Hebrews 10:28
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
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?
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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?