So do not throw away your confidence;This phrase encourages perseverance in faith. The "confidence" refers to the boldness and assurance believers have in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In the context of Hebrews, this confidence is rooted in the new covenant established by Christ's sacrifice (
Hebrews 10:19-22). Historically, the early Christian community faced persecution and social ostracism, which could tempt them to abandon their faith. The exhortation not to "throw away" this confidence suggests a deliberate action, emphasizing the importance of maintaining steadfastness. This echoes the call to perseverance found in
Hebrews 3:6 and 4:14, where believers are urged to hold firmly to their confidence and hope.
it holds a great reward.
The "great reward" is the promise of eternal life and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. This reward is not merely future-oriented but also includes the present experience of God's presence and peace. The concept of reward is consistent with other New Testament teachings, such as inMatthew 5:12 and2 Timothy 4:8, where believers are encouraged to look forward to the heavenly reward. Theologically, this reward is tied to the faithfulness of God, who honors those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). The assurance of reward serves as motivation for believers to endure trials and remain faithful, reflecting the eschatological hope that is central to Christian belief.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Author of HebrewsTraditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians who are facing persecution and are tempted to revert to Judaism.
2.
Jewish ChristiansThe primary audience of the letter, who were experiencing trials and needed encouragement to persevere in their faith.
3.
PersecutionThe context in which the recipients were living, facing social and possibly physical persecution for their faith in Christ.
4.
The Early ChurchThe broader community of believers who were establishing their identity and doctrine amidst external pressures.
5.
The Promise of RewardThe assurance given to believers that their faithfulness will be rewarded by God, both in this life and the life to come.
Teaching Points
Confidence in ChristOur confidence is rooted in the finished work of Christ. It is not based on our own strength or merit but on His promises and faithfulness.
Endurance in TrialsBelievers are called to endure trials with the assurance that God sees and rewards their faithfulness. This endurance is a testament to their trust in God's promises.
The Value of PerseverancePerseverance is not just about surviving trials but thriving in faith through them. It is a demonstration of our hope and trust in God's ultimate plan.
Eternal PerspectiveKeeping an eternal perspective helps believers to focus on the "great reward" rather than the temporary struggles of this world.
Encouragement in CommunityThe community of believers plays a crucial role in encouraging one another to hold fast to their confidence and not lose heart.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Hebrews 10:35?
2.How can we practically "not throw away" our confidence in daily life?
3.What does Hebrews 10:35 teach about the rewards of steadfast faith?
4.How does Hebrews 10:35 connect with Hebrews 11:1 on faith and assurance?
5.In what ways can we encourage others to maintain confidence in God's promises?
6.How can we apply the promise of "great reward" to our spiritual journey?
7.What does Hebrews 10:35 mean by "confidence" in a spiritual context?
8.How does Hebrews 10:35 relate to enduring faith during trials?
9.Why is the reward mentioned in Hebrews 10:35 significant for believers?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 10?
11.Why discard your confidence?
12.Why discard your confidence?
13.What does the Bible say about self-belief?
14.What does the Bible say about self-belief?What Does Hebrews 10:35 Mean
So• The word “So” links this verse to the preceding call to endurance (Hebrews 10:32-34).
• Earlier verses remind believers of past faithfulness under hardship: “after you had been enlightened, you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering” (Hebrews 10:32).
• Because God has proven Himself faithful, the reader is invited to draw a direct line from past deliverance to present resolve, just as Israel was urged to remember God’s mighty acts (Psalm 77:11-12).
do not throw away• “Throw away” pictures a deliberate act of casting aside something valuable—like Esau despising his birthright (Genesis 25:34) or Demas deserting Paul “because he loved this world” (2 Timothy 4:10).
• Perseverance is the consistent theme of Hebrews: “We are His house if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence” (Hebrews 3:6); “Hold fast to the hope you profess” (Hebrews 10:23).
• Choosing to give up would forfeit blessings both now and in eternity, echoing Jesus’ warning, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
your confidence• This “confidence” is bold assurance rooted in Christ’s completed work: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…” (Hebrews 10:19-22).
• It is not self-reliance but faith that God hears, saves, and rewards. See also: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16); “In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12).
• Practically, confidence shows up in persevering obedience, fearless witness, and hopeful endurance (Philippians 1:6;1 John 5:14).
it holds a great reward• God openly promises reward for steadfast faith: “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
• This reward is “great”—far surpassing any earthly loss (Romans 8:18). Jesus said, “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12).
• The reward includes:
– Eternal life in God’s presence (John 14:1-3)
– A crown of righteousness for those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)
– Commendation from the Lord: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21)
• Presently, believers also enjoy peace, assurance, and the Spirit’s power (John 16:33;Galatians 5:22-23).
summaryBecause God has already proved Himself trustworthy, we are urged not to discard the bold assurance He has given us in Christ. Holding fast to that confidence brings rich reward—both the sustaining grace we need today and the eternal inheritance awaiting all who persevere in faith.
(35)
Cast not away therefore your confidence.--Rather,
Cast not away therefore your boldness, seeing it hath a great recompence. To "cast away boldness" is the opposite of "holding fast the boldness of the hope" (
Hebrews 3:6); the one belongs to the endurance of the faithful servant (
Hebrews 10:32;
Hebrews 10:36), the other to the cowardice of the man who draws back (
Hebrews 10:38). This verse and the next are closely connected: Hold fast your boldness, seeing that to it belongs great reward; hold it fast, for "he that endureth to the end shall be saved." On the last word, "recompence," see
Hebrews 2:2.
Verses 35, 36. -
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience (or,
endurance)
,that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise; or,
doing the will of God, ye may receive, etc. The aorist participle
ποιήσαντες does not of necessity express priority to the receiving (cf.
Hebrews 6:15,
μακροθυμήσας ἐπέτυχε). The meaning is that by endurance in doing the will they would receive. The full and final enjoyment of what is promised is still future and conditioned by perseverance. Observe the difference between the words
κομίζεσθαι, here used, and
ἐποτυγχάνειν, used in
Hebrews 6:15. The former (
occ.
Hebrews 11:19, 39; also
2 Corinthians 5:10;
Ephesians 6:8;
Colossians 3:25; and
1 Peter 1:9) means the actual reception of what is denoted, equivalent to
sibi acquirere; the latter (etc.
Hebrews 6:15;
Hebrews 11:33; also
Romans 11:7;
James 4:2) means only "to attain to," without involving full possession. It is not said of Abraham (
Hebrews 6:15) that he
ἐκομίσατο, only that he
ἐπέτυχε. So also of all the faithful of old described in the following chapter (
Hebrews 11:39). And even to believing Christians, as this verse shows, the
κομίζεσθαι is still future and contingent.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Soοὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.{do} notΜὴ(Mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.throw awayἀποβάλητε(apobalēte)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 577:To throw away from, throw overboard, cast aside. From apo and ballo; to throw off; figuratively, to lose.yourὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.confidence;παρρησίαν(parrēsian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3954:From pas and a derivative of rheo; all out-spokenness, i.e. Frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance.[it]ἥτις(hētis)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3748:Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.holdsἔχει(echei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.a greatμεγάλην(megalēn)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3173:Large, great, in the widest sense.reward.μισθαποδοσίαν(misthapodosian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3405:(lit: repayment of price or payment of price due), reward, due punishment. From misthapodotes; requital.
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NT Letters: Hebrews 10:35 Therefore don't throw away your boldness which (Heb. He. Hb) 
