Hebrews Chapter 10 · Verse 27

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Original Language Analysis

φοβερὰ fearful G5398
φοβερὰ fearful
Strong's: G5398
Word #: 1 of 12
frightful, i.e., (objectively) formidable
δέ But G1161
δέ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 12
but, and, etc
τις a certain G5100
τις a certain
Strong's: G5100
Word #: 3 of 12
some or any person or object
ἐκδοχὴ looking for G1561
ἐκδοχὴ looking for
Strong's: G1561
Word #: 4 of 12
expectation
κρίσεως of judgment G2920
κρίσεως of judgment
Strong's: G2920
Word #: 5 of 12
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πυρὸς fiery G4442
πυρὸς fiery
Strong's: G4442
Word #: 7 of 12
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
ζῆλος indignation G2205
ζῆλος indignation
Strong's: G2205
Word #: 8 of 12
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
ἐσθίειν which shall devour G2068
ἐσθίειν which shall devour
Strong's: G2068
Word #: 9 of 12
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
μέλλοντος G3195
μέλλοντος
Strong's: G3195
Word #: 10 of 12
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
τοὺς G3588
τοὺς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπεναντίους the adversaries G5227
ὑπεναντίους the adversaries
Strong's: G5227
Word #: 12 of 12
under (covertly) contrary to, i.e., opposed or (as noun) an opponent

Analysis & Commentary

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. This verse describes the fate of those who willfully reject Christ (verse 26). "A certain fearful looking for of judgment" (phobera de tis ekdochē kriseōs, φοβερὰ δέ τις ἐκδοχὴ κρίσεως) indicates terrified anticipation of coming judgment. Phobera means fear-inspiring, terrifying; ekdochē means expectation, waiting. Those who reject Christ's sacrifice face not hope but dread—certain knowledge that judgment approaches with no escape.

"Fiery indignation" (kai pyros zēlos, καὶ πυρὸς ζῆλος—literally "and jealousy of fire") describes God's zealous wrath against sin. Zēlos can mean zeal, jealousy, or fervent anger. God's holy jealousy for His glory and justice burns against those who trample His Son and insult His grace. The fire imagery echoes Old Testament descriptions of divine judgment (Deuteronomy 32:22, Isaiah 26:11).

This fire "shall devour the adversaries" (esthiein mellontos tous hypenantious, ἐσθίειν μέλλοντος τοὺς ὑπεναντίους). The present participle "being about to devour" indicates certain future judgment. The image of devouring fire conveys total, irreversible destruction.

This judgment is not arbitrary divine cruelty but just response to deliberate rejection of grace. Those who willfully reject the only sacrifice for sin choose to face God's justice without mediation.

Historical Context

The imagery of divine fiery judgment permeates Old Testament revelation. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24), Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2), Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16:35), and the eschatological day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1) all involve God's fiery judgment against sin. The prophets regularly warned of coming judgment like consuming fire (Isaiah 30:33, Jeremiah 4:4, Ezekiel 38:22).

Jesus taught extensively about hell as eternal fire (Matthew 5:22, 18:8-9, 25:41). The "gehenna" He referenced was the valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem, where garbage burned continuously—an apt metaphor for unending destruction.

Questions for Reflection