Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

HEBREWS 10:25KJV
Know the Bible

Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 10:25 mean?

Hebrews 10:25 urges believers not to neglect meeting together, as some were doing, but instead to encourage one another—especially as they see a significant day drawing near. The verse highlights the importance of gathering as a community and supporting each other in faith.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing a group of early Christians who may have been tempted to stop meeting together, possibly due to fear, discouragement, or social pressure. The verse points out that some people had already developed the habit of avoiding these gatherings. Instead, the writer calls the community to mutual encouragement, especially because they believe a crucial event ("the day") is approaching, which many understand as a reference to Christ’s return or a time of judgment.

The Greek behind Hebrews 10:25

  • ἐγκαταλείποντες (egkataleipontes, "forsaking"): This word means to abandon or leave behind, and it carries a strong sense of desertion. The writer is not just talking about missing a meeting, but about turning away from the community altogether.
  • ἐπισυναγωγή (episynagōgē, "assembling together"): This word refers to a gathering or coming together, often used for a purposeful, communal assembly. It emphasizes the intentional act of meeting, not just being in the same place.
  • παρακαλοῦντες (parakalountes, "exhorting"): This word means to encourage, comfort, or urge. The focus is on actively supporting and uplifting one another, not just being present.
  • ἡμέρα (hēmera, "day"): The "day" is left somewhat open, but in context, it is often understood as a significant moment in God’s plan, likely the return of Christ or a time of accountability.

Why Hebrews 10:25 matters

  • Hebrews 10:25 clarifies that Christian community is not just a suggestion but a vital part of faith, especially in challenging times.
  • The verse addresses a real issue in the early church—some were already avoiding gatherings—showing that this was a practical concern, not just a theoretical warning.
  • By connecting the need for encouragement to "the day approaching," the verse ties daily faithfulness to a larger hope and expectation, giving purpose to regular gatherings.

Where else these words appear

“assembling” Greek G1997 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

“forsaking” Greek G1459 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Acts 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
  • 2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

“manner” Greek G1485 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
  • John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

“much” Greek G5118 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
  • Hebrews 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.