Hebrews 10:27

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

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}.

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

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

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

Hebrews 10:27 serves as a solemn warning within the author's larger argument for the superiority and finality of Christ's sacrifice. Following the severe caution against willful sin in Hebrews 10:26, this verse describes the terrifying outcome for those who deliberately reject the truth of the Gospel.

Context of Hebrews 10:27

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and temptation to revert to the familiar rituals and laws of Judaism. The author systematically demonstrates how Jesus Christ and His new covenant are infinitely superior to the Old Covenant's sacrifices and priesthood. Verses 26-31 constitute a dire warning against apostasy, emphasizing that there is no further sacrifice for sins if one deliberately turns away from the completed work of Christ. This passage underscores the seriousness of rejecting God's ultimate provision for salvation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Certainty of Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully conveys the inevitability of God's righteous judgment for those who persistently oppose Him. It's not a mere possibility but a "certain fearful looking for."
  • Severity of God's Wrath: The phrase "fiery indignation" vividly portrays the intense and consuming nature of God's wrath against deliberate rebellion and unbelief. This divine response is just and proportionate to the rejection of His grace.
  • Consequences for Adversaries: The judgment is specifically directed towards "adversaries," referring to those who set themselves against God, particularly by rejecting His Son and the new covenant established through Christ's blood.
  • No Alternative Sacrifice: Implicit in this warning is the idea that Christ's sacrifice is final and sufficient. To reject it means to be left without any means of atonement, leading to certain judgment. Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "fearful looking for" translates the Greek phobēra tis ekdochē (φοβερὰ τις ἐκδοχὴ), highlighting a terrifying expectation or reception of judgment. It's a dread-filled anticipation of what is to come.
  • "Fiery indignation" comes from the Greek pyros zēlos (πυρὸς ζῆλος). Zēlos can mean zeal, jealousy, or intense passion, and here it signifies a burning, consuming wrath or divine fervor against unrighteousness. This imagery often evokes Old Testament descriptions of God's judgment, as seen in Isaiah 26:11.
  • "Adversaries" translates hypenantious (ὑπεναντίους), meaning those who are opposite, hostile, or set against. In this context, it refers to those who actively oppose or reject God's truth and His provision for salvation.

Practical Application and Reflection

Hebrews 10:27 serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of one's response to the Gospel. It calls believers to persevere in their faith and not to treat the sacrifice of Christ lightly. For those who have not yet embraced Christ, it underscores the urgency of responding to God's gracious invitation to salvation, as there is no other way to escape the coming judgment (John 3:18). This verse is not meant to instill fear in sincere believers who stumble, but to issue a grave warning against a deliberate and final rejection of Christ and His atoning work, which inevitably leads to the judgment of God's fiery indignation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back