King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:25 Mean?

Hebrews 10:25 in the King James Version says “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25 · KJV


Context

23

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

24

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This exhortation addresses the practice of corporate worship and Christian assembly in the face of persecution. The Greek verb 'egkataleípontes' (ἐγκαταλείποντες, 'forsaking') means to abandon completely or desert, using the same root as Christ's cry on the cross 'Why have you forsaken me?' (Matthew 27:46). The 'assembling of ourselves together' (ἐπισυναγωγὴν ἑαυτῶν, episunagōgēn heautōn) refers specifically to Christian gathering for worship, instruction, and mutual encouragement. The phrase 'as the manner of some is' (καθὼς ἔθος τισίν, kathōs ethos tisin) indicates this was already becoming a troubling pattern—some believers were habitually absenting themselves from corporate worship. The contrasting imperative is 'exhorting one another' (παρακαλοῦντες ἑαυτούς, parakalountes heautous), using the same word for the Holy Spirit as Paraclete (Comforter/Encourager). Believers are to stimulate, encourage, and admonish each other toward perseverance. The temporal urgency is emphasized by 'as ye see the day approaching' (καθ' ὅσον βλέπετε ἐγγίζουσαν τὴν ἡμέραν, kath' hoson blepete engizousan tēn hēmeran)—either Christ's return or the impending judgment on Jerusalem (AD 70). As eschatological expectation intensifies, the necessity for mutual encouragement increases proportionally.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written to Hebrew Christians around AD 60-69 during escalating persecution, this verse addresses believers tempted to disassociate from the visible Christian community. Under Nero's persecution (AD 64-68) or increasing Jewish hostility, public identification with Christianity brought severe consequences—loss of property, social ostracism, imprisonment, or death. Some Hebrew Christians calculated that attending synagogue while privately believing in Jesus offered safer middle ground. The author categorically rejects this compromise, warning that forsaking Christian assembly demonstrates dangerous drift toward apostasy (Hebrews 10:26-31 follows immediately with sobering warnings). The 'day approaching' likely refers both to Christ's imminent return (expected within that generation, though delayed in God's providence) and more immediately to Jerusalem's destruction in AD 70, which would end temple worship and vindicate Christianity's break from Judaism. Early church practice included regular gatherings on the Lord's Day (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2), incorporating Scripture reading, teaching, Lord's Supper, prayer, and mutual encouragement. Abandoning these assemblies isolated believers from the body's sustaining ministry, making them vulnerable to apostasy through discouragement and doctrinal drift.

Reflection Questions

  1. What circumstances or attitudes might tempt modern believers to neglect regular corporate worship?
  2. How does gathering with other believers provide protection against spiritual drift and apostasy?
  3. In what practical ways can Christians 'exhort one another' during corporate gatherings?
  4. Why is physical presence in corporate assembly irreplaceable by individual devotion or online participation?
  5. How should awareness of Christ's return affect our commitment to regular fellowship with other believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
μὴ1 of 18

Not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐγκαταλείποντες2 of 18

forsaking

G1459

to leave behind in some place, i.e., (in a good sense) let remain over, or (in a bad sense) to desert

τὴν3 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπισυναγωγὴν4 of 18

the assembling

G1997

a complete collection; especially a christian meeting (for worship)

ἑαυτῶν5 of 18

of ourselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καθὼς6 of 18

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

ἔθος7 of 18

the manner

G1485

a usage (prescribed by habit or law)

τισίν8 of 18

of some

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀλλὰ9 of 18

is but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

παρακαλοῦντες10 of 18

exhorting

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

καὶ11 of 18

one another and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοσούτῳ12 of 18

so much

G5118

apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)

μᾶλλον13 of 18

the more

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

ὅσῳ14 of 18

as

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

βλέπετε15 of 18

ye see

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

ἐγγίζουσαν16 of 18

approaching

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

τὴν17 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέραν18 of 18

the day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 10:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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