Hebrews 10:30

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.

For {G1063} we know {G1492} him that hath said {G2036}, Vengeance {G1557} belongeth unto me {G1698}, I {G1473} will recompense {G467}, saith {G3004} the Lord {G2962}. And {G2532} again {G3825}, The Lord {G2962} shall judge {G2919} his {G846} people {G2992}.

For the One we know is the One who said,

“Vengeance is my responsibility;
I will repay,”

and then said,

“Adonai will judge his people.”

For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”

For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

Commentary

Hebrews 10:30 serves as a solemn reminder of God's ultimate authority and righteous judgment. It directly quotes from the Old Testament, emphasizing that God alone holds the right to vengeance and recompense, and He will indeed judge His people.

Context

This verse appears within a larger section of Hebrews (chapters 10-12) that warns against apostasy and encourages perseverance in faith. The author has just described the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the Old Covenant sacrifices (Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 10:10). Following this, a stark warning is given about the consequence of willfully sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth (Hebrews 10:26). Verse 30 reinforces this warning by quoting two passages from Deuteronomy 32:35-36, part of the Song of Moses, which speaks of God's justice and judgment upon Israel's disobedience. The author uses these ancient warnings to underscore the seriousness of rejecting Christ's sacrifice and turning away from faith.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereignty in Judgment: The primary message is that judgment belongs exclusively to God. Humans are not to take matters of vengeance into their own hands, a principle also echoed by Paul in Romans 12:19. God, being perfectly just and all-knowing, is the only one qualified to execute true recompense.
  • Divine Vengeance and Recompense: The terms "vengeance" (KJV: "Vengeance [belongeth] unto me") and "recompense" speak to God's active response to sin and unrighteousness. This isn't a capricious or emotional act, but a righteous and necessary attribute of His character, ensuring that justice is ultimately served.
  • Warning Against Apostasy: In the immediate context of Hebrews, these quotes serve as a severe caution to those who might be tempted to abandon their Christian faith. The author reminds them that escaping God's judgment is impossible for those who reject His grace. The "people" He will judge include those who were once His, highlighting the accountability of those who have known the truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "vengeance" here is ekdikēsis (ἐκδίκησις), which implies a righteous judgment or vindication, not merely personal revenge. It refers to the process of executing justice and setting things right. "Recompense" comes from antapodidōmi (ἀνταποδίδωμι), meaning "to give back in return," whether good for good or evil for evil. This emphasizes the principle of divine retribution, where actions have consequences determined by God.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse offers several profound applications. First, it reassures us that God is a God of justice, who will ultimately right all wrongs and ensure that evil does not prevail. This can bring comfort in times of injustice. Second, it serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of perseverance in faith. We are called to live reverently, knowing that we are accountable to God. Finally, it reinforces the call to leave vengeance to the Lord, trusting in His perfect timing and method of justice, rather than seeking personal retribution (1 Peter 2:23).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 32:35

    To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

  • Deuteronomy 32:36

    For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that [their] power is gone, and [there is] none shut up, or left.

  • Romans 12:19

    Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 50:4

    He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:10

    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

  • Psalms 96:13

    Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
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