Hebrews 10:35

KJV

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cast {G577} not {G3361} away {G577} therefore {G3767} your {G5216} confidence {G3954}, which {G3748} hath {G2192} great {G3173} recompence of reward {G3405}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So don’t throw away that courage of yours, which carries with it such a great reward.

Berean Standard Bible

So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.

American Standard Version

Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:35 serves as a potent exhortation to believers facing trials, urging them to steadfastly maintain their spiritual boldness and conviction. This verse underscores the profound and enduring value of such perseverance, promising a significant, divinely appointed reward for those who refuse to abandon their faith amidst adversity. It functions as a pivot point in the epistle, linking past faithfulness to future hope, and encouraging continued endurance in the Christian journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical section of the Epistle to the Hebrews (chapters 10-12) that transitions from theological exposition to practical exhortation. Immediately preceding [Hebrews 10:35](/hebrews/10-35 "Hebrews 10:35 - Cast Not Away Your Confidence"), the author reminds his readers of their past faithfulness and the severe persecution they bravely endured, even joyfully accepting the plunder of their possessions because they possessed "a better and an enduring substance" in heaven ([Hebrews 10:32-34](/hebrews/10-32-34 "Hebrews 10:32-34 - Remembering Past Endurance")). The "therefore" (οὖν, _oun_) in [Hebrews 10:35](/hebrews/10-35 "Hebrews 10:35 - Cast Not Away Your Confidence") directly connects this command to their admirable past conduct, urging them not to regress or lose heart in their present struggles. The subsequent verse, [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - Perseverance for the Promise"), reinforces this call to endurance, emphasizing the necessity of patience to receive the promised reward from God. The broader literary context of [Hebrews 10](/hebrews/10 "Hebrews 10 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") contrasts the inadequacy of the Old Covenant sacrifices with the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, which grants believers confident access to God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")). This theological foundation undergirds the practical call to perseverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was likely written to a community of Jewish Christians who were experiencing significant persecution, possibly around the time of Emperor Nero's reign (mid-60s AD) or Domitian's (late 80s-early 90s AD). They faced social ostracism, confiscation of property, and potentially even martyrdom, as suggested by the reference to "a great fight of afflictions" ([Hebrews 10:32](/hebrews/10-32 "Hebrews 10:32 - Remembering Past Suffering")). This pressure tempted some to revert to Judaism, which was a legally recognized religion in the Roman Empire, offering a measure of safety compared to the nascent and often persecuted Christian faith. The author's repeated warnings against "drawing back" ([Hebrews 10:38-39](/hebrews/10-38-39 "Hebrews 10:38-39 - Not of Those Who Shrink Back")) and his emphasis on the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant were designed to strengthen these believers, reminding them of the eternal stakes and the futility of abandoning their faith for temporary relief. The concept of "recompence of reward" would have resonated with their understanding of divine justice and covenant faithfulness, where obedience brought blessing.
* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 10:35](/hebrews/10-35 "Hebrews 10:35 - Cast Not Away Your Confidence") contributes significantly to several major themes woven throughout the epistle. **Perseverance in Faith** is paramount, as the author consistently urges believers not to drift away ([Hebrews 2:1](/hebrews/2-1 "Hebrews 2:1 - Drift Not Away")), harden their hearts ([Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Hebrews 3:7-8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")), or shrink back ([Hebrews 10:39](/hebrews/10-39 "Hebrews 10:39 - Shrink Not Back")). This steadfastness is directly linked to **Confidence in Christ**, which is not mere self-assurance but a deep-seated conviction and boldness derived from Christ's completed work and His ongoing intercession. This "confidence" (παρρησία, _parrēsia_) grants believers the privilege of drawing near to God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Boldness to the Throne of Grace")) and holding fast to their confession ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Hold Fast Our Confession")). Finally, the promise of **Future Reward** is a powerful motivator for endurance. This "great recompence of reward" refers to the eschatological blessings, inheritance, and eternal life that await those who remain faithful, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and the eternal value of present suffering for Christ's sake, a theme echoed in [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - God Rewards Those Who Seek Him").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast away (Greek, _apobállō'_):** From G577. This verb literally means "to throw off" or "to cast away," but figuratively, as used here, it means "to lose." The imperative "cast not away" is a strong prohibition against abandoning or discarding one's confidence. It implies a deliberate act of letting go, which the author sternly warns against.
* **Confidence (Greek, _parrēsía'_):** From G3954. This rich term signifies "all out-spokenness," "frankness," "bluntness," or "publicity." By implication, it conveys "assurance" or "boldness." In a spiritual context, it denotes the privilege of confident access to God and the unreserved profession of faith. It's not merely an internal feeling but an outward posture of conviction and freedom to speak and act based on one's faith.
* **Recompence of reward (Greek, _misthapodosía'_):** From G3405. This noun denotes "requital," which can be good or bad, but in this context, it clearly refers to a positive "recompence of reward." It emphasizes the certainty of God's just and generous payment for faithful endurance, highlighting the divine promise of future blessing for present perseverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cast not away therefore your confidence,"**: This opening clause issues a direct and urgent command. The "therefore" (οὖν, _oun_) links this exhortation to the preceding discussion of their past endurance and the superiority of Christ's sacrifice. The phrase "cast not away" (ἀποβάλλητε, _apoballēte_) is a strong prohibition, warning against the deliberate act of discarding or losing their "confidence" (παρρησία, _parrēsía_). This confidence is not self-assurance but a spiritual boldness and freedom to approach God and live out their faith, rooted in Christ's finished work. The author implies that this confidence is something precious and vital, which they are in danger of forsaking.
* **"which hath great recompence of reward."**: This second clause provides the powerful motivation for the command. The "which" (ἥτις, _hētis_) refers back to the "confidence," indicating that this very confidence is intrinsically linked to, or results in, a "great recompence of reward." The term "great" (μεγάλη, _megalē_) emphasizes the immense value and significance of this future payment. "Recompence of reward" (μισθαποδοσία, _misthapodosía_) signifies a just and generous requital from God, assuring believers that their steadfastness and suffering are not in vain but will be abundantly honored by God in due time. This promise serves as a powerful incentive to endure.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Exhortation**, a direct and urgent appeal to the readers to maintain their spiritual posture. The use of the negative imperative, "Cast not away," makes the command particularly emphatic, highlighting the danger of apostasy or spiritual regression. There is also a clear use of **Motivation** through the promise of "great recompence of reward," which serves as a powerful incentive for perseverance. This promise functions as a **Theological Incentive**, grounding the call to endurance in God's character as a rewarder of faithfulness. Furthermore, the concept of "confidence" (παρρησία, _parrēsía_) itself carries a strong sense of **Symbolism**, representing not just an internal state but an outward, bold posture of faith and access to God, a privilege earned by Christ's sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:35 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of divine faithfulness and human perseverance. It underscores the truth that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him and endure in faith. This "great recompence of reward" is not earned merit in a legalistic sense, but rather the gracious fulfillment of God's promises to those who remain steadfast in their covenant relationship with Him. It speaks to the eschatological hope of the believer, where present suffering and faithfulness are weighed against an eternal glory and inheritance. The confidence mentioned is a gift of the New Covenant, enabling believers to approach God without fear, a privilege that must be guarded and exercised.

