Devine Scripture

Hebrews 10:34

What does Hebrews 10:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 10:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 10:34 means

They showed compassion to those in bonds and accepted the plundering of their possessions with joy, knowing they had a better and abiding possession. Their joy amid loss sprang from a settled conviction about heavenly inheritance—something better and permanent. This response reveals transformed values: earthly goods could be taken, but their true treasure remained untouchable. The verse commends not stoicism but hope rooted in what Christ has secured. Such hope equips believers to endure injustice without bitterness, trusting that God’s lasting reward outweighs present losses and that their identity is anchored in a possession that cannot be spoiled.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For you had pity on those who were in prison, and had joy in the loss of your property, in the knowledge that you still had a better property and one which you would keep for ever.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for also with my bonds ye sympathised, and the robbery of your goods with joy ye did receive, knowing that ye have in yourselves a better substance in the heavens, and an enduring one.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For you both had compassion on them that were in bands and took with joy the being stripped of your own goods, knowing that you have a better and a lasting substance.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For ye both sympathised with prisoners and accepted with joy the plunder of your goods, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better substance, and an abiding one.

Context

Verse 34 completes the remembrance of the readers’ earlier faithfulness by highlighting compassion for prisoners and joyful acceptance of confiscation in light of a better, lasting possession. This testimony of hope undergirds the call in verse 35 not to throw away their boldness, which has a great reward. Verse 36 will emphasize the need for endurance to receive the promise. Then verses 37–39 will frame perseverance in terms of the imminent coming of the one who is to come and living by faith rather than shrinking back.

v.33partly, being made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used.

v.34This passage

v.35Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward.

Cross references

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

  • Ephesians 4:1

    I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called,

  • Matthew 6:19

    Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:

  • Acts 28:20

    For this cause therefore did I entreat you to see and to speak with me: for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

  • Ephesians 3:1

    For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles,—

  • 1 John 3:2

    Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is.

  • Matthew 19:21

    Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

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