Bible Commentary

[It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God ] Fearful for the deliberate apostate and even for the penitent sinner (1Ch 21:13; 1Sa 24:14; LXX. Sir 2:18 ), and yet better in any case … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 10:31”

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. 30. Vengeance belongeth unto me ] The Scripture warrant adduced in support of this stern language is Deu 32:35, and a similar phrase (“O God, to whom vengeance belongeth”) is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 10:30”

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? 29. of how much sorer punishment ] The word for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 10:29”

He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 28. He that despised Moses’ law ] Especially by being guilty of the sin of idolatry (Deu 17:2-7). Literally, it is “ any one, on setting at nought Moses’ law.” died ] Lit., “dies.” Here is another of the favourite Jewish exegetical … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 10:28”

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 27. but a certain fearful looking for of judgment ] All that is left for willing apostates when they have turned their backs on the sole means of grace is “some fearful expectance of a judgment.” They are “heaping … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 10:27”

For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 26 31. A solemn Warning of the Peril of Wilful Apostasy 26. For if we sin wilfully) The word “wilfully” stands in contrast with sins of weakness, ignorance and error in Heb 5:2. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 10:26”

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. 25. the assembling of ourselves together ] i.e. “our Christian gatherings.” Apparently the flagging zeal and waning faith of the Hebrews had led some of them to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 10:25”

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 24. to provoke unto love ] “For provocation to love.” The word paroxusmos (whence our “paroxysm”) is more generally used in a bad sense, like the English word “provocation” (see Act 15:39; Deu 29:28; LXX.). And perhaps the writer here chose … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 10:24”

Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;) 23. the profession of our hope ] Rather, “the confession of our Hope.” Here we have the same trilogy of Christian graces as in St Paul Faith (Heb 10:22), Hope (Heb 10:23), and Love (Heb 10:24). without wavering … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 10:23”

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. 22. Let us draw near ] We have seen throughout that the notion of free access and approach to God is prominent in the writer’s mind. in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 10:22”