Hebrews 10:30 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 10:30 mean?

Hebrews 10:30 reminds readers that God alone has the right to bring vengeance and justice, quoting Scripture to show that God will repay wrongdoing and judge His own people. The verse emphasizes that judgment and repayment are God's responsibility, not something people should take into their own hands.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing believers who may be facing injustice or persecution, urging them to trust that God sees all and will act justly in His own time. By quoting, "Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense," and "The Lord shall judge his people," the verse points back to Old Testament passages where God claims the role of judge and avenger, highlighting His authority and fairness.

The Greek behind Hebrews 10:30

• ἐκδίκησις (ekdikēsis, "Vengeance"): This word often carries the sense of rightful justice or retribution, not just personal revenge. It underscores that God's vengeance is about restoring justice, not acting out of anger.
• ἀνταποδώσω (antapodosō, "I will recompense"): This verb means to repay or give back what is due. The Greek here stresses that God will settle accounts fairly, rewarding or correcting as deserved.
• κρινεῖ (krinei, "shall judge"): This word means to decide, distinguish, or judge. The Greek highlights that God will evaluate His people, making decisions based on truth and righteousness.

Why Hebrews 10:30 matters

• Hebrews 10:30 clears up the idea that people should seek personal revenge; instead, it insists that only God has the right to judge and repay.
• The verse connects to the larger theme in Hebrews of perseverance and trust in God's justice, especially when facing hardship or mistreatment.
• By quoting the Old Testament, Hebrews 10:30 shows continuity between God's character in both the old and new covenants, reassuring readers that God is always just and attentive to His people.