Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 10:33
Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
33. ye were made a gazingstock ] Lit. “being set upon a stage” ( theatrizomenoi). The same metaphor is used in 1Co 4:9 (“We became a theatre,” comp. 1Co 15:32).
companions ] Rather, “partakers.”
that were so used ] “Who lived in this condition of things.”
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Partly – That is, your affliction consisted partly in this. The Greek is, this – specifying one kind of affliction that they were called to endure.
Whilst ye were made a gazing-stock – Greek theatrizomenoi – you were made a public spectacle, as if in a theater; you were held up to public view, or exposed to public scorn. When this was done, or in precisely what manner, we are not told. It was not an uncommon thing, however, for the early Christians to be held up to reproach and scorn, and probably this refers to some time when it was done by rulers or magistrates. It was a common custom among the Greeks and Romans to lead criminals, before they were put to death, through the theater, and thus to expose them to the insults and reproaches of the multitude. See the proofs of this adduced by Kuinoel on this passage. The language here seems to have been taken from this custom, though there is no evidence that the Christians to whom Paul refers had been treated in this manner.
By reproaches – Repreached as being the followers of Jesus of Nazareth; probably as weak and fanatical.
And afflictions – Various sufferings inflicted on them. They were not merely reviled in words, but they were made to endure positive sufferings of various kinds.
And partly, while ye became companions of them that were so used – That is, even when they had not themselves been subjected to these trials, they had sympathized with those who were. They doubtless imparted to them of their property; sent to them relief, and identified themselves with them. It is not known to what particular occasion the apostle here refers. In the next verse he mentions one instance in which they had done this, in aiding him when he was a prisoner.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 33. Ye were made a gazing-stock] . Ye were exhibited as wild beasts and other shows at the theatres. See the note on 1Cor 4:9, where all this is illustrated.
Companions of them that were so used.] It appears, from 1Th 2:14-15, that the Churches of God in Judea were greatly persecuted, and that they believed with courage and constancy in their persecutions. When any victim of persecuting rage was marked out, the rest were prompt to take his part, and acknowledge themselves believers in the same doctrine for which he suffered. This was a noble spirit; many would have slunk into a corner, and put off the marks of Christ, that they might not be exposed to affliction on this account.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; their sufferings personal in this famous instance, . They were so publicly exposed as on a stage or theatre, so as multitudes might sport themselves with them, 1Co 4:9; as many were exposed to be devoured by beasts in their public shows, 1Co 15:32. Or, to destroy them, exposed in their public courts of justice, and there taunted and reviled, as Christ foretold them, Mat 10:17,18. They were suffering reproaches and afflictions publicly both in word and deed. What nick-names imposed on them, what crimes imputed to them which they abhorred, what buffeting, scourging, tormenting, shackling, imprisoning, banishing, were they not exercised with, as their fellow Christians are to this day?
And partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used; their sufferings by participation, in presence and sympathy with their fellow Christians. This is another kind of it; they were consorts and sharers of all those members of Christ, who were so abused by the devil and his instruments, and they bore their burdens with them, were inwardly grieved for them, publicly owned and comforted them, supplied and supported them as they could, as Heb 10:34; 2Co 11:25,26.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
33. The persecutions herereferred to seem to have been endured by the Hebrew Christians attheir first conversion, not only in Palestine, but also in Rome andelsewhere, the Jews in every city inciting the populace and the Romanauthorities against Christians.
gazing-stockas in atheater (so the Greek): often used as the place ofpunishment in the presence of the assembled multitudes. Act 19:29;1Co 4:9, “Made a theatricalspectacle to the world.”
ye becameof your ownaccord: attesting your Christian sympathy with your sufferingbrethren.
companions ofsharersin affliction with.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Partly whilst ye were made a gazing stock,…. Brought upon the stage or theatre, and made a spectacle to the world, angels, and men, 1Co 4:9
both by reproaches and afflictions; suffering both in their characters and reputations, and in their persons and substance:
and partly whilst ye became companions of them that were so used; they maintained their communion with them, relieved them in distress, and sympathized with them.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Partly ( )
and partly ( ). Accusative of general reference () with and for contrast.
Being made a gazing-stock (). Late verb to bring upon the stage, to hold up to derision. See Paul’s use of of himself in 1Co 4:9.
By reproaches and afflictions ( ). Instrumental case. See Ro 15:3.
Partakers (). Partners (Lu 5:10) with those ( objective genitive).
So used ( ). Present middle articular participle of , to conduct oneself (2Co 1:12).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Whilst ye were made a gazing – stock [] . N. T. o. o LXX, o Class. Lit. exhibited in the theater. Comp. 1Co 4:9. Whilst ye became companions [ ] . Rend. by becoming partakers. More than companionship is implied. For koinwnoi see on Luk 5:10. The noun and its kindred verb in N. T. almost exclusively of ethical and spiritual relations, as 1Ti 5:22; 1Pe 4:13; 2 John 11; 1Co 10:18; 2Co 1:7; Phl 1:17. Even when applied to pecuniary contributions they imply Christian fellowship as the basis of the liberality. See on Rom 12:13; Rom 14:27; Phi 4:15.
Of them that were so used [ ] . Rend. “of them that fared thus.” Others render ” who conducted themselves thus “; endured their persecutions, so bravely. But the outwv can refer only to made a gazing – stock.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock,” (touto men theatrizomenoi) “While on the one hand you all were being theatrically exposed,” exposed as one acting, being gazed upon as one on the theatre stage, 1Co 4:9. Paul here describes dedicated church members as “a spectacle unto the world.” This alludes to public punishments inflicted to humiliate the punished party, as when the apostles were beaten one by one for preaching the gospel, Act 5:40-42.
2) “Both by reproaches and afflictions,” (oneidismoiste kai thlipsesin) “To both reproaches and afflictions,” objects of the world’s derision, sarcasm, scorning and scoffing, especially where epithets of insult were hurled at the saints; Our Lord foretold his disciples of such, Mat 5:11-12; Joh 15:20-21.
3) “And partly, whilst ye became companions,” (touto de genethentes koinois) “And while on the other hand ye became sharers, common associates,” voluntary friends and open companions showing love one for another; Even Jesus was not ashamed to call them brethren who, like their Lord, were to suffer such indignities, Heb 2:11; Act 4:13.
4) “Of them that were so used,” (ton houtos anastrephomenon genethentes) “Of those living in this manner,” of those who were enduring reproaches and afflictions. These were Christians who were not ashamed to be identified with their brethren who were in need, persecuted, derided and abused. They gladly bare or shared one another’s burdens and cares, fulfilling the love of Christ, Gal 5:13; Gal 6:1-2; Rom 15:1.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
33. Partly, whilst ye were made, etc. We see who they were whom he addresses, even those whose faith had been proved by no common trials, and yet he refrains not from exhorting them to greater things. Let no man therefore deceive himself by self-flattery as though he had reached the goal, or had no need of incentives from others.
Now he says, that they had been made gazingstocks both by reproaches and afflictions, or exposed to public shame by reproaches and distresses, as though they were exposed on a public theater. (192) We hence learn that the persecutions which they had sustained were remarkably severe. But we ought especially to notice the latter clause, when he says that they became companions, or associates of the godly in their persecutions; for as it is Christ’s cause for which all the godly contend, and as it is what their contend for in common, whatever one of them suffers, all the rest ought to transfer, as it were, to themselves; and this is what ought by all means to be done by us, unless we would separate ourselves from Christ himself. (193)
(192) The words may be rendered, “When ye were publicly exposed to reproaches and afflictions,” or, to revilings and persecutions. They were reproached with bad names, or reviled, and also oppressed and persecuted. — Ed.
(193) The latter clause of this verse is rendered the same as in our version by Beza and Macknight, while Grotius, Doddridge, Stuart and Bloomfield, give in effect this rendering, “when ye became partakers (i.e., in sympathy, and in their losses) with those who were so treated.” It signifies, says Grotius, that they sympathized with their brethren in their calamities, and also succored them as far as they could by praying for them, and administering to their wants. In Mat 23:30, κοινωνοὶ αὐτῶν is rendered, “partakers with them,” or sharers with them; and so it might be rendered here, “sharers with those who were so treated,” i.e., sharers in reproach and suffering. — Ed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(33) Whilst ye were made a gazingstock.Literally, being exposed in the theatre (see the Notes on Act. 19:29; 1Co. 4:9; 1Co. 15:32). Here also it is probable that the word has only a figurative sense.
