Hebrews 10:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Context of Hebrews 10:23
This verse is part of a series of exhortations following the great section on Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. It is the central member of a faith-hope-love triad calling believers to draw near, hold fast, and consider one another.
What Does Hebrews 10:23 Mean?
Hebrews 10:23 urges believers to hold firmly to their confession without wavering, because the God who made the promise is faithful. The command "hold fast" pictures gripping something tightly and refusing to let go, even under pressure. The original readers were tempted to loosen their grip on Christ, and the author calls them to a steady, unwavering grasp on what they had professed.
The phrase "without wavering" addresses the wobbling, back-and-forth instability that doubt and hardship can produce. The exhortation calls us to keep standing firm regardless of how circumstances shift, going beyond merely feeling certain. The reason for this confidence is given in the parenthesis: "for he is faithful that promised." The strength to hold on comes from the reliability of God, not from the believer's own willpower. He keeps His word; His promises do not fail. So the call to perseverance rests on the character of God rather than the strength of the one holding on. This verse stands at the heart of a triad in the chapter (faith, hope, and love), and here hope is the focus. Because the Promiser is trustworthy, the hope we confess is worth clinging to without compromise.
Hebrews 10:23 in the Original Language
The Greek katechōmen ("hold fast") means to hold down or retain firmly, and aklinēs ("without wavering") means unbending or not leaning.
Bible Verses Related to Hebrews 10:23
“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
- Hebrews 10:36
“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:9
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”
- Hebrews 4:14
How to Apply Hebrews 10:23 Today
When doubts or hardships tempt you to loosen your grip, hold firmly to your confession of hope, trusting that the God who promised will keep His word.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrews 10:23
What does Hebrews 10:23 mean?
Hebrews 10:23 urges believers to hold firmly to their confession without wavering, because the God who made the promise is faithful. The command "hold fast" pictures gripping something tightly and refusing to let go, even under pressure. The original readers were tempted to loosen their grip on Christ, and the author calls them to a steady, unwavering grasp on what they had professed.
What is the context of Hebrews 10:23?
This verse is part of a series of exhortations following the great section on Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. It is the central member of a faith-hope-love triad calling believers to draw near, hold fast, and consider one another.
How can I apply Hebrews 10:23 today?
When doubts or hardships tempt you to loosen your grip, hold firmly to your confession of hope, trusting that the God who promised will keep His word.