Hebrews 10:33

KJV

Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

KJV (with Strong's)

Partly {G5124}{G3303}, whilst ye were made a gazingstock {G2301} both {G5037} by reproaches {G3680} and {G2532} afflictions {G2347}; and {G1161} partly {G5124}, whilst ye became {G1096} companions {G2844} of them that were {G390} so {G3779} used {G390}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sometimes you were publicly disgraced and persecuted, while at other times you stood loyally by those who were treated this way.

Berean Standard Bible

Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated.

American Standard Version

partly, being made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:33 vividly recounts the dual nature of the early believers' suffering: enduring public humiliation and physical affliction themselves, and actively choosing to stand in solidarity with others who faced similar persecution. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of their past faithfulness and resilience, setting the stage for the author's subsequent exhortation to persevere and not shrink back from their commitment to Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the author's extended appeal for perseverance and faithfulness in [Hebrews 10](/hebrews/10 "Hebrews 10 - Perseverance and the Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice"), particularly following the profound theological exposition of Christ's superior sacrifice. Having established the new covenant's superiority and the efficacy of Christ's blood, the author pivots to practical exhortation, reminding his audience of their initial commitment and the trials they had already endured. [Hebrews 10:32](/hebrews/10-32 "Hebrews 10:32 - Remembering Past Endurance") explicitly calls them to "call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions." Verse 33 then elaborates on the specific nature of these "afflictions," detailing both their personal experience of public shame and their compassionate identification with fellow sufferers. This recollection of past endurance serves as a rhetorical foundation, strengthening the subsequent warnings against shrinking back and the encouragement to hold fast to their confession.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The recipients of the book of Hebrews were likely Jewish Christians in the first century, possibly in Rome or Italy, facing significant social and religious pressure. Early Christianity was not only a new religion but also viewed with suspicion by both Roman authorities and traditional Judaism. Christians refused to participate in emperor worship or the traditional Roman pantheon, leading to accusations of atheism and disloyalty. For Jewish Christians, abandoning the synagogue and its established traditions for Christ meant social ostracism, economic hardship, and potential disinheritance. Public shaming, as implied by "made a gazingstock," could involve public trials, mockery, or even theatrical displays of punishment, common in Roman society for those deemed subversive. Becoming "companions of them that were so used" indicates a profound act of solidarity, as associating with condemned or ostracized individuals would inevitably bring similar condemnation upon oneself. This context underscores the immense courage and cost involved in their initial commitment to Christ.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 10:33 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **suffering and persecution** as an expected part of the Christian life, a reality consistently addressed throughout the New Testament (e.g., [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Christian solidarity and fellowship** (koinonia), demonstrating that true faith compels believers to stand with and support one another, especially in times of trial, echoing the call to [bear one another's burdens](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing Burdens"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **perseverance and endurance**, as the author uses their past resilience as a basis for urging continued faithfulness in the face of ongoing challenges, a central message of the entire epistle (e.g., [Hebrews 12:1-3](/hebrews/12-1-3 "Hebrews 12:1-3 - Running the Race with Endurance")). Finally, it subtly reinforces the **cost of discipleship**, reminding the audience that following Christ often entails significant personal sacrifice and public reproach.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gazingstock (Greek, _theatrízō'_):** This word literally means "to expose as a spectacle" or "to make a public show of." It is derived from the Greek word for "theater" (theatron), vividly conveying the idea of being put on public display for ridicule, scorn, and humiliation, much like actors on a stage or criminals exposed for public derision. It speaks to the deliberate and public nature of the suffering endured by these believers.
* **Reproaches (Greek, _oneidismós'_):** This term signifies "contumely," which refers to insulting or abusive treatment, public disgrace, or shame. It encompasses verbal abuse, slander, mockery, and the social scorn directed at them because of their faith. This highlights the psychological and social toll of their persecution.
* **Companions (Greek, _koinōnós'_):** Meaning "a sharer" or "associate," this word emphasizes a deep bond of fellowship and shared experience. It implies that these believers did not merely observe the suffering of others but actively participated in it, identifying with and supporting their persecuted brethren. This speaks to the profound concept of Christian *koinonia*, where believers share in both joys and sufferings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions":** This clause describes the direct suffering experienced by the recipients. They were publicly humiliated and shamed ("made a gazingstock"), subjected to verbal abuse and insults ("reproaches"), and endured various forms of hardship and distress ("afflictions"). This indicates a comprehensive assault on their dignity, social standing, and physical well-being due to their Christian faith. The use of "partly" suggests this was one significant aspect of their trials.
* **"and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used":** This second clause reveals another dimension of their suffering: their active solidarity with other persecuted believers. They did not distance themselves from those who were "so used" (i.e., subjected to the same reproaches and afflictions). Instead, they "became companions," indicating a deliberate choice to share in the suffering of their brethren, which in turn brought the same persecution upon themselves. This highlights their selfless love, courage, and commitment to the Christian community.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several literary devices in [Hebrews 10:33](/hebrews/10-33 "Hebrews 10:33 - The Believers' Past Suffering"). **Metaphor** is evident in the phrase "made a gazingstock," which uses the imagery of a theatrical spectacle to convey the public humiliation and exposure faced by the believers. This **vivid imagery** paints a powerful picture of their suffering, making it relatable and impactful for the audience. The verse also utilizes **parallelism** by presenting two distinct but related aspects of their suffering: direct personal affliction and empathetic solidarity with others. This structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their trials. Furthermore, the use of strong, emotionally charged words like "reproaches" and "afflictions" contributes to the **pathos**, evoking sympathy and admiration for the endurance of these early Christians.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:33 profoundly connects the experience of suffering to the essence of Christian discipleship and community. It illustrates that following Christ often entails public scorn and personal hardship, mirroring the path of Christ Himself, who endured reproach and suffering outside the camp ([Hebrews 13:12-13](/hebrews/13-12-13 "Hebrews 13:12-13 - Bearing Christ's Reproach")). The verse also underscores the vital theological concept of *koinonia* (fellowship), where believers are not isolated but are bound together in shared experience, including suffering. This solidarity is not merely passive sympathy but active identification, demonstrating a practical outworking of love and unity within the body of Christ, a love that is willing to bear the burdens of others.