Whilst ye became companions.Better, having become sharers with them that thus livedthat lived amidst reproaches and afflictions. Not companions only had they been, but sharers of the lot of their persecuted brethren, both by sympathy and by voluntary association with their sufferings.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
33. Made a gazing stock Literally, theatrized; that is, exposed to shame, as if a spectacle in a public theatre.
Reproaches Affecting their reputations.
Afflictions Affecting their persons and goods.
Companions Sympathizers and associates of despised and persecuted Christians.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Heb 10:33. Whilst ye were made a gazing flock While ye were openly exposed, as upon a theatre. St. Paul’s expression, 1Co 4:9 is, “we are made , a spectacle, as if we were exposed upon a theatre.” Here it is , openly exposed as upon a theatre: it is the same image expressed by the same word in effect,in both epistles; which, among many other unanswerable arguments, plainly points out the same inspired author of both. Dr. Heylin renders the next clause, one part of you being exposedwhile the other sympathized with them, as the companions of those who were so abused. There was a communion, a fellow-feeling of the evils which the brethren underwent.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Heb 10:33 . ] on the one hand on the other; partly partly . A genuinely Greek formula (comp. Wetstein ad loc .). In the N. T. only here.
] in that, on the one hand, by conditions of infamy (Heb 11:26 , Heb 13:13 ) and by tribulations, ye were made a spectacle (were exposed publicly to reviling). (belonging to the later period of the Greek language; see Lobeck, ad Phryn . p. 512) has reference to the assaults upon honour and good name, to assaults upon the person (the life) and outward possessions.
] comp. 1Co 4:9 : . The verb only here and with the Church Fathers.
] and, on the other hand, ye became associates (fellow-sufferers) sc . by the administering of consolation, and by efforts for the alleviation of their sufferings. is elucidated by , Heb 10:34 , thus alludes equally as the first half of the sentence to historic facts. Arbitrarily therefore Ebrard: the expression indicates that the readers, “by the act of their conversion, had become once for all associates in that community, of which they knew that it thus fared, or was thus wont to fare with it.”
] of those who were in such condition ( sc . ). Kypke, Storr, Bhme, Kuinoel, and others supplement the from the , Heb 10:32 : of those who thus walked, i.e. sustained with great stedfastness the contest of sufferings. In favour of this interpretation the authority of the ordinary Biblical use of may no doubt be urged. Since, however, , Heb 10:32 , is the general statement, which afterwards, Heb 10:33 , separates into two special subdivisions by means of , so in the second member can only refer back to the immediately foregoing characterization in the first member.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
Ver. 33. Made a gazing-stock ] Gr. , set upon a theatre; take it either properly, or metaphorically, both befell Christians. See1Co 4:91Co 4:9 .
Ye became companions of them ] Sympathy hath a strange force; as we see in the strings of an instrument; which being played upon (as they say), the strings of another instrument are also moved with it. (Dr Sibbs.) After love hath once kindled love, then the heart being melted is fit to receive any impression. Two spirits warmed with the same heat, will easily solder together.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
33 .] (the nature of these sufferings is now specified) partly (see reff.) being made a spectacle (the theatre being the place where conspicuous punishments were inflicted, on account of the multitudes there assembling. See Act 19:29 . The word may therefore be literally taken, if (see Prolegg. ii. and iii. 3) the Epistle was written to Rome, after the Neronian persecution . See reff., and cf. 1Co 4:9 , . Thl. says, , , . And Chrys., , , , , , ) in reproaches ( is a word of later Greek. The dat. is one of manner in which) and tribulations; partly also (see above), having become (there is something of purpose in , almost a middle sense, ‘having made yourselves.’ It is a fine encomium on their Christian sympathy and love) partakers with them who were thus living (viz. . : so c. and Thl. Some would give an ethical sense: “who walk,” have their Christian walk and conduct, “in this way,” viz. as he exhorts them to endure, manfully and firmly. So Kypke, Kuinoel, al. But I prefer the other as more in accord with N. T. usage: cf. reff.).
