Meaning of Hebrews 10:35

The author of Hebrews urges believers not to relinquish their steadfast trust and boldness in Christ, because this enduring confidence is not in vain but will ultimately receive a magnificent and abundant recompense. This exhortation arises from a context where believers, facing persecution and hardship, might be tempted to revert to their former ways or abandon their commitment to Christ. The author is reminding them that their current struggles are temporary, but the reward for their faithfulness is eternal and immeasurably valuable. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement to persevere, emphasizing that the cost of discipleship is far outweighed by the glorious future awaiting those who remain firm in their faith.

Context and Background

The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish Christians who were experiencing significant pressure. They were likely facing social ostracism, economic hardship, and perhaps even direct persecution from both their Jewish countrymen and the wider Roman society. This pressure would have been particularly acute for those who had recently converted from Judaism, as they were abandoning a long-established religious tradition for a new faith that was often viewed with suspicion and hostility. The author repeatedly contrasts the Old Covenant system with the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, highlighting the superiority of Christ's sacrifice and priesthood. Within this broader argument, the author addresses the temptation to falter, drawing parallels with Israel's history of wavering faith. Hebrews 10:35, therefore, is situated within a series of exhortations (chapters 10:19-39) that call for perseverance, drawing on the assurance of Christ's high priestly ministry and the imminent return of Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

• Confidence (parrēsia): The Greek word parrēsia signifies boldness, freedom of speech, and uninhibited confidence. It refers to the believer's assurance in approaching God through Christ, their fearless proclamation of the gospel, and their unwavering trust in Christ's finished work. This confidence is not self-generated but is a gift flowing from their union with Christ.
• Perseverance: The imperative "do not throw away" (or "do not throw down," "do not let go") emphasizes the active and ongoing nature of faith. It implies a conscious decision to abandon or abandon something valuable. The verse calls for resolute endurance in the face of trials.
• Reward (misthapodosia): The promise of being "richly rewarded" points to a future, tangible recompense for faithfulness. This reward is not earned by merit but is a gracious bestowal by God. It encompasses both present blessings and, more significantly, future glory and eternal life with Christ. The adverb "richly" or "greatly" amplifies the magnitude of this reward.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse has profound implications for the Christian life. It acknowledges that faith is not always easy and that there will be moments of temptation to give up when faced with suffering, doubt, or opposition. The call to hold fast to one's confidence is a call to remember the foundational truths of the Christian faith: the atoning sacrifice of Christ, His ongoing intercession, and the certainty of His return. For contemporary believers, this means actively nurturing their faith through prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and remembering God's past faithfulness. It encourages them to face challenges with assurance, knowing that their ultimate hope and reward are secure in Christ, irrespective of present circumstances.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Hebrews 10:35 resonates with the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan. From Abraham's faith in God's promises, despite seemingly impossible circumstances, to the faithfulness of the prophets who endured hardship, the Bible is replete with examples of individuals who persevered in faith and were ultimately rewarded. The theme of reward for faithfulness is a recurring motif, culminating in the ultimate reward of eternal life and participation in God's kingdom. The New Testament frequently speaks of the believer's future inheritance and the joy that awaits those who remain faithful. This verse is a specific application of this broader principle within the context of the New Covenant.

Analogies

• A Marathon Runner: Imagine a marathon runner nearing the finish line. They are exhausted, their muscles ache, and the temptation to stop might be overwhelming. However, they know that if they persevere, they will receive a medal and the satisfaction of completing the race. The runner's confidence is in the knowledge of the reward and the fact that they have trained for this moment. Similarly, believers are called to run the race of faith with endurance, keeping their eyes on the prize.
• A Seed Growing: A farmer plants a seed, knowing that it will undergo a period of dormancy and growth underground before it can break through the surface and bear fruit. The farmer's confidence is in the life within the seed and the certainty of eventual harvest, even during the unseen stages of development. Believers' confidence is in the life-giving power of Christ, even when their faith is being tested and refined.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is deeply connected to numerous other passages in Scripture that speak of perseverance and reward:

• Hebrews 12:1-3: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." This passage immediately follows the exhortation in 10:35 and reinforces the idea of perseverance by pointing to the example of Christ and the "cloud of witnesses."
• 1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." This verse echoes the call to steadfastness and assures believers that their efforts in serving God are not futile but will ultimately yield a reward.
• Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This verse directly links perseverance in good deeds to a future harvest, mirroring the promise of reward in Hebrews 10:35.
• Revelation 22:12: "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each one according to what he has done." This verse from the end of the Bible highlights the ultimate reckoning and the reward that Christ will bring with Him upon His return, underscoring the eternal significance of faithfulness.