King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:28 Mean?

Hebrews 10:28 in the King James Version says “He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 10:28 · KJV

Context

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?

30

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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?

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the severity of breaking the old covenant help you appreciate the seriousness of neglecting the new covenant?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's character—both His justice in punishing covenant-breaking and His grace in providing covenant at all?
  3. How should the requirement of multiple witnesses inform how we handle accusations and church discipline today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἀθετήσας1 of 12

“that despised”

G114

to set aside, i.e., (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate

τις2 of 12

“He”

G5100

some or any person or object

νόμον3 of 12

“law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

Μωσέως,4 of 12

“Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

χωρὶς5 of 12

“without”

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

οἰκτιρμῶν6 of 12

“mercy”

G3628

pity

ἐπὶ7 of 12

“under”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

δυσὶν8 of 12

“two”

G1417

"two"

ἢ9 of 12

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τρισὶν10 of 12

“three”

G5140

"three"

μάρτυσιν11 of 12

“witnesses”

G3144

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

ἀποθνῄσκει·12 of 12

“died”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

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 10:28 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 10:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 2:2Deuteronomy 19:15Deuteronomy 17:2-13Numbers 15:30-312 Samuel 12:13John 8:17

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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