Hebrews 10:33

What does Hebrews 10:33 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 10:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 10:33 means

Their sufferings were twofold: they were publicly exposed to reproach and afflictions, and they also shared in the sufferings of others similarly treated. They did not stand alone but identified with persecuted believers, bearing shame and pain together. This solidarity reflects genuine conversion and love. The community’s willingness to share in hardship showed they valued Christ and his people above social standing and comfort. Remembering this strengthens their identity: they have already chosen the narrow way. Such past choices encourage present steadfastness, reminding them that they have counted the cost and found Christ worth it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

partly, being made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

partly, being made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In part, in being attacked by angry words and cruel acts, before the eyes of everyone, and in part, in being united with those who were attacked in this way.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

partly both with reproaches and tribulations being made spectacles, and partly having become partners of those so living,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And on the one hand indeed, by reproaches and tribulations, were made a gazingstock; and on the other, became companions of them that were used in such sort.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

on the one hand, when ye were made a spectacle both in reproaches and afflictions; and on the other, when ye became partakers with those who were passing through them.

Context

Verse 33 elaborates on the “great conflict of sufferings” mentioned in verse 32, describing public reproach and afflictions, as well as partnership with the persecuted. This deepens the remembrance of authentic faith under pressure. Verse 34 will add evidence of compassion and joyful acceptance of confiscation because of a better inheritance. Together, these recollections set the stage for the exhortation in verses 35–36 to maintain confidence and patience, looking to God’s promised reward and the coming of the Lord (vv. 37–39).

v.32But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were enlightened, ye endured a great conflict of sufferings;

v.33This passage

v.34For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 1:7

    even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.

  • Nahum 3:6

    And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazing-stock.

  • Psalms 74:22

    Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: Remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee all the day.

  • Hebrews 13:13

    Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

  • Psalms 89:51

    Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O Jehovah, Wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

  • 2 Timothy 1:16

    The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;

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