Hebrews 10:27

KJV

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} a certain {G5100} fearful {G5398} looking for {G1561} of judgment {G2920} and {G2532} fiery {G4442} indignation {G2205}, which shall {G3195} devour {G2068} the adversaries {G5227}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but only the terrifying prospect of Judgment, of raging fire that will consume the enemies.

Berean Standard Bible

but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries.

American Standard Version

but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:27 delivers a stark and solemn warning, painting a vivid picture of the inevitable and terrifying judgment awaiting those who, having received the knowledge of the truth, deliberately and persistently reject God's ultimate provision for salvation in Christ. It describes a fearful anticipation of divine justice and a consuming, fiery wrath reserved for those who set themselves in opposition to God's will and grace, underscoring the profound seriousness of apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a severe warning passage in [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - The Warning Against Apostasy"), which serves as a climactic exhortation within the author's broader argument for the supremacy and finality of Christ's sacrifice. Immediately preceding, [Hebrews 10:26](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26 - No Sacrifice for Willful Sin") introduces the concept of "willful sin" after receiving the knowledge of the truth, implying a deliberate and conscious turning away from Christ. Following [Hebrews 10:27](/hebrews/10-27 "Hebrews 10:27 - The Fearful Expectation of Judgment"), the author continues to heighten the gravity of this rejection by referencing the Old Testament law regarding capital punishment for those who despised Moses' law ([Hebrews 10:28](/hebrews/10-28 "Hebrews 10:28 - The Severity of Old Covenant Punishment")), and then explicitly detailing the even greater punishment for those who trample the Son of God underfoot ([Hebrews 10:29](/hebrews/10-29 "Hebrews 10:29 - The Greater Punishment for Rejecting Christ")). The passage culminates with a reminder of God's vengeance and judgment ([Hebrews 10:30-31](/hebrews/10-30-31 "Hebrews 10:30-31 - God's Vengeance and the Fear of God")), emphasizing the terrifying reality of falling into the hands of the living God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Hebrews was addressed to a community of Jewish Christians, likely in Rome or Italy, who were experiencing significant persecution and social pressure. This intense external pressure, coupled with internal struggles, tempted some to abandon their Christian confession and revert to the perceived safety and familiarity of Judaism, with its established rituals and temple worship. The author's central purpose is to demonstrate the absolute superiority of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, its priesthood, and its sacrificial system. By systematically dismantling the perceived advantages of Judaism and exalting Christ as the ultimate High Priest and perfect sacrifice, the author sought to fortify their faith, prevent apostasy, and encourage perseverance. The warnings, including [Hebrews 10:27](/hebrews/10-27 "Hebrews 10:27 - The Fearful Expectation of Judgment"), are therefore not abstract theological statements but urgent pastoral appeals to a specific audience facing a real and present danger of spiritual defection.

* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 10:27](/hebrews/10-27 "Hebrews 10:27 - The Fearful Expectation of Judgment") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Hebrews. Foremost is the **finality and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice**, which is presented as the singular, perfect, and ultimate atonement for sin, rendering all previous sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Consequently, a major theme is the **seriousness of apostasy**, highlighting that there is no further remedy for those who deliberately reject this completed work. This leads to the theme of the **certainty and severity of divine judgment** for those who persistently oppose God's gracious provision. The "fiery indignation" underscores God's righteous wrath against unrighteousness, especially against those who spurn His Son. Finally, the verse implicitly reinforces the theme of **perseverance in faith**, urging believers to hold fast to their confession and not shrink back, lest they face the terrifying consequences described.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fearful (Greek, _phoberós_):** Derived from the word for "fear," this adjective describes something that inspires terror, dread, or awe. It signifies not merely a feeling of fear, but an objective quality of being formidable or terrible. In this context, it emphasizes the inherent dreadfulness of the impending judgment, not just a subjective feeling of the one awaiting it.
* **looking for (Greek, _ekdochḗ_):** This noun denotes an "expectation" or "reception." It implies an active waiting or anticipation of something that is sure to come. Combined with "fearful," it paints a picture of a terrifying, unavoidable expectation, highlighting the certainty and imminence of the judgment for those who have forsaken the truth.
* **devour (Greek, _esthíō_):** While literally meaning "to eat," in this context, it is used metaphorically to describe the destructive and consuming nature of the "fiery indignation." It conveys the idea of complete consumption, annihilation, or overwhelming destruction, signifying the thorough and devastating effect of God's wrath upon His adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But a certain fearful looking for of judgment":** This clause introduces a stark contrast ("But") to the previous discussion of Christ's perfect sacrifice and the access it provides to God. It describes a specific, terrifying expectation of divine judgment. The term "certain" (G5100, _tìs_) here emphasizes the inevitability and definiteness of this outcome for those who fit the description of "willful sin" in the preceding verse. It's not a vague possibility, but a concrete, dreaded anticipation.
* **"and fiery indignation,":** This phrase elaborates on the nature of the judgment. "Fiery" (G4442, _pŷr_) immediately evokes imagery of intense heat, purification, and destruction, often associated with divine wrath in both Old and New Testaments. "Indignation" (G2205, _zēlos_) refers to intense passion, zeal, or jealousy, here signifying God's righteous and consuming wrath against sin and rebellion. It's not a cold, detached judgment, but an active, fervent, and consuming divine response.
* **"which shall devour the adversaries.":** This final clause specifies the target and effect of the "fiery indignation." The judgment is not indiscriminate but directed specifically at "the adversaries" (G5227, _hypenantíos_), those who are hostile, opposed, or set against God and His truth. The verb "devour" (G2068, _esthíō_) reinforces the destructive and consuming power of this judgment, indicating a complete and inescapable ruin for those who persist in their opposition to God's ultimate revelation in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several powerful literary devices in [Hebrews 10:27](/hebrews/10-27 "Hebrews 10:27 - The Fearful Expectation of Judgment") to underscore the gravity of his warning. **Imagery** is prominently used, particularly with the phrase "fiery indignation," which conjures a vivid mental picture of consuming fire, a common biblical metaphor for divine wrath and judgment. This sensory detail enhances the emotional impact and conveys the intense, destructive nature of God's response to deliberate rebellion. The verb "devour" further extends this imagery, suggesting a complete and inescapable consumption. The phrase "fearful looking for" employs **personification** or **abstract personification**, as "looking for" (expectation) is given the quality of being "fearful," emphasizing the inherent terror associated with the impending judgment itself. The entire verse functions as a powerful **warning** or **exhortation**, designed not merely to inform but to provoke a specific response—to deter apostasy and encourage steadfastness in faith. It also contains an implicit **contrast** with the preceding verses that speak of the peace and access gained through Christ's sacrifice, highlighting the dire alternative for those who reject such grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:27 stands as a stark reminder of the biblical truth that God is both merciful and just. While His grace in Christ offers full salvation and forgiveness, His holiness demands a response to sin, especially the willful rejection of His ultimate provision. This verse emphasizes that for those who deliberately turn away from the completed work of Christ, there remains no other sacrifice or means of atonement, only the terrifying prospect of divine judgment. It underscores the profound seriousness of rejecting the Gospel, portraying God's wrath not as arbitrary anger, but as a righteous and consuming indignation against those who set themselves as His adversaries, having spurned His Son and the covenant sealed by His blood. This is a crucial theological point: the very grace offered in Christ, when rejected, becomes the measure of the judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - Vengeance on Those Who Do Not Know God")
* [Revelation 20:15](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Lake of Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 10:27 is a sobering passage that calls every individual to serious self-examination regarding their response to the Gospel. It is not intended to instill fear in the heart of the sincere believer who may stumble or struggle, for whom Christ's advocacy remains ([1_john/2-1-2](/1-john/2-1-2 "1 John 2:1-2 - Christ Our Advocate")). Rather, it serves as a grave warning against a deliberate, conscious, and final rejection of Christ's atoning work after having genuinely understood and experienced the truth. For those who have embraced Christ, it compels a deeper appreciation for the immense grace received and a renewed commitment to persevere in faith, recognizing the eternal consequences of turning back. For those who have not yet committed their lives to Christ, or who are wavering, this verse underscores the urgency of responding to God's gracious invitation to salvation, for there is no other way to escape the coming judgment. It challenges us to consider the infinite value of Christ's sacrifice and the profound danger of treating it lightly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "willful sin" in the context of Hebrews 10:26-27 imply about the nature of apostasy, and how does it differ from unintentional sin or a momentary lapse in faith?**
* **How does the imagery of "fiery indignation" shape your understanding of God's justice and wrath against sin?**
* **In what ways might someone today "devour" themselves by becoming an "adversary" to God's truth, even if not through an explicit rejection of Christ?**
* **How does the warning in this verse deepen your appreciation for the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, and how should that appreciation impact your daily life and perseverance in faith?**

### FAQ
**Does Hebrews 10:27 mean that if a Christian sins, they will face this fearful judgment?**

Answer: No, [Hebrews 10:27](/hebrews/10-27 "Hebrews 10:27 - The Fearful Expectation of Judgment") does not mean that every sin committed by a Christian leads to this "fearful looking for of judgment." The context of [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - The Warning Against Apostasy") is crucial. It speaks of "willful sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth," which refers not to isolated acts of sin, but to a deliberate, persistent, and final rejection of Christ and His atoning sacrifice. This is a turning away from the Christian faith itself, an act of apostasy, where one consciously despises the blood of the covenant and insults the Spirit of grace ([Hebrews 10:29](/hebrews/10-29 "Hebrews 10:29 - The Greater Punishment for Rejecting Christ")). For genuine believers, Christ's sacrifice remains sufficient for their sins, and they have an advocate in Him ([1_john/2-1-2](/1-john/2-1-2 "1 John 2:1-2 - Christ Our Advocate")). The warning is for those who would abandon the only means of salvation, thereby leaving themselves without any hope of atonement and facing the just wrath of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 10:27, with its terrifying portrayal of judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the condemnation of believers, but in the profound truth that Jesus Christ Himself is the one who bore this very "fiery indignation" on our behalf. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), enduring the full wrath of God against sin so that those who believe in Him might escape it. The "judgment" and "fiery indignation" described here are precisely what Christ experienced on the cross, becoming a curse for us ([galatians/3-13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Therefore, for those who are "in Christ," there is now [no condemnation](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus"), because the "fearful looking for of judgment" has been absorbed by Him. He is not only the judge before whom all must stand ([john/5-22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")), but also the Savior who delivers us from the wrath to come ([1_thessalonians/1-10](/1-thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from the Coming Wrath")). Thus, this verse, while a stark warning to adversaries, simultaneously magnifies the glorious and saving work of Christ for His people, who now look forward not to fearful judgment, but to the blessed hope of His return ([titus/2-13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Looking for the Blessed Hope")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 26:11

LORD, [when] thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: [but] they shall see, and be ashamed for [their] envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

Hebrews 2:3

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];

Zephaniah 1:18

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

Hebrews 12:25

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:

Hebrews 9:27

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Nahum 1:2

¶ God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies.

Matthew 8:29

And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?