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Partly. Add “indeed”.
whilst, &c. = being.
made a gazingstock. Greek. theatrizomai. Only here. Compare 1Co 4:9 and App-133.
reproaches. Greek. oneidismos. See Rom 15:3.
afflictions. Greek. thlipsis. See Act 14:22.
companions. Greek. koinonos. See 2Co 1:7.
were . . . used = were thus living. Greek. anastrepho. See 2Co 1:12.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
33.] (the nature of these sufferings is now specified) partly (see reff.) being made a spectacle (the theatre being the place where conspicuous punishments were inflicted, on account of the multitudes there assembling. See Act 19:29. The word may therefore be literally taken, if (see Prolegg. ii. and iii. 3) the Epistle was written to Rome, after the Neronian persecution. See reff., and cf. 1Co 4:9, . Thl. says, , , . And Chrys., , , , , , ) in reproaches ( is a word of later Greek. The dat. is one of manner in which) and tribulations; partly also (see above), having become (there is something of purpose in , almost a middle sense, having made yourselves. It is a fine encomium on their Christian sympathy and love) partakers with them who were thus living (viz. . : so c. and Thl. Some would give an ethical sense: who walk, have their Christian walk and conduct, in this way, viz. as he exhorts them to endure, manfully and firmly. So Kypke, Kuinoel, al. But I prefer the other as more in accord with N. T. usage: cf. reff.).
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Heb 10:33. ) A pronoun with an adverbial meaning. Two heads are set before us, which are explained in inverse order by Chiasmus, Heb 10:34.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
made: Heb 11:36, Psa 71:7, Nah 3:6, Zec 3:8, 1Co 4:9
by reproaches: Heb 11:26, Heb 13:13, Psa 69:9, Psa 74:22, Psa 79:12, Psa 89:51, Isa 51:7, 2Co 12:10
whilst: Phi 1:7, Phi 4:14, 1Th 2:14, 2Ti 1:8, 2Ti 1:16-18
Reciprocal: Isa 8:18 – for signs Dan 11:32 – shall be Gal 4:29 – even Phi 1:30 – the same 2Th 1:5 – for 2Ti 3:11 – Persecutions Heb 12:2 – despising
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Heb 10:33. Made a gazingstock denotes an exhibition of something for people to gaze at with contempt. By reproaches and afflictions the enemy drew attention to the Christians with the result that they were made light of. Some did not personally have this experience, but they associated with and showed friendship for those who did, and thus brought unon themselves the same kind of reproaches.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Heb 10:33. Partly in that ye became a spectacle of shamea theatrical spectaclea term taken from those who were exposed in the theatre to shameful punishment (1Co 4:11)in the scornful taunts (you suffered) and in active persecution, and partly in that ye became partakers (partners) with those who were living and suffering in this way. The word living is not passive, but is repeatedly found in the Epistles to describe the actual condition of a mans life (chap. Heb 13:18; 2Co 1:12; 1Ti 3:15). Such reproach and affliction is recorded in Act 5:18; Act 5:40; Act 8:3; Act 11:19; Act 22:19; Act 26:10-11, and in the history of Paul himself (Act 21:27). All those instances must have been familiar to Hebrew believers.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Here our apostle particularly mentions the sufferings which the primitive saints underwent for the sake of Christianity, and reduces them to three heads, shame, pain, loss: They suffered in their names, by being disgraced; in their persons, by being scourged; in their estates, by the spoiling of their goods. Let all that make profession of the name of Christ expect and provide for such sufferings, especially for reproaches.
We may put a due value upon our names and reputations, but must not be over solicitous about the preservation of them. Let us keep in the way of our duty, and leave our good name to God’s care and keeping. The world first thunders out our reproaches, then falls into a storm persecution.
Learn hence, that all temporary sufferings, in all their aggravating circumstances, in all their formidable dress and appearance, may be, and oft-times are, the lot and portion of those who have undertaken the profession of Christianity. Ye endured a great fight of afflictions, whilst ye were made a gazing-stock to the world.
The Christians here wre exposed to the world as it were upon a stage, or in a theatre where multitudes might gaze upon them, revile, and make a sport of them.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a {p} gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became {q} companions of them that were so used.
(p) You were brought forth to be shamed.
(q) In taking their miseries, to be your miseries.