King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:27 Mean?

Hebrews 10:27 in the King James Version says “But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 10:27 · KJV

Context

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.

28

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the reality of divine judgment affect your evangelism and your prayers for unbelievers?
  2. Why is recognizing God's just wrath against sin essential to understanding the magnitude of His grace in Christ?
  3. How can you maintain biblical balance between warning of judgment and proclaiming the hope of salvation in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
φοβερὰ1 of 12

“fearful”

G5398

frightful, i.e., (objectively) formidable

δέ2 of 12

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 12

“a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐκδοχὴ4 of 12

“looking for”

G1561

expectation

κρίσεως5 of 12

“of judgment”

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

καὶ6 of 12

“and”

G2532

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

πυρὸς7 of 12

“fiery”

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

ζῆλος8 of 12

“indignation”

G2205

properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or

ἐσθίειν9 of 12

“which shall devour”

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

μέλλοντος10 of 12
G3195

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

τοὺς11 of 12
G3588

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

ὑπεναντίους12 of 12

“the adversaries”

G5227

under (covertly) contrary to, i.e., opposed or (as noun) an opponent

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 10:27 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 10:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 26:11Hebrews 2:3Zephaniah 1:18Hebrews 12:25Nahum 1:2Hebrews 9:27

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