Hebrews 10 25

Hebrews 10:25 kjv

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25 nkjv

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25 niv

not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another?and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25 esv

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:25 nlt

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Hebrews 10 verses

Hebrews 10 25 Meaning

Hebrews 10:25 urges believers to actively engage in corporate Christian fellowship and not to abandon regular church gatherings, as some were already doing. This command is reinforced by the essential role of mutual encouragement and spiritual exhortation within these assemblies. The urgency to maintain such communal support is magnified by the ever-increasing proximity of the Lord's return, often referred to as "the Day." This verse serves as a crucial reminder that sustained faith and perseverance are profoundly nurtured within the community of believers, especially as the world nears its appointed end or significant eschatological events.

Hebrews 10 25 Context

Hebrews 10:25 stands as a critical part of the hortatory section of the Epistle to the Hebrews (chapters 10:19-12:29). The writer has just concluded a profound theological exposition on the superiority and perfection of Christ's sacrifice, particularly in contrast to the Old Testament law and Temple rituals (Heb 9-10:18). Having established Christ's singular and complete work for salvation, the writer transitions to the practical implications for those who profess faith in Him. This section begins with exhortations to draw near to God with full assurance, hold fast to the hope confessed, and stimulate one another to love and good deeds (Heb 10:19-24). Verse 25 then presents a direct command within this framework of perseverance and community.

The historical context suggests the original audience, likely Jewish Christians, was facing immense pressure and possibly persecution or social ostracism for their Christian faith. Some were weary and tempted to regress to Judaism, which would entail abandoning their Christian fellowship and the new covenant way. The writer identifies this abandonment of gathering as a dangerous symptom of spiritual drifting and potential apostasy. The warning about "the Day approaching" underscores a sense of urgency, implying either the soon return of Christ or perhaps the impending destruction of Jerusalem (which occurred in AD 70), which for many Jewish Christians would signify a climactic end to the old covenant order and a major judgment.

Hebrews 10 25 Word analysis

• Not forsaking (μὴ ἐγκαταλείποντες, mē egkataleipontes): A strong negative command using a participle, indicating a prohibition against an ongoing or habitual action. The verb egkataleipō means "to leave behind, abandon, desert, forsake, neglect." It implies a deliberate and serious act of withdrawing or ceasing an accustomed practice, rather than an accidental absence. It can carry a connotation of giving up under pressure, as seen in Jesus being forsaken by disciples or prophets feeling abandoned by God (Ps 22:1).
• the assembling (τὴν ἐπισυναγωγήν, tēn episynagōgēn): Refers to a gathering, meeting, or assembly. It is not merely a social club but a specific gathering of people for a common, often religious, purpose. The term carries echoes of "synagogue" but is now applied to the assembly of believers in Christ. It emphasizes the collective and purposeful nature of Christian meetings.
• of ourselves together: This reinforces the corporate and mutual nature of the gathering. It is "our" shared assembly, highlighting community responsibility.
• as is the manner of some: Indicates that this problem was already evident and practiced by certain individuals or groups within the early Christian community. It's not a hypothetical warning but an address to an existing, concerning trend. This highlights the practical and immediate relevance of the exhortation.
• but exhorting (ἀλλὰ παρακαλοῦντες, alla parakalountes): A strong adversative ("but"), contrasting with forsaking. The verb parakaleō is rich in meaning, encompassing "to urge, implore, entreat, comfort, encourage, advise, strengthen, console, admonish." It signifies active, intentional interaction that provides spiritual aid and support to others.
• one another: Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of Christian community. It is a shared responsibility, a mutual process of strengthening and uplifting.
• and so much the more: (καὶ τοσούτῳ μᾶλλον, kai tosoutō mallon): Signifies increasing urgency and intensity. The necessity of meeting and exhorting grows in proportion to the discernible nearness of "the Day."
• as you see (βλέποντες, blepontes): A present participle, indicating a continuous state of "perceiving" or "discerning." It implies spiritual awareness and observation of the signs that point to the nearness of "the Day." Believers are expected to be alert and to interpret the unfolding times.
• the Day (τὴν ἡμέραν, tēn hēmeran): This refers to a significant eschatological event, commonly understood as the "Day of the Lord," the Second Coming of Christ, or the final judgment/consummation. It is capitalized here because it refers to that distinct and climactic time.
• approaching (ἐγγίζουσαν, engizousan): A present participle indicating continuous proximity; it is "drawing near" or "at hand." This underscores the escalating urgency for believers to gather and mutually encourage one another as this momentous event comes ever closer.

Words-group by words-group analysis data

• "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together": This phrase establishes the foundational command to prioritize communal gathering. It's not optional but essential for the Christian walk. It confronts the tendency to withdraw from corporate worship and fellowship. The focus is on active participation and steadfast presence.
• "as is the manner of some": This parenthetical remark indicates a present problem. The writer isn't warning against a future potential, but against an observable failure. This shows the writer's deep pastoral concern and grounds the exhortation in the reality of his readers' lives.
• "but exhorting one another": This phrase highlights the positive purpose and active responsibility within the assembly. It is the spiritual antidote to abandonment; instead of scattering, they are to come together for the active spiritual upliftment and mutual support of one another. The gathering is not merely passive attendance but active ministry within the body.
• "and so much the more as you see the Day approaching": This climactic clause provides the overarching motivation. The nearness of the Lord's return increases the imperative for diligent, active fellowship. It is in the light of ultimate accountability and perseverance that daily, weekly spiritual communal support becomes even more vital. The approaching "Day" acts as a theological accelerator for obedience.

Hebrews 10 25 Bonus section

The opposite of the communal exhortation prescribed in Hebrews 10:25 is drifting away (Heb 2:1), becoming hardened by sin's deceitfulness (Heb 3:13), and ultimately turning away from the living God. Regular communal assembly provides a spiritual anchor and a mechanism for accountability that combats these dangerous tendencies. The act of "seeing" the Day approaching implies a spiritual alertness and discernment necessary for navigating the times, which is sharpened in the company of other discerning believers. The warning against "the manner of some" underlines that the default human tendency, especially under duress or spiritual laziness, is to isolate, which is perilous for faith. The Spirit works through the collective body, and disengagement severs one from this vital life source.

Hebrews 10 25 Commentary

Hebrews 10:25 is a cornerstone verse emphasizing the indispensable role of Christian community for faith perseverance. It moves from theological declaration of Christ's perfect work to practical outworking in the believer's life. The call "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" is not merely about church attendance; it's about active participation in the body of Christ for mutual strength. The term "exhorting" captures the full scope of pastoral care—encouraging, warning, comforting, and admonishing. This communal life is vital as an antidote to spiritual drift and apostasy, which the writer addresses repeatedly in Hebrews.

The increasing intensity, "so much the more," tied to "the Day approaching," signifies that as signs of Christ's return (or significant eschatological events like judgment on Jerusalem) become clearer, believers' commitment to corporate life should deepen, not wane. Fellowship is not an optional add-on but a critical spiritual discipline equipping believers for end-time challenges, guarding them against unbelief and worldliness, and fostering the holiness needed to meet the Lord. Examples of practical usage include making regular attendance a priority, intentionally engaging in conversations that encourage and uplift, and serving within the church to strengthen fellow believers.