Hebrews 10:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

NIV: not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

NASB: not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

CSB: not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

NLT: And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

KJV: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

NKJV: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Personal contact with other Christians is not merely suggested by the Bible: it is commanded. A practical reason for this was given in the prior verse. Relationships with other believers are one way to be encouraged to live out the faith we proclaim. We are called on to "hold fast," through our own spiritual maturity. Growth in faith, however, is greatly influenced by having Christian examples around us. This is why the Great Commission was for the church to "make disciples," not merely to talk about Jesus (Matthew 28:18–20). Verse 24 commanded Christians to look for opportunities to inspire others to love and to good works.

This verse specifically disapproves of failure, on the part of Christians, to meet with other Christians. The Greek term used here is enkataleipontes, referring to "an abandonment or forsaking." The ESV translates this term as "neglect," since it implies a failure to do something one ought to be doing. In clear terms, Christians have an obligation to fellowship with other Christians. This is not only necessary for discipleship, but so that we can meet each other's needs, and encourage and inspire other Christians in their faith (Hebrews 3:13; Colossians 3:16).

Hebrews 10:19–25 is an encouraging bridge between two major sections of the book of Hebrews. Earlier verses completed a long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. This section is meant to inspire Christians to be confident, courageous, and uplifted in living out their faith. The following passage is perhaps the sternest warning given in this letter about the danger of ''falling away'' from the faith.

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.