Hebrews 10 27

Hebrews 10:27 kjv

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Hebrews 10:27 nkjv

but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

Hebrews 10:27 niv

but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

Hebrews 10:27 esv

but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

Hebrews 10:27 nlt

There is only the terrible expectation of God's judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies.

Hebrews 10 verses

Hebrews 10 27 Meaning

This verse describes the dire consequence for those who, having truly received and understood the Gospel, then deliberately and willfully reject Christ, His sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit's testimony (as described in v. 26). It's a certainty (not a mere possibility) that such individuals will face a terrifying anticipation of divine judgment, accompanied by a zealous, burning wrath from God that will utterly consume those who oppose Him.

Hebrews 10 27 Context

Hebrews 10 stands as a climactic warning within the book, following a detailed exposition of Christ's superior sacrifice over the Old Covenant system. Chapters 8-10 particularly emphasize that Christ's "once for all" sacrifice (vv. 10-14) perfectly atones for sin, rendering any further sacrifices unnecessary. From verse 19 onwards, the author pivots from doctrinal exposition to earnest exhortation, urging believers to draw near to God with full assurance, hold fast to their confession, and encourage one another. Verses 26-31 issue a severe warning against a specific, willful sin: apostasy, a deliberate rejection of Christ and the New Covenant after having experienced its truth. This rejection implies abandoning the sole provision for sin, thereby inviting terrifying divine judgment. The historical context is Jewish Christians facing persecution or social pressure, tempted to return to familiar synagogue practices and animal sacrifices, implicitly denying Christ's ultimate work. This passage serves as a potent deterrent against such a profound spiritual betrayal.

Hebrews 10 27 Word analysis

• but (ἀλλά - alla): This conjunction introduces a sharp contrast, presenting a dire alternative to the exhortations for perseverance and faith outlined in the preceding verses (Heb 10:19-25). It marks the tragic consequence of abandoning Christ after knowing Him.

• a certain (τις - tis): Not indefinite or a possibility, but conveying a definite, undeniable reality. For the specific individuals described in v. 26 (those who willfully sin after knowledge of the truth), this expectation is fixed and assured.

• fearful (φοβερά - phobera): Derived from "fear" (φόβος - phobos), this word intensifies the nature of the expectation. It describes something terrifying, dreadful, or awe-inspiring, denoting profound dread that transcends normal apprehension.

• expectation (ἐκδοχή - ekdochē): Literally means "a receiving" or "a waiting for." It signifies something that is not merely hoped for or dreaded, but something that is certainly impending and will be "received" or experienced by the person.

• of judgment (κρίσεως - kriseōs): Refers to the divine judicial decision or sentence. This is not a human evaluation but God's righteous verdict, carrying finality and inescapable consequences for the sin described in v. 26.

• and fiery (καὶ πυρὸς - kai pyros): "And of fire." While fire can symbolize testing or purification, in this context of judgment against "adversaries" and "indignation," it clearly denotes destruction, consumption, and the active presence of divine wrath.

• indignation (ζῆλος - zēlos): Often translated as "zeal" or "jealousy," but when attributed to God against sin, it signifies fervent, passionate, righteous wrath. It is God's intense and burning reaction to grave unfaithfulness and rebellion against His Son.

• which will devour (ἐσθίειν - esthiein): "To eat up," "consume entirely," or "destroy completely." This strong verb vividly illustrates the absolute and annihilating nature of God's judgment and wrath upon the unrepentant.

• the adversaries (τοὺς ὑπεναντίους - tous hypenantious): Refers to those who are positioned as hostile opponents or adversaries. In context, these are not just general unbelievers, but specifically those who once understood and perhaps confessed Christ, but now willfully stand against Him and His New Covenant.

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • "a certain fearful expectation of judgment": This phrase paints a grim picture of the inner turmoil and unavoidable destiny of those who willfully turn away from Christ. The certainty and the dread ("fearful") associated with divine judgment underscore the gravity of their sin. It emphasizes the active, conscious anticipation of what is surely coming.
  • "and fiery indignation": This vividly describes God's righteous wrath. It is not cold, intellectual judgment but a burning, zealous, passionate anger, like consuming fire, against profound spiritual betrayal. It stems from God's holiness being utterly offended.
  • "which will devour the adversaries": This expresses the complete and destructive outcome of God's wrath. "Devour" signifies total consumption, leaving nothing. "The adversaries" specifically denotes those who directly and intentionally oppose God and His saving truth, particularly after having been exposed to or having once embraced it.

Hebrews 10 27 Bonus section

The severity of this warning, particularly when paired with v. 26 ("if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth") and v. 29 ("trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant...unholy, and insulted the Spirit of grace"), underscores the uniqueness and finality of Christ's sacrifice. If one consciously rejects this "one-for-all" sacrifice, there is literally "no more sacrifice for sins" remaining for them, as God has provided no other means of atonement. The "adversaries" mentioned are uniquely culpable because their sin involves a betrayal of revealed truth and an affront to the divine persons of the Trinity. This level of high-handed rebellion, which is distinct from unintentional sin or simple weakness, justly provokes God's "fiery indignation," drawing parallels with Old Testament judgments against those who spurned covenants. The warning serves not to produce despair in believers, but a holy fear that motivates unwavering faithfulness.

Hebrews 10 27 Commentary

Hebrews 10:27 delivers a stark warning concerning the irreversible consequences of willful apostasy after understanding the Gospel. It posits that for those who deliberately turn their backs on Christ, there remains no further provision for sin, only an unavoidable and terrifying anticipation of divine judgment. This judgment is depicted not as passive punishment but as a fervent, "fiery indignation" from God, born of His zeal and righteous wrath. This active divine wrath will utterly consume "the adversaries"—those who consciously align themselves in opposition to God and His saving truth, having previously embraced it. The verse functions as a powerful deterrent, urging perseverance in faith by highlighting the horrific alternative of renouncing Christ, a decision that leaves one without any hope of redemption and exposed to God's full, consuming judgment.