Hebrews 11:25

KJV

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

KJV (with Strong's)

Choosing {G138} rather {G3123} to suffer affliction {G4778} with the people {G2992} of God {G2316}, than {G2228} to enjoy the pleasures {G2192}{G619} of sin {G266} for a season {G4340};

Complete Jewish Bible

He chose being mistreated along with God’s people rather than enjoying the passing pleasures of sin.

Berean Standard Bible

He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin.

American Standard Version

choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:25 encapsulates Moses' profound act of faith, illustrating a pivotal choice to prioritize identification with God's afflicted people over the fleeting gratifications of a life steeped in worldly power and sin. This verse, nestled within the illustrious "Hall of Faith," highlights the discerning spiritual foresight that enabled Moses to embrace hardship and divine solidarity, recognizing the temporal nature of earthly pleasures in contrast to the eternal recompense promised by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," which systematically presents Old Testament figures as exemplars of faith. Following a foundational definition of faith in [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Definition of Faith"), the chapter progresses through a chronological recounting of individuals whose lives demonstrated profound trust in God. Specifically, [Hebrews 11:24-26](/hebrews/11-24-26 "Hebrews 11:24-26 - Moses' Choice of Faith") details Moses' momentous decision to renounce his Egyptian identity and align himself with the enslaved Israelites. Verse 25 elaborates on the nature of this choice, emphasizing the stark contrast between the two paths available to him, thereby setting the stage for the explanation of his motivation in the subsequent verse, which points to his focus on the "recompense of reward."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses was born a Hebrew but, through divine providence, was adopted and raised as a prince in the powerful court of Pharaoh ([Exodus 2:10](/exodus/2-10 "Exodus 2:10 - Moses' Adoption")). This position afforded him immense privilege, education, and access to the pinnacle of Egyptian society—a civilization renowned for its wealth, advanced culture, and polytheistic religion. To "suffer affliction with the people of God" meant abandoning this opulent, influential life for solidarity with a subjugated, enslaved, and despised people. The "pleasures of sin" would have encompassed the idolatry, moral laxity, and self-serving ambition inherent in Egyptian court life, which stood in direct opposition to the nascent monotheistic worship and moral code associated with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses' choice was a radical departure from the prevailing cultural norms of power and self-preservation, reflecting a profound spiritual conviction.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 11:25 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Hebrews and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Deliberate Choice**, showing that faith is not passive but involves active, often costly, decisions to align with God's will, as seen in Moses' refusal to be called Pharaoh's son ([Hebrews 11:24](/hebrews/11-24 "Hebrews 11:24 - Moses Refuses to be Called Pharaoh's Son")). The verse also highlights **Solidarity in Suffering**, demonstrating the importance of identifying with God's covenant community, even when it entails hardship and persecution, a theme echoed in the call to endure trials for Christ's sake ([Hebrews 12:1-3](/hebrews/12-1-3 "Hebrews 12:1-3 - Running the Race with Perseverance")). Furthermore, it starkly contrasts **Fleeting Pleasures versus Eternal Reward**, emphasizing the temporary nature of worldly gratification compared to the enduring value of faithfulness to God, a perspective foundational to the entire chapter's portrayal of faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" ([Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Definition of Faith")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Choosing (Greek, _hairéomai'_):** This word (G138) signifies an active, deliberate selection or preference. It emphasizes that Moses' decision was not accidental or forced, but a conscious, intentional act of will. He weighed two distinct options and, by faith, actively preferred one over the other, highlighting the volitional aspect of his commitment to God.
* **suffer affliction with (Greek, _synkakouchéō'_):** This compound word (G4778) is particularly rich. The prefix "syn-" means "with" or "together," indicating a shared experience of hardship. "Kakouchéō" means "to maltreat" or "to suffer evil." Thus, Moses chose to endure persecution and hardship *in company with* God's people, implying solidarity, empathy, and a profound identification with their plight, rather than remaining detached in comfort.
* **for a season (Greek, _próskairos'_):** This term (G4340) literally means "for the occasion only" or "temporary." It is crucial for understanding the contrast presented in the verse. The pleasures of sin are explicitly characterized as transient, short-lived, and ephemeral. This temporal limitation underscores their ultimate emptiness and inferiority when compared to the enduring spiritual realities and eternal rewards that motivated Moses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,"**: This clause reveals Moses' positive choice. "Choosing rather" (mâllon) indicates a strong preference, a deliberate act of will. He actively opted for "suffering affliction" (synkakouchéō), which implies sharing in hardship and maltreatment. The crucial element is "with the people of God," signifying his profound identification with the covenant community, even in their oppressed state. This choice was rooted in faith, recognizing their unique relationship with God despite their circumstances.
* **"than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;"**: This clause presents the rejected alternative. "Than to enjoy the pleasures of sin" highlights the allure and immediate gratification that worldly power, wealth, and ungodly living offered. The "pleasures" (apólausis) refer to full enjoyment or gratification. However, the critical qualifier is "for a season" (próskairos), emphasizing the temporary, fleeting nature of such enjoyment. This stark contrast between enduring suffering for God and transient sinful pleasure underscores the eternal perspective that guided Moses' decision.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Hebrews 11:25 is **Antithesis** (or **Contrast**). The verse presents two diametrically opposed choices: "to suffer affliction with the people of God" versus "to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." This stark juxtaposition highlights the moral and spiritual dilemma Moses faced and the profound nature of his faith-driven decision. The contrast is further emphasized by the temporal qualifier "for a season," which implicitly sets the fleeting nature of sinful pleasures against the enduring, eternal significance of identifying with God's people and their ultimate destiny. There is also an element of **Synecdoche**, where "the people of God" represents not merely a group of individuals, but the entire covenant relationship, its promises, and its future hope. Similarly, "the pleasures of sin" encapsulates the entire lifestyle and worldview antithetical to God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:25 encapsulates a profound theological truth: true faith prioritizes eternal values and divine relationship over temporal comforts and worldly gratifications. Moses' choice reflects a core biblical principle that suffering for righteousness' sake is preferable to temporary ease gained through compromise with sin. This perspective is rooted in the understanding that God's people, despite present affliction, are heirs to an eternal inheritance and a glorious future, while the allurements of sin, however pleasurable, are ultimately transient and lead to spiritual death. The verse thus serves as a powerful call to spiritual discernment, encouraging believers to adopt an eternal perspective that shapes their daily choices and allegiances.