* [Philippians 1:29-30](/philippians/1-29-30 "Philippians 1:29-30 - Suffering for Christ")
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Being a Christian")
* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 10:33 offers timeless insights for believers navigating a world often hostile to faith. It reminds us that suffering for Christ is not an anomaly but, at times, an expected part of the journey. While the specific forms of "gazingstock" may differ today, Christians still face social ostracism, verbal abuse, professional discrimination, or even physical persecution in various contexts globally. This verse challenges us to cultivate a resilient faith that is prepared to stand firm, even when it means public disapproval or personal cost. More profoundly, it calls us to active solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who suffer. Our faith is not meant to be a private, isolated pursuit but a communal journey where we bear one another's burdens, offering practical support, prayer, and unwavering companionship. This shared experience of suffering and mutual encouragement not only strengthens the bonds of Christian community but also serves as a powerful witness to the world of the transformative power of Christ's love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might believers today be "made a gazingstock" or face "reproaches and afflictions" for their faith, even if not in a literal public arena?**
* **How can we practically "become companions" of those in our local or global Christian community who are suffering for their faith?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of solidarity and empathy with persecuted believers?**
* **How does remembering the endurance of past believers, like those in Hebrews, encourage my own perseverance in faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "made a gazingstock" mean in the context of early Christian persecution?**

The phrase "made a gazingstock" (Greek: _theatrízō_) literally means to be exposed as a public spectacle or put on display for public view, ridicule, and scorn. In the context of early Christian persecution, it refers to the public humiliation and shame that believers endured for their faith. This could have involved being paraded through the streets, subjected to public trials, mocked in public forums, or even displayed in arenas for entertainment or as a warning to others. It emphasizes that their suffering was not private but a deliberate, public act intended to disgrace and intimidate them. This public exposure was a significant part of the "reproaches and afflictions" they faced, designed to pressure them into renouncing their Christian commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 10:33, while describing the suffering of early believers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "gazingstock," publicly shamed and exposed for the sins of humanity. Christ endured the ultimate "reproaches" and "afflictions" when He was mocked, beaten, and crucified outside the city gate, becoming a spectacle of shame for the world ([Hebrews 13:12-13](/hebrews/13-12-13 "Hebrews 13:12-13 - Bearing Christ's Reproach")). His suffering was not merely physical but included the profound spiritual anguish of bearing the world's sin and being forsaken by God ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Furthermore, Christ Himself became the ultimate "companion" to humanity in its suffering, not merely observing but fully identifying with our brokenness and pain. He "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")), entering into the human condition to redeem it. Through His suffering, He sympathizes with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Sympathy as High Priest")) and empowers us to endure our own trials. Thus, the believers' endurance in Hebrews 10:33 is a reflection of Christ's greater endurance, and their solidarity with one another is a participation in His compassionate identification with humanity, leading them to share in His sufferings and glory ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")).

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

1 Corinthians 4:9

For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

Philippians 4:14

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Philippians 1:7

¶ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Isaiah 51:7

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart [is] my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

Psalms 74:22

Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.

1 Thessalonians 2:14

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews:

Hebrews 11:36

And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: