “companions”: sharer partner;

Literal Meaning: “both by reproaches and tribulations” it meant that they had suffered unreasonable condemnation and maltreatment.

“Were made a spectacle” the word showed that they were exposed as a spectacle of the public insult and struggle.

“Partly while you became companions of those who were so treated” both they and those who suffered tribulations experienced and had fellowship with their afflictions.

 

Heb. 10:34 “for you had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.”

YLT: “for also with my bonds ye sympathised and the robbery of your goods with joy ye did receive knowing that ye have in yourselves a better substance in the heavens and an enduring one.”

Meaning of Words: had compassion”: sympathize; “goods”: the whole possessions;

Literal Meaning: “for you had compassion on me in my chains” they became the companions of those who were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations (see v.33) because they sympathized with those who were in chains and did not fear to be troubled.

  “And joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods” “goods”: all their possessions; they gave up all and were willing to be dispossessed for the sake of the Lord.

  “Knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven” “knowing”: the motivation of their willingness; “a better and enduring possession” refers to the reward reserved in the heaven for them.

 

Heb. 10:35 “Therefore do not cast away your confidence which has great reward.”

YLT: “Ye may not cast away then your boldness which hath great recompense of reward ”

Meaning of Words: confidence”: boldness assurance bluntness; “reward”: recompense of reward requital;

Literal Meaning: “therefore do not cast away your confidence” there are two aspects of meaning of “therefore” here: 1) because of knowing that there is a better and enduring possession (see v.34); 2) since they had good performance in the past they were supposed to be stronger. “Do not cast away your confidence”: do not fear or shrink back.

  “Which has great reward” “great reward” includes the better and enduring possession (see v.34) and the promise of God (see v.36).

 

Heb. 10:36 “For you have need of endurance so that after you have done the will of God you may receive the promise:”

YLT: “for of patience ye have need that the will of God having done ye may receive the promise ”

Meaning of Words: endurance”: patience with earnest hope;

Literal Meaning: “for you have need of endurance so that after you have done the will of God” “endurance”: to endure the persecutions of the Judaism (see v.32-34); here “the will of God” refers to: 1) holding fast the faith of the new covenant (see v.19-23); 2) keeping in the church of the new covenant and manifesting the characteristic of God’s life (see v.24-25); 3) in no wise turning back to the rules of the old covenant from the new covenant (see v.38-39).

  “You may receive the promise” “receive the promise”: the fulfillment of the hope of our confession (see v.23);

 

Heb. 10:37 “"For yet a little while And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.”

YLT: “for yet a very very little He who is coming will come and will not tarry;”

Literal Meaning: “for yet a little while” it is quoted form the Book of Isaiah according to its meaning (Is. 26:20).

  “And He who is coming will come and will not tarry” it is quoted form the Book of Habakkuk (2:3). “He who is coming will come” in the original it mentions the day of the fulfillment of God’s words. Here it relates to the day of Christ’s second coming. The whole verse means “Christ comes quickly” (see Rev. 3:11; 22:7 12 20; 2Pet. 3:9).

 

Heb. 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back My soul has no pleasure in him."”

YLT: “and `the righteous by faith shall live ' and `if he may draw back My soul hath no pleasure in him '”

Meaning of Words: draw back”: withdraw shrink;

Literal Meaning: “the just shall live by faith” it is quoted from the Book of Habakkuk (2:4). Besides this epistle it is also quoted in other two epistles namely the Epistles to the Romans (1:17) and the Epistle to the Galatians (3:11). Each of them emphasizes the different points respectively: 1) Rom. 1:17 it emphasizes that “righteousness” is manifested by “faith”; 2) Gal. 3:11 it emphasizes that one “obtains life” by “faith”. That is to say man is delivered from death and is quickened before God by faith; 3) Heb. 10:38 it emphasizes the one continually “lives” before God by “faith”.

  “If any one draws back My soul has no pleasure in him” “anyone” refers to the just previously mentioned. “Draw back”: apostasy; “has no pleasure”: it means that the one who draws back will not be rewarded and shall be punished by God (see v.27 29-31).

Controversial Clarification: according to the traditional exposition of the Bible it was inferred that a true believer would in no wise give up the true faith so this verse was a supposition. And the writer of this epistle also adds: “but we are not of those who draw back to perdition” (see v.39). Therefore the traditional Bible expositors counted those apostates as “false Christians” who had never truly received or believed the Lord Jesus Christ.

