Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

HEBREWS 10:33KJV
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Hebrews 10:33 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 10:33 mean?

Hebrews 10:33 describes how some believers were publicly shamed and suffered hardships, while others stood alongside those being mistreated. The verse highlights both the direct experience of suffering and the solidarity shown by joining with others who faced the same treatment.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing early Christians who endured public ridicule and difficult trials because of their faith. Some were made a "gazingstock," meaning they were put on display for mockery and insult, while others supported those who suffered. This verse points to the shared experience of hardship within the Christian community and the importance of standing together during persecution.

The Greek behind Hebrews 10:33

  • "gazingstock" (θεατριζόμενοι, theatrizomenoi): This word comes from the idea of being put on a stage or in a theater, made a spectacle for others to watch. It emphasizes that the suffering was very public and humiliating, not hidden or private.
  • "reproaches" (ὀνειδισμοῖς, oneidismois): This word refers to insults or verbal abuse, showing that the suffering included not just physical hardship but also shaming words.
  • "afflictions" (θλίψεσιν, thlipsesin): This word means pressures or troubles, often used for various kinds of hardship, not just physical pain but any kind of distress.
  • "companions" (κοινωνοί, koinōnoi): This word means partners or sharers, highlighting the idea of joining with others in their suffering, not just feeling sorry for them from a distance.

Why Hebrews 10:33 matters

  • Hebrews 10:33 clarifies that suffering for faith was not only an individual experience but something shared within the community, strengthening the bond among believers.
  • The verse emphasizes the public nature of the trials, showing that early Christians often faced open humiliation and not just private struggles.
  • By mentioning both those who suffered directly and those who stood with them, Hebrews 10:33 highlights the value of solidarity and mutual support in times of hardship.

Where else these words appear

“reproaches” Greek G3680 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
  • 1 Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
  • Hebrews 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

“companions” Greek G2844 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 23:30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
  • Philemon 1:17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

“were” Greek G390 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 17:22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:
  • Acts 15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
  • 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

“afflictions” Greek G2347 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
  • Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
  • Philippians 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: