Hebrews 10:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?

NIV: How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

NASB: How much more severe punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

CSB: How much worse punishment do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, who has regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

NLT: Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us.

KJV: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought 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?

NKJV: Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

Under the old covenant, those who intentionally rebelled against God's law were subject to the death penalty (Numbers 15:27–31). So far, the book of Hebrews has explained in great detail how the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. It is composed of a greater promise (Hebrews 8:6), performed by a greater priest (Hebrews 7:28), enacted in greater places (Hebrews 9:24), and uses a greater sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12–14). Since the new covenant is far superior to the old, it follows logically that those who intentionally violate the new covenant would be subject to significantly more dire consequences.

Earlier, the writer spoke of those who "go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth" (Hebrews 10:26). Some interpret this as a reference to people who have clear, obvious understanding of the gospel, but choose to reject it anyway. The more likely interpretation, especially in light of this verse, is that this is a warning to Christian believers, similar to the ones given in chapters 3 (Hebrews 3:12–19) and 6 (Hebrews 6:1–8). This verse specifically refers to the offending party as one who "was sanctified" under the blood of the new covenant. The context of the New Testament, and the book of Hebrews, indicates that salvation cannot be lost (John 10:28–29). These are not Christians falling from grace into damnation; rather, these are believers failing to obey and suffering the consequences.

Chapter 6 warned about the consequences of falling into doubt and disbelief. This included a reference to fire, as a symbol of God's judgment (Hebrews 6:8). Verse 27 gave that theme an even more dramatic description. God brought earthly judgment against His chosen people in the Old Testament. Their suffering was all the more severe since they, of all people on earth, knew better and should have obeyed. Christians who fall into doubt, disbelief, or disobedience, in the same sense, are subject to "much worse punishment" from God, since they ought to know better.

Hebrews 10:26–39 contains the letter's most dire warning against apostasy. This passage should be understood in the same context as earlier references to Israel's punishment in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:12–19) and the dangers of a shallow faith (Hebrews 6:1–8). The concern here is not a loss of salvation, but of God's punishment on those who willingly rebel against His will. Since the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, we can expect those who ''profane'' the new covenant to suffer greater consequences for disobedience. This is followed by a word of encouragement and reassurance to those who have already survived hardship and persecution.

God's own words, found in the Old Testament Scriptures, declare His intention to replace the old covenant with a new covenant. Jesus fulfills all of these prophecies, and all of the symbolism found in the system of priests, the tabernacle, and animal sacrifices. Knowing that Jesus Christ is, undoubtedly, God's remedy for our sin, we should be encouraged in holding on to our faith in the face of persecution. However, that same confidence means dire spiritual consequences for those who know Christ's salvation, but choose to act in defiance of His will.

Chapter 10 completes the long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. Starting in chapter 7, the writer gave various arguments and Scriptures to support this idea. The theme of these points is that God had always intended to send Jesus, as the real fulfillment of the old covenant's symbolism. The second half of this chapter transitions into more practical ideas, including an extremely dire warning about the dangers of apostasy.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.