Devine Scripture

Hebrews 10:30

What does Hebrews 10:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 10:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 10:30 means

The warning is anchored in God’s own words: “Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense,” and, “The Lord shall judge his people.” Judgment is God’s prerogative; he will justly repay wrongs and discipline among his covenant people. These citations remind the readers that divine justice is not an empty threat. Apostasy is not merely unfortunate; it is accountable before the living God who keeps covenant and executes righteous judgment. The appeal to God’s character presses the urgency of perseverance and holiness, not by fear alone, but by the reality of God’s moral government over his people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For we have had experience of him who says, Punishment is mine, I will give reward. And again, The Lord will be judge of his people.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for we have known Him who is saying, `Vengeance <FI>is<Fi> Mine, I will recompense, saith the Lord;' and again, `The Lord shall judge His people;' --

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For we know him that hath said: Vengeance belongeth to me, and I will repay. And again: The Lord shall judge his people.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For we know him that said, To me [belongs] vengeance; I will recompense, saith the Lord: and again, The Lord shall judge his people.

Context

After exposing the nature of apostasy in verse 29, verse 30 cites God’s own declarations about vengeance and judgment to validate the warning. This underlines that the threatened judgment is not the author’s severity but God’s justice. Verse 31 will then summarize the weightiness of this truth: it is fearful to fall into the hands of the living God. With the warning stated, verses 32–34 will pivot to encouragement, recalling the readers’ past endurance as a reason for renewed confidence.

v.29of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

v.30This passage

v.31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 50:4

    He calleth to the heavens above, And to the earth, that he may judge his people:

  • Deuteronomy 32:35

    Vengeance is mine, and recompense, At the time when their foot shall slide: For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things that are to come upon them shall make haste.

  • Psalms 135:14

    For Jehovah will judge his people, And repent himself concerning his servants.

  • Psalms 94:1

    O Jehovah, thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, Thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, shine forth.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:10

    For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

  • Isaiah 61:2

    to proclaim the year of Jehovah’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

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