King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:35 Mean?

Hebrews 10:35 in the King James Version says “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.”

Hebrews 10:35 · KJV

Context

33

Partly , whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

34

For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

35

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37

For yet a little while , and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. Building on their past faithfulness (verses 32-34), the author exhorts continued perseverance. "Cast not away" (mē apobalēte, μὴ ἀποβάλητε) is an aorist subjunctive with negative particle—don't throw away, don't abandon. The warning implies they were tempted to discard something valuable. The image is of deliberately throwing away treasure out of weariness or discouragement.

"Your confidence" (tēn parrēsian hymōn, τὴν παρρησίαν ὑμῶν) means boldness, openness, confidence—specifically their bold confession of Christ and confident access to God through Him (Hebrews 4:16, 10:19). This confidence is precious—it enables prayer, worship, witness, and perseverance. To cast it away is to abandon the very foundation of Christian life.

"Which hath great recompence of reward" (hētis echei megalēn misthapodosian, ἥτις ἔχει μεγάλην μισθαποδοσίαν) provides motivation. Misthapodosian means reward, recompense, payment. The confidence they're tempted to abandon carries immense future reward. Present suffering is temporary; eternal reward is forever. To abandon confidence for relief from temporary suffering is to trade eternal treasure for momentary ease—a catastrophic bargain.

This verse balances warning with encouragement. The warning (don't cast away) presupposes the possibility of abandoning faith—a real danger requiring vigilance. The encouragement (great reward) provides motivation to endure. Christian perseverance isn't grim duty but hope-filled confidence in certain, magnificent reward.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The original readers, facing ongoing persecution, were tempted to recant Christian profession to escape suffering. Renouncing Christ might restore property, family relationships, employment, and physical safety. The temptation was real and powerful. The author reminds them that what they gain by denying Christ (temporary earthly relief) pales compared to what they lose (eternal reward).

Throughout church history, Christians facing persecution have struggled with this choice. During Diocletian's persecution (303-313 AD), many Christians surrendered Scripture copies or offered incense to pagan gods to save their lives. Some, called "traditors" (those who handed over), later sought restoration to the church. The Donatist controversy involved whether such people could be true Christians. The biblical answer: genuine believers persevere; those who permanently abandon faith demonstrate their profession was never genuine (1 John 2:19).

Reflection Questions

  1. What circumstances or pressures most tempt you to compromise your Christian confession or confidence?
  2. How does meditating on future eternal reward strengthen present faithfulness and endurance?
  3. In what practical ways can you cultivate and maintain confident boldness in your Christian walk?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
μὴ1 of 10

“not”

G3361

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

ἀποβάλητε2 of 10

“Cast”

G577

to throw off; figuratively, to lose

οὖν3 of 10

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὴν4 of 10
G3588

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

παῤῥησίαν5 of 10

“confidence”

G3954

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

ὑμῶν6 of 10

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἥτις7 of 10

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἔχει8 of 10

“hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

μισθαποδοσίαν9 of 10

“recompence of reward”

G3405

requital (good or bad)

μεγάλην10 of 10

“great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

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 10:35 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 10:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:58Galatians 6:8-10Hebrews 3:6Luke 14:14Hebrews 11:26Matthew 5:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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