Hebrews 10:28 — “Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse brings up a serious example from the Old Testament to help us understand how much more serious it is to reject Jesus. Under the law of Moses, if someone deliberately broke God’s commands—especially in cases of idolatry, rebellion, or blasphemy—they could face the death penalty. But this punishment only happened if there were at least two or three witnesses to confirm the offense (see Deuteronomy 17:6).
The writer of Hebrews is saying: If people under the old covenant were judged that harshly for rejecting God’s law, how much worse will it be for those who reject Jesus, who brought the new and better covenant? If rejection of the law brought death, how much more should we expect judgment if we reject the Savior?
This verse is setting up a contrast: if the old covenant came with serious consequences, we should never take the new covenant lightly.
Historical Context
In the Old Testament, the law was not something casual. God gave it to Israel at Mount Sinai with fire, thunder, and warnings. Breaking the law, especially with full knowledge and intention, was a serious matter. Capital punishment was built into the legal system for certain high-handed sins.
The law required fairness—people couldn’t be put to death on hearsay or a single accusation. There had to be two or three witnesses (see Deuteronomy 19:15). That system protected the innocent but made clear how seriously God took rebellion and disobedience.
Now, the book of Hebrews is speaking to Jewish believers who are tempted to walk away from Christ and go back to that old system. But the author warns them: if rejection of Moses brought death, what do you think will happen if you reject the Son of God?
Theological Implications
This verse highlights some important truths:
- God’s justice has always been serious. Even under the old covenant, sin had weighty consequences.
- Greater revelation brings greater responsibility. If rejecting the law led to death, rejecting Jesus—the fulfillment of that law—is even more serious.
- God’s character is consistent. His grace is amazing, but His justice is also righteous and firm.
This verse prepares the reader to understand that the new covenant doesn’t lower the standard—it actually raises it because it brings full light and truth through Jesus.
Literary Analysis
This verse is a direct statement of fact from the Old Testament law. It’s a brief sentence, but it packs weight. The mention of “two or three witnesses” gives it legal weight—this wasn’t an emotional reaction but a judicial principle.
The phrase “died without mercy” stands out. It emphasizes the seriousness and finality of judgment under the old covenant. That strong language is meant to prepare us for the stronger warning in the next verse (Hebrews 10:29), where the writer says rejecting Christ brings even worse consequences.
This use of contrast and escalating seriousness is a common strategy in Hebrews—pointing from the lesser to the greater.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 17:2-6 – Describes punishment for idolatry and the need for two or three witnesses.
- Deuteronomy 19:15 – “A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
- Numbers 15:30-31 – Describes how intentional sin shows contempt for the Lord.
- Hebrews 2:2-3 – “If the message spoken by angels was binding… how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?”
These passages show how seriously God treated sin and rebellion under the law—and how much more seriously we should treat the gospel today.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a warning, but it’s also a reminder: don’t take lightly what Jesus has done for you. If God judged disobedience under the law of Moses, we should not expect Him to be indifferent if we ignore or reject the gospel.
For believers, this is a call to honor Christ, remain faithful, and not treat His grace casually. It’s also a reason to be thankful—because Jesus took the punishment we deserved, we’re not under that judgment anymore. But it reminds us not to play games with sin or walk away from the truth.
This verse also calls us to a deeper respect for God’s holiness and for the gift of salvation.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Some people think love and judgment don’t go together, but they do. A loving God doesn’t ignore sin, especially when it harms His people or rejects His Son. This verse is part of God’s loving warning to keep us from walking into destruction.
God doesn’t want us to face judgment. That’s why He gave the law in the first place—to show our need for grace—and why He sent Jesus to fulfill it. But if we reject His offer of mercy, we’re left with the justice we chose instead.
Love gives truth, and this verse is a truth spoken out of deep concern.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the reason this verse matters. The whole book of Hebrews is about how Jesus is greater—greater than Moses, greater than the law, greater than the priests and sacrifices. If people were punished for rejecting the old covenant, it’s far more serious to reject Jesus, who fulfilled it all.
- Hebrews 3:3 – Jesus is “worthy of greater honor than Moses.”
- John 3:18 – “Whoever does not believe stands condemned already.”
- Acts 13:38-39 – Through Jesus, everyone who believes is set free from sin—a freedom the law couldn’t give.
Jesus is not only our Savior—He is our only hope. Rejecting Him is rejecting the one sacrifice that can save.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse help you better understand the seriousness of rejecting God’s truth?
- What does it teach you about the difference between the old covenant and the new?
- In what ways are we tempted today to treat God’s Word casually or ignore His warnings?
- How does this verse deepen your appreciation for the mercy offered in Jesus?
- Who in your life might need to be lovingly warned about turning away from Christ?