Hebrews 10:29

Sorer punishment. Or, “more severe retribution.” The most severe penalty possible under the law of Moses was death. It deprived a man of the remainder of his natural life. But the “fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries” of the Lord (v. 27) on the last day, will deprive men of eternal life. There is a resurrection from the first death but not from the second, and the second death is, accordingly, a “much sorer punishment.”

Suppose ye? In the form of a question the truth here stated is much more emphatic than it otherwise would be.

Thought worthy. That is, by the great Judge of the universe.

Trodden under foot. That is, as a deliberate act of contempt (cf. Matt. 7:6). Those here referred to not only reject Christ’s offer of mercy but spare no pains to let it be known that they despise His offer.

Son of God. See on Luke 1:35.

Counted. That is, considered.

Blood of the covenant. That is, the blood of Christ, by which the provisions of the new covenant are made operative (see eh. 9:11-26).

He was sanctified. The apostate here referred to had at one time professed to accept salvation through the atoning grace of Christ. He had once professed to appreciate that which he now despised, and thereby bore unwitting testimony to the fact that his present attitude was not based on ignorance.

An unholy thing. Literally, “common.” The man who rejects God’s love does not appreciate the supreme value of that gift. Contrast this man’s attitude with that of the pearl merchant (see Matt. 13:45, 46) and of the man who discovered treasure hidden in a field (v. 44).

Done despite. Gr. enubrizo, “to insult,” “to outrage.” The persistent refusal to heed the promptings of the Holy Spirit reflects contempt for them. Concerning the various ways by which men may insult the Holy Spirit and commit the unpardonable sin see on Matt. 12:31, 32; Eph. 4:30.

Spirit of grace. That is, the Spirit through whose agency the grace of Christ is applied to each repentant sinner.