Hebrews 10:28 Meaning and Explanation
“He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Under the law of Moses, the one who set it aside died without mercy on the testimony of witnesses.
What Does Hebrews 10:28 Mean?
The writer reaches back to the old covenant to make his point by comparison. Under the law of Moses, a person who despised it in grave matters faced death, without mercy, once two or three witnesses confirmed the offense.
He recalls this not to glory in severity but to set up a lesser-to-greater argument. If rejecting the law given through a servant brought such consequence, how much weightier is the rejection of the Son. The mention of witnesses underscores that such judgment was just, not arbitrary. The old covenant's seriousness becomes a measuring rod, preparing the reader to weigh the far greater seriousness of spurning Christ.
Hebrews 10:28 in the Original Language
atheteo (ἀθετέω), 'despised' -- to set aside, to reject and treat as having no binding force.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrews 10:28
What does Hebrews 10:28 mean?
Under the law of Moses, the one who set it aside died without mercy on the testimony of witnesses.