But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

HEBREWS 10:32KJV
Know the Bible

Hebrews 10:32 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 10:32 mean?

Hebrews 10:32 urges the readers to remember earlier times when, after coming to understand the truth, they faced and endured significant struggles and hardships. The verse highlights the importance of recalling past perseverance after first receiving spiritual insight.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish believers who had previously experienced suffering because of their faith. By reminding them of their earlier endurance after being "illuminated" (coming to faith or understanding), the author encourages them to stay strong in the face of current or future difficulties. This verse sets up a call to steadfastness by pointing back to their proven faithfulness during tough times.

The Greek behind Hebrews 10:32

  • "illuminated" (φωτίζω, phōtizō): This word means to be enlightened or to receive light, often understood as coming to a clear understanding or spiritual awakening. Here, it refers to the readers' initial experience of understanding the gospel.
  • "fight" (ἄθλησις, athlēsis): This word is used for a contest or struggle, especially in an athletic sense. The verse frames their hardships as an intense struggle, not just passive suffering, but an active, challenging contest.
  • "afflictions" (πάθημα, pathēma): This word refers to sufferings or hardships, emphasizing the real and difficult troubles the readers endured. It underscores that their faith came at a personal cost.

Why Hebrews 10:32 matters

  • Hebrews 10:32 clarifies that the Christian life often involves real and difficult struggles, especially after coming to faith, countering any idea that faith leads to an easy life.
  • The verse emphasizes the value of remembering past endurance to encourage present faithfulness, showing that recalling God’s help in former trials can strengthen believers now.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by preparing the readers for the call to perseverance that follows, grounding it in their own history of faithful endurance.

Where else these words appear

“remembrance” Greek G363 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
  • Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

“former” Greek G4386 · used in 10 verses

  • John 6:62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
  • 2 Corinthians 1:15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
  • Hebrews 4:6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

“illuminated” Greek G5461 · used in 11 verses

  • Luke 11:36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
  • Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
  • Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

“endured” Greek G5278 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
  • Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
  • Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.