Hebrews 10:28

KJV

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

KJV (with Strong's)

He {G5100} that despised {G114} Moses {G3475}' law {G3551} died {G599} without {G5565} mercy {G3628} under {G1909} two {G1417} or {G2228} three {G5140} witnesses {G3144}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Someone who disregards the Torah of Moshe is put to death without mercy on the word of two or three witnesses.

Berean Standard Bible

Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

American Standard Version

A man that hath set at nought Moses’ law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:28 serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences for deliberate disobedience under the Old Covenant, specifically for those who contemptuously rejected the Mosaic Law. The verse highlights that such transgressions, when confirmed by multiple witnesses, resulted in death without any provision for mercy, thereby setting a foundational premise for the author's subsequent argument about the far graver implications of rejecting the New Covenant established through Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a profound warning passage in the Epistle to the Hebrews, spanning from [Hebrews 10:26](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26 - The Danger of Deliberate Sin") to [Hebrews 10:31](/hebrews/10-31 "Hebrews 10:31 - The Fearful Judgment of God"). Following a detailed exposition of Christ's superior sacrifice and the establishment of the New Covenant (e.g., [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), the author pivots to address the serious implications of apostasy. The immediate preceding verses (e.g., [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - No More Sacrifice for Sins")) speak of the terrifying prospect of judgment for those who willfully persist in sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth. Verse 28 then functions as an argument from the lesser to the greater, using the severity of the Old Covenant's penalties to underscore the even greater severity of rejecting the New.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish Christians, likely facing persecution or internal pressures, who were tempted to revert to Judaism and its Old Covenant practices. The author consistently demonstrates the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old, drawing heavily on Jewish traditions, laws, and sacrificial systems. The reference to "Moses' law" and the requirement of "two or three witnesses" directly invokes the judicial principles established in the Torah, particularly in passages such as [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Requirement for Capital Punishment") and [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - The Law of Witnesses"). These laws were central to the administration of justice in ancient Israel, ensuring that capital punishment was not executed based on a single, potentially false, accusation but on corroborated evidence, emphasizing the gravity and fairness of such proceedings.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Hebrews. Firstly, it highlights the **severity of God's justice** and the **consequences of disobedience**, even under the Old Covenant, thereby setting a precedent for understanding divine judgment. Secondly, it underscores the **authority and seriousness of God's revealed will**, whether given through Moses or, more supremely, through His Son. Thirdly, and most importantly, it functions as a critical component of the **argument from the lesser to the greater**, a rhetorical device frequently employed in Hebrews. If the Mosaic Law, which was a shadow of the good things to come ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")), carried such absolute penalties for its deliberate rejection, then the New Covenant, inaugurated by the perfect sacrifice of Christ and offering a better hope ([Hebrews 7:19](/hebrews/7-19 "Hebrews 7:19 - A Better Hope")), demands an even greater reverence and carries far more terrifying consequences for those who would willfully turn away from it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **despised (Greek, _athetéō_):** This term signifies more than a casual disregard; it implies a deliberate setting aside, nullifying, or treating as void. It conveys a strong sense of contempt, active rejection, or a willful renunciation of something that is established as authoritative or binding. In this context, it refers to a high-handed, intentional violation or rejection of the Mosaic Law, rather than an unintentional sin.
* **without mercy (Greek, _chōrís oiktirmós_):** The preposition _chōrís_ means "apart from" or "separate from," and _oiktirmós_ refers to "pity" or "mercy." Thus, the phrase emphasizes the absolute and unmitigated nature of the penalty. For certain capital offenses under the Mosaic Law (e.g., idolatry, blasphemy, premeditated murder), there was no provision for leniency, atonement, or a lesser punishment; the sentence of death was final and without reprieve.
* **witnesses (Greek, _mártys_):** This word refers to an individual who provides testimony, particularly in a legal or judicial context. In the Old Testament legal system, the requirement of "two or three witnesses" ([Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Requirement of Witnesses") and [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Law of Witnesses")) was a crucial safeguard against false accusations and ensured the veracity of the charges, especially in cases involving capital punishment. It underscored the seriousness and the careful deliberation required before a life was taken.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that despised Moses' law":** This clause identifies the specific offense and the nature of the transgression. "Despised" (as discussed above) indicates a deliberate, contemptuous rejection or nullification of the divine statutes given through Moses. This was not a sin of ignorance or weakness, but a high-handed rebellion against God's revealed will, which was considered an affront to God Himself.
* **"died without mercy":** This phrase describes the absolute and unyielding consequence of such deliberate defiance. For certain capital offenses under the Mosaic Law, the prescribed penalty was death, and there was no provision for a lesser sentence or an act of clemency. This highlights the severity of God's justice in the Old Covenant, where certain transgressions carried an irreversible and final judgment.
* **"under two or three witnesses":** This final clause specifies the legal condition under which such a judgment was carried out. It refers to the Old Testament legal principle (e.g., [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - The Law of Witnesses")) that capital punishment could only be enacted upon the testimony of at least two or three credible witnesses. This requirement ensured due process, prevented arbitrary executions, and underscored the gravity of the charges and the judicial process.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Hebrews 10:28, especially when read in conjunction with the verses that follow, is the **Argument from Lesser to Greater (A Fortiori)**. The author establishes a clear premise: if the Mosaic Law, which was a temporary and preparatory covenant, carried such severe and unmerciful penalties for its deliberate rejection, then the New Covenant, which is superior, eternal, and inaugurated by the very Son of God, will inevitably carry far more terrifying consequences for those who willfully turn away from it. This verse also employs **Juxtaposition**, implicitly contrasting the Old Covenant's strictness with the New Covenant's grace, while simultaneously highlighting the magnified danger of spurning that greater grace. The author uses this historical legal precedent as a **Rhetorical Foundation** to build the solemn warning that immediately follows in [Hebrews 10:29-31](/hebrews/10-29-31 "Hebrews 10:29-31 - A More Severe Punishment").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:28 serves as a potent theological anchor, emphasizing the unwavering holiness and justice of God. It reminds us that God's laws, whether under the Old or New Covenant, are not to be trifled with. The unyielding nature of the penalty for despising Moses' law underscores the gravity of deliberate sin and rebellion against divine revelation. This severity, far from being a relic of the past, sets the stage for understanding the even greater seriousness of rejecting the New Covenant, which is founded on a superior sacrifice and a more perfect mediator. The underlying principle is that the greater the revelation and the greater the grace offered, the more severe the judgment for its willful rejection.

