Hebrews Chapter 10 · Verse 28
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Original Language Analysis
ἀθετήσας
that despised
G114
ἀθετήσας
that despised
Strong's:
G114
Word #:
1 of 12
to set aside, i.e., (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate
νόμον
law
G3551
νόμον
law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
3 of 12
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Μωσέως,
Moses
G3475
Μωσέως,
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
4 of 12
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
χωρὶς
without
G5565
χωρὶς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
5 of 12
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
ἐπὶ
under
G1909
ἐπὶ
under
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Hebrews 2:2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;Deuteronomy 19:15One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.Matthew 18:16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.John 8:17It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.2 Corinthians 13:1This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.2 Samuel 12:13And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
Historical Context
The Mosaic legal system prescribed capital punishment for various offenses including idolatry, blasphemy, murder, and certain sexual sins. These laws emphasized the absolute holiness of God and the seriousness of covenant relationship. The community was to purge evil from their midst to maintain purity (Deuteronomy 13:5, 17:7).
By the first century, the Sanhedrin had limited authority to carry out death sentences due to Roman rule (John 18:31), though stoning for blasphemy still occurred (Acts 7:58). The original readers would remember the severity of Old Testament law and the death penalty for covenant violation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding the severity of breaking the old covenant help you appreciate the seriousness of neglecting the new covenant?
- What does this passage teach about God's character—both His justice in punishing covenant-breaking and His grace in providing covenant at all?
- How should the requirement of multiple witnesses inform how we handle accusations and church discipline today?
Analysis & Commentary
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: The author argues from lesser to greater. If breaking the old covenant brought severe consequences, rejecting the new covenant brings far worse. "He that despised" (athetēsas tis nomon Mōuseōs, ἀθετήσας τις νόμον Μωϋσέως) means to nullify, reject, or treat as invalid. This refers to deliberate, defiant violation of the Mosaic Law.
"Died without mercy" (chōris oiktirmōn apothnēskei, χωρὶς οἰκτιρμῶν ἀποθνῄσκει) describes the prescribed punishment for certain violations. Deuteronomy 13:6-10 and 17:2-7 command that those who worship other gods or lead others to idolatry be executed without pity. The death penalty was required, and no mercy could spare the guilty.
"Under two or three witnesses" (epi dysin ē trisin martyrsin, ἐπὶ δυσὶν ἢ τρισὶν μάρτυσιν) cites the legal requirement of Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15. No one could be executed on a single witness's testimony—multiple independent witnesses ensured justice.
The argument is clear: if violating the old covenant brought death without mercy, how much more serious is rejecting the new covenant established in Christ's blood?