* [James 1:12](/james/1-12 "James 1:12 - Blessed is the Man Who Endures Temptation")
* [Revelation 2:10](/revelation/2-10 "Revelation 2:10 - Be Faithful Unto Death")
* [Matthew 5:12](/matthew/5-12 "Matthew 5:12 - Great is Your Reward in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 10:35 offers a timeless and urgent message for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of life. In a world that often pressures us to compromise our convictions, abandon our hope, or grow weary in well-doing, this verse stands as a powerful call to spiritual fortitude. Our "confidence" in Christ—our boldness to approach God, our unwavering conviction in His truth, and our public profession of faith—is not something to be lightly discarded. It is a precious spiritual asset, purchased by Christ's blood, which carries with it the promise of an immeasurable future reward. When faced with discouragement, opposition, or the temptation to shrink back, we are reminded that our present struggles are temporary, but the "recompence of reward" is eternal and glorious. This divine assurance fuels our perseverance, enabling us to fix our eyes on the unseen realities and the faithful God who promises to honor our steadfastness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific challenges or pressures in your life currently tempt you to "cast away" your confidence in Christ?**
* **How does understanding the "great recompence of reward" strengthen your resolve to persevere in faith?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively guard and cultivate your spiritual confidence (παρρησία) in your daily life?**
* **How does the example of past believers who endured suffering (as mentioned in Hebrews 10:32-34) encourage you today?**

### FAQ
**What does "confidence" mean in Hebrews 10:35, and how is it different from self-confidence?**

Answer: In Hebrews 10:35, "confidence" translates the Greek word _parrēsía_ (G3954), which signifies boldness, frankness, freedom of speech, or assurance. It is profoundly different from mere self-confidence, which relies on one's own abilities or merits. This biblical confidence is rooted in Christ's finished work on the cross, which grants believers direct and unhindered access to God's presence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Boldness to the Throne of Grace")). It is a spiritual boldness to approach God, to speak His truth, and to live out one's faith without fear, knowing that one is accepted and secure in Him. It is a gift of grace, not a human achievement.

**What is the "great recompence of reward" that is promised?**

Answer: The "great recompence of reward" (μισθαποδοσία, _misthapodosía_, G3405) refers to the future, eternal blessings and inheritance that God graciously bestows upon those who remain faithful to Him. This is not a payment for human merit, but the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His children. It encompasses eternal life, a share in Christ's glory, the joy of His presence, and the full realization of the heavenly inheritance that believers possess in Christ ([Colossians 3:24](/colossians/3-24 "Colossians 3:24 - Receiving the Reward of the Inheritance")). It signifies that no act of faithfulness, no suffering endured for Christ's sake, will go unacknowledged or unrewarded by a just and generous God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 10:35 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Our "confidence" (παρρησία, _parrēsía_) is not an inherent human trait but is made possible solely through the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is His blood that grants us "boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus" ([Hebrews 10:19](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")), enabling us to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" ([Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Draw Near with Full Assurance")). The "great recompence of reward" is also inextricably linked to Christ, for He Himself is our ultimate reward, and our inheritance is "in Him" ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). He is the "author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Finisher of Faith")), who endured the cross for the joy set before Him, thereby modeling the very perseverance He calls us to. Our steadfastness is not merely an act of human will, but a response to His faithfulness, empowered by His Spirit, and assured by His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - I Will Never Leave You")). Thus, casting away our confidence would be to cast away the very One who is its source and its guarantee.

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 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Galatians 6:8

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Hebrews 3:6

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Luke 14:14

And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Hebrews 11:26

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.