Hebrews 10:27
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
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
- How does the reality of divine judgment affect your evangelism and your prayers for unbelievers?
- Why is recognizing God's just wrath against sin essential to understanding the magnitude of His grace in Christ?
- How can you maintain biblical balance between warning of judgment and proclaiming the hope of salvation in Christ?
Related Resources
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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.