* [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - The Law of Witnesses")
* [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Confirmation by Two or Three Witnesses")
* [Hebrews 2:2-3](/hebrews/2-2-3 "Hebrews 2:2-3 - The Greater Danger of Neglecting Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 10:28, while rooted in the Old Covenant, carries profound implications for believers today. It calls us to a sober reflection on the immense value of the salvation we have received through Christ. If deliberate rebellion against a temporary law brought such unmerciful judgment, how much more serious is it to willfully turn away from the eternal covenant sealed by the very blood of God's Son? This verse is not meant to instill fear in those who genuinely struggle with sin, but to warn against a high-handed, contemptuous rejection of Christ and His atoning work after having known the truth. It challenges us to examine our hearts for any lingering contempt for God's grace or a casual attitude toward the New Covenant. Our response to God's ultimate revelation in Christ must be one of profound reverence, steadfast faith, and diligent perseverance, recognizing the immense privilege and solemn responsibility that comes with being heirs of such a great salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "despise" or treat lightly the grace and truth revealed in Christ, even subtly?**
* **How does the severity of judgment under the Old Covenant deepen my appreciation for the mercy and grace offered in the New Covenant?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the seriousness of my commitment to Christ and the importance of perseverance in faith?**

### FAQ

**What specific sins under Moses' law resulted in death without mercy?**

Answer: While Hebrews 10:28 speaks generally of "despising Moses' law," the Old Testament prescribed capital punishment "without mercy" (meaning, without provision for a lesser penalty or atonement) for a range of high-handed sins that were considered direct affronts to God's holiness or the covenant. These included idolatry ([Deuteronomy 17:2-5](/deuteronomy/17-2-5 "Deuteronomy 17:2-5 - Punishment for Idolatry")), blasphemy ([Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Punishment for Blasphemy")), sacrificing children to Molech ([Leviticus 20:2](/leviticus/20-2 "Leviticus 20:2 - Punishment for Child Sacrifice")), witchcraft ([Leviticus 20:27](/leviticus/20-27 "Leviticus 20:27 - Punishment for Witchcraft")), premeditated murder ([Numbers 35:30-31](/numbers/35-30-31 "Numbers 35:30-31 - No Ransom for Murder")), and certain sexual offenses ([Leviticus 20:10-16](/leviticus/20-10-16 "Leviticus 20:10-16 - Sexual Offenses and Penalties")). The key characteristic was not merely committing the act, but doing so with a "high hand" or deliberate contempt for God's explicit commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 10:28, though describing the Old Covenant, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate revelation of God's justice and mercy through Jesus. The severity of the penalty for despising Moses' law serves as a stark backdrop to highlight the infinitely greater offense of rejecting Christ. If the law given through a servant (Moses) carried such dire consequences for its repudiation, how much more terrible is the judgment for those who "trample the Son of God underfoot, and count the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and do despite to the Spirit of grace" ([Hebrews 10:29](/hebrews/10-29 "Hebrews 10:29 - The Greater Punishment"))? Christ, as the perfect sacrifice and the mediator of a better covenant ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")), has fully satisfied the demands of God's justice. His blood, unlike the blood of animals under the Old Covenant, truly cleanses from sin and offers eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Therefore, to turn away from Him is to reject the very source of mercy and the ultimate provision for sin, leaving no further sacrifice for sins ([Hebrews 10:26](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26 - No More Sacrifice for Sins")). The fulfillment lies in the realization that while the Old Covenant demonstrated God's uncompromising holiness, the New Covenant in Christ reveals His perfect blend of justice and boundless grace, making the rejection of such grace the most perilous act of all.

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

Hebrews 2:2

For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

Deuteronomy 19:15

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Matthew 18:16

But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

John 8:17

It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

Numbers 15:30

¶ But the soul that doeth [ought] presumptuously, [whether he be] born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Numbers 15:31

Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity [shall be] upon him.

Deuteronomy 17:2

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,