Hebrews 10:28
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Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Compare Heb 2:2-3; Heb 12:25. despised--"set at naught" [ALFORD]: utterly and heinously violated, not merely some minor detail, but the whole law and covenant; for example, by idolatry (Deu 17:2-7). So here apostasy answers to such an utter violation of the old covenant. died--Greek, "dies": the normal punishment of such transgression, then still in force. without mercy--literally, "mercies": removal out of the pale of mitigation, or a respite of his doom. under--on the evidence of.
Open source ↗The apostle knew very well that the Hebrews, to whom he wrote, were strangely fond of the Levitical dispensation, and therefore he fills his mouth with arguments to wean them from it; and in order thereto proceeds in this chapter, I. To lay low the whole of that priesthood and sacrifice (Heb 10:1-6). II. He raises and exalts the priesthood of Christ very high, that he might effectually recommend him and his gospel to them (Heb 10:7-18). III. He shows to believers the honours and dignities of their state, and calls them to suitable duties (Heb 10:19 to the end).
Open source ↗10:28-29 The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14). The lesser situation is the old punishment of death for a person who refused to obey the law of Moses (see Deut 13:6-11). The greater situation concerns those who reject Christ and treat him with contempt. • how much worse the punishment: Eternal damnation is the fate awaiting those who have rejected Christ. • The blood of the covenant, which made us holy, is Christ’s perfect sacrifice (9:11–10:18). • insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit: Those who reject the Spirit’s prompting and mercy deny the validity of the Good News and the superiority of Christ and his saving work (cp. Mark 3:22-30).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment,
A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
So the whole congregation took the man outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you.
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
I will smash them against one another, fathers and sons alike, declares the LORD. I will allow no mercy or pity or compassion to keep Me from destroying them.’”
Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.