* [Matthew 16:26](/matthew/16-26 "Matthew 16:26 - What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?")
* [Romans 8:17-18](/romans/8-17-18 "Romans 8:17-18 - Suffering with Christ, Future Glory")
* [2 Corinthians 4:17-18](/2_corinthians/4-17-18 "2 Corinthians 4:17-18 - Light and Momentary Troubles, Eternal Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 11:25 serves as a timeless challenge for believers to critically examine their own priorities and allegiances in a world that constantly entices with temporary pleasures and comforts. Moses' radical choice reminds us that genuine faith often necessitates a willingness to forgo immediate gratification, worldly status, or even personal safety for the sake of identifying with Christ and His body, the Church, especially when it involves hardship or social marginalization. This verse calls us to cultivate an eternal perspective, understanding that the allure of sin, however enticing "for a season," pales in comparison to the lasting joy, peace, and divine recompense found in faithful obedience to God. It encourages a life of spiritual integrity, where our identity as "people of God" takes precedence over all other earthly considerations, guiding us to make choices that honor God and align with His eternal purposes, even when they demand sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "pleasures of sin" or worldly comforts might I be prioritizing over my commitment to God and His people?**
* **In what ways am I called to "suffer affliction with the people of God" in my current context, and what might that look like practically?**
* **How does an "eternal perspective" (as demonstrated by Moses) inform my daily decisions and long-term goals?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a deeper spiritual discernment that values God's will above temporary gratification?**

### FAQ
**What were the "pleasures of sin" that Moses rejected?**

Answer: The "pleasures of sin" Moses rejected refer to the immense privileges, power, wealth, and status that came with being raised as a prince in Pharaoh's court. This would have included access to luxurious living, political influence, and perhaps even participation in the idolatrous and morally compromising practices inherent in Egyptian society. The term "sin" here encompasses not just individual acts of transgression but a life lived apart from God's will and covenant, prioritizing self-gratification and worldly advancement over divine allegiance. His rejection was a renunciation of an entire lifestyle that was spiritually antithetical to the God of Israel.

**Why is the phrase "for a season" so significant in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "for a season" (Greek: _próskairos_) is profoundly significant because it highlights the temporary and fleeting nature of the pleasures offered by sin and the world. It directly contrasts with the enduring, eternal reward that Moses foresaw and chose to pursue, as mentioned in [Hebrews 11:26](/hebrews/11-26 "Hebrews 11:26 - Moses' Regard for the Recompense of Reward"). This temporal distinction underscores the wisdom of Moses' choice: he understood that any gratification derived from ungodly living is short-lived and ultimately unsatisfying, whereas the path of faith, though it may involve present suffering, leads to an everlasting inheritance and true fulfillment in God. It teaches believers to evaluate choices not by immediate comfort but by eternal consequence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 11:25, though recounting Moses' Old Testament choice, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Moses, by choosing to suffer with God's people, foreshadowed the greater Lamb of God who would fully identify with humanity's suffering and sin. Christ, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He willingly "suffered outside the gate" ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")), bearing the affliction of humanity and enduring the cross, despising its shame, "for the joy that was set before him" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")). Unlike Moses, who chose to suffer *with* the people of God, Christ chose to suffer *for* the people of God, taking upon Himself the full weight of sin's consequences, thereby offering eternal life in place of sin's temporary pleasures. His sacrifice enables believers to truly be called "the people of God" ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen People")), empowering them by His Spirit to also "choose rather to suffer affliction" for His name's sake, knowing that their "light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" ([2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Light Affliction, Eternal Glory")).

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

Psalms 84:10

For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

2 Timothy 2:3

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:10

Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Job 36:21

Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.

1 Peter 4:12

¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

1 Peter 4:16

Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.