  However we believe that such interpretation misunderstands the exhortations in this epistle and thinks that one is incurable once he draws back e.g. “renew them again unto repentance” (see 6:6) “there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (see v.26) etc. and regards the chastisement as eternal perdition e.g. “curse…be burned” (see 6:) “fiery indignation…punishment… perdition” (see v.27 29 39). Please read the commentary of each above-mentioned verse. We believe that a true believer may also have the possibility of apostasy. However their end is not eternal perdition but some severe chastisement after judgment in the second coming of the Lord.

 

Heb. 10:39 “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”

YLT: “and we are not of those drawing back to destruction but of those believing to a preserving of soul.”

Meaning of Words: draw back”: withdraw; “perdition”: destruction;

Literal Meaning: “but we are not of those who draw back to perdition” “to perdition”: be punished by God’s fiery indignation after God’s judgment (see v.27-31); note that the perdition here is not eternal perdition according to the truth “believers are saved once for all” but a kind of great loss (see 1Cor. 3:15).

  “But of those who believe to the saving of the soul” if we are willing to lose our life for the sake of the Lord we will obtain life (Matt. 16:25; Luke 9:24; 17:33; John 12:25). That is to say if we lose the pleasure of soul for the sake of the Lord in this life we will receive the effect of faith namely the salvation of soul (1Pet. 1:9) and will be greatly rewarded in the future (see v.35).

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Sacrifices that Christ Offered

A.  The sacrifices offered according to the law of the old covenant were not perfect (v.1-4).

B.  The sacrifices Christ offered fulfill the will of God (v.5-10).

C.  The sacrifices Christ offered make us perfect forever (v.11-18).

D.  The sacrifices Christ offered are the foundation of our faith (v.19-25).

E.  The sacrifices Christ offered have the function of admonishment (v.26-31).

F.  The sacrifices Christ offered have the function of encouragement (v.32-29).

 

“No More”s in This Chapter

A.  Once purified believers would have had “no more” consciousness of sins (v.2).

B.  God will remember “no more” our sins and lawless deeds (v.17).

C.  Christ will offer for sin “no more” (v.18).

D.  If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth there remains a sacrifice for sins “no more” (v.26).

 

Differences between the High Priests among Men and the High Priest Christ

A.  The high priests among men “minister daily” (see v.11) and Christ “offered once” (see v.14).

B.  The high priests among men “stand” (see v.11) ---- which shows that the work has not been finished and Christ “sat down” (see v.12) ---- which shows that the work has not been perfected.

C.  The high priests among men “offer repeatedly the same sacrifices” (see v.11) and Christ “offered His body once for all” (see v.10).

D.  The high priests among men “offer the sacrifices that can never take away sins” (see v.11) and Christ “had offered once sacrifice for sins forever” (see v.12).

 

The Sacrifice Christ Offered is Perfect for the Reasons As Follows

A.  The same sacrifice ---- he offered Himself once for all (v.10 12).

B.  He sat down ---- the priests on the earth stand ministering daily and offering repeatedly (v.11-12).

C.  He is at the right hand of God ---- God has been perfectly satisfied (v.12).

D.  He is waiting till His enemies are made His footstool ---- He needs not to offer any sacrifice for sin any more (v.13).

E.  He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified (v.14).

F.   The Spirit witnesses the fulfillment of Christ’s works (v.15).

G.  Now we are enabled to come to the holy God with confidence (v.19).

 

Three Important Exhortations

A.  “Let us” draw near to God ---- present “our worship” (v.21-22);

1. With a true heart ---- composed;

2. Full assurance ---- confident;

3. Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience ---- cleansed;

B.  “Let us” hold fast the confession of our hope ---- adhere to “our witness” (v.23);

C.  “Let us” consider one another in order to stir up love and good works ---- do “our works” (v.24);

 

Go Forward with Confidence and Endurance till that Day

A.  He who draws back will be under God’s judgment in that Day (v.26-31);

B.  He who goes forward with confidence and endurance will receive great reward in that Day (v.32-39).

1. The motivation of going forward with confidence and endurance ---- recall the former days (v.32-34).

2. The result of confidence ---- receive great reward (v.35).

3. The reason for endurance ---- do the will of God (v.36).

4. The power of endurance ---- the just shall live by faith (v.37-38a the original).

5. The goal of advance ---- the saving of the soul (v.38b-39).

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou