King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:36 Mean?

Hebrews 10:36 in the King James Version says “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 10:36 · KJV

Context

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.

38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. This verse explains why maintaining confidence (verse 35) is essential. "Ye have need of patience" (hypomon​ēs gar echete chreian, ὑπομονῆς γὰρ ἔχετε χρείαν) identifies patient endurance as necessary. Hypomon​ēs (ὑπομονῆς) means steadfast endurance, patient continuance, remaining under the load. This isn't passive waiting but active perseverance under trial.

"That, after ye have done the will of God" (hina to thelēma tou Theou poiēsantes, ἵνα τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ ποιήσαντες) indicates that receiving the promise requires completing God's will. God's will for them includes faithful endurance through suffering, persevering confession of Christ, and maintaining love for fellow believers. This isn't works-righteousness—they're already saved. Rather, genuine saving faith necessarily perseveres in obedience. The will of God for believers includes sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3), which manifests in faithful endurance.

"Ye might receive the promise" (komisēsthe tēn epangelian, κομίσησθε τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν) refers to obtaining the promised eternal inheritance. Komisēsthe means receive, obtain, carry off as reward. The promise includes eternal life, glorification, complete deliverance from sin, perfect communion with God, resurrection bodies, and reigning with Christ. This promise is certain but future—requiring patient endurance until fulfillment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of patient endurance for future reward was familiar to both Jewish and Greco-Roman audiences. Job's patience through suffering became proverbial in Jewish thought. Greek philosophy emphasized endurance (karteria) as virtue. However, Christian patience differs fundamentally—it's not merely stoic acceptance or philosophical resignation but confident hope in God's promise, enabled by His Spirit, directed toward certain future glory.

The early church needed this emphasis because many expected Christ's immediate return to deliver them from suffering. When persecution continued and Christ didn't return immediately, some wavered in faith. The author reminds them that God's timing is perfect, the promise is certain, and patient endurance is necessary for obtaining the promise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that endurance is necessary for receiving God's promises affect your response to ongoing trials?
  2. What is the difference between patiently enduring while trusting God and passively accepting circumstances while giving up?
  3. In what areas of your Christian life do you most need patient endurance rather than immediate resolution?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὑπομονῆς1 of 13

“of patience”

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

γὰρ2 of 13

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔχετε3 of 13

“ye have”

G2192

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

χρείαν4 of 13

“need”

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἵνα5 of 13

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τὸ6 of 13
G3588

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

θέλημα7 of 13

“the will”

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

τοῦ8 of 13
G3588

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

θεοῦ9 of 13

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ποιήσαντες10 of 13

“after ye have done”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

κομίσησθε11 of 13

“ye might receive”

G2865

properly, to provide for, i.e., (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain)

τὴν12 of 13
G3588

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

ἐπαγγελίαν13 of 13

“the promise”

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

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 10:36 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 10:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 12:1Psalms 37:7James 5:7-111 Corinthians 13:7Luke 21:19Hebrews 6:15

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