Hebrews 10:35-36
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The command "cast not away your confidence" isn't about losing something involuntarily, but rather about actively choosing not to discard it. This "confidence" is your bold, courageous assurance in God that you've already demonstrated, and throwing it away is like discarding something worthless when it's actually your greatest asset.
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just reminded them of the immense suffering they endured for their faith in the past, the author urges them not to abandon the bold confidence and free access to God that they once displayed. This faithfulness is presented not as a losing battle, but as the very path that leads to an incredible, eternal reward.
The early church faced intense pressure. The author of Hebrews calls them not to lose their 'boldness.' What does that really mean?
The Greek word used here, 'parrhesia,' doesn't just mean being loud or opinionated. It’s about a deep-seated boldness and freedom of speech that comes from a clear conscience and a secure relationship with God.
Think of it as your 'Christian swagger' – not arrogance, but a confident assurance in God's promises and His presence with you. This boldness was particularly evident when believers confessed their faith, even in the face of suffering.
Losing this boldness isn't usually a sudden event. It's more like letting something valuable slip away, often because it starts to feel worthless or burdensome in the face of difficulty. The writers here emphasize that this boldness is an internal state of mind, a courageous heart, not just outward action.
Why should you hold onto your confidence when things get tough? The answer is a 'great reward' – but what does that look like?
The verse promises a 'great recompense of reward' for holding onto your boldness. This isn't just about getting a pat on the back after the fact. It speaks to the inherent value and future benefit embedded within steadfast faith.
This reward encompasses several layers:
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Think of it like a soldier holding their shield. Giving up the shield means facing the enemy defenseless. Keeping it, though difficult, preserves the soldier and leads to eventual victory and honor.
Understand the original words
parrēsia · Greek Noun
Boldness, freedom of speech, or courageous reliance on God; it is the secure, unwavering trust a believer has because of their standing before God in Christ.
misthapodosian · Greek Noun
The gracious recompense given by God to those who remain faithful to Him; it is not earned through merit but granted by God to those who persevere in faith.
hypomonē · Greek Noun
The quality of steadfastness, patience, or perseverance under trial; the capacity to hold fast to one's faith and duty despite suffering or opposition.
thelēma · Greek Noun
God's sovereign desire, purpose, or moral standard for humanity, which believers are called to obey and align their lives with.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus Christ begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. After his crucifixion and resurrection, he ascends into heaven, commissioning his followers.
c. AD 33-37
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The early Christian church experiences rapid growth, marked by powerful signs and wonders. This period also sees increasing opposition and sporadic persecution from Jewish authorities.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive missionary journeys, establishing Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire and facing significant opposition and hardship.
c. AD 60-65— this verse
Writing of the Epistle to the Hebrews
The author of Hebrews writes to Jewish Christians who are facing intense pressure and persecution. The letter warns against drifting away from their faith and encourages perseverance.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome and Nero's Persecution
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame and brutally persecute Christians. This event intensifies suffering for believers within the Roman Empire.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Roman forces under Titus besiege and destroy Jerusalem, including the Second Temple. This catastrophic event marks a pivotal moment for Judaism and confirms the end of the Old Covenant era.
This passage speaks about the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds, which is a direct result of holding onto our confidence in Christ, rather than casting it away.
1 Peter 5:10Peter encourages believers that after they have suffered a little while, God will restore, establish, and strengthen them, directly aligning with the 'great reward' mentioned in Hebrews for enduring.
Colossians 1:23This verse highlights the importance of continuing in the faith, grounded and steadfast, not moving away from the hope of the gospel, which is the very confidence the author of Hebrews urges them not to throw away.
Matthew 10:22Jesus warns that his followers will be hated by all for his name's sake, but the one who endures to the end will be saved, underscoring the 'great reward' for not abandoning their confidence amidst persecution.
Hebrews 3:6This earlier verse in Hebrews uses the same concept of 'confidence' or 'boldness' (parrhesia), contrasting those who hold fast with Christ and those who grow discouraged, providing earlier context for the call in 10:35.
vincentHebrews 10:35: "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward."
Confidence (τὴν παρρησίαν)Rend. boldness. The boldness and courage which you manifested under persecution.
meyerHebrews 10:35: "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward."
Hebrews 10:35 . Exhortation deduced from Hebrews 10:32-34 . The self-sacrificing zeal for Christianity displayed in the past ought to animate the readers to a joyful maintenance of the same likewise in the present, since of a truth this very stedfastness in zeal leads to the longed-for goal. ἀποβάλλειν ] here not the involuntary losing (Jac. Cappellus, Lösner, and others), but the voluntary casting…
The command "cast not away your confidence" isn't about losing something involuntarily, but rather about actively choosing not to discard it. This "confidence" is your bold, courageous assurance in God that you've already demonstrated, and throwing it away is like discarding something worthless when it's actually your greatest asset.
Having just reminded them of the immense suffering they endured for their faith in the past, the author urges them not to abandon the bold confidence and free access to God that they once displayed. This faithfulness is presented not as a losing battle, but as the very path that leads to an incredible, eternal reward.
Having just reminded them of the immense suffering they endured for their faith in the past, the author urges them not to abandon the bold confidence and free access to God that they once displayed. This faithfulness is presented not as a losing battle, but as the very path that leads to an incredible, eternal reward.
"Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." — The command "cast not away your confidence" isn't about losing something involuntarily, but rather about actively choosing not to discard it. This "confidence" is your bold, courageous assurance in G…
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Last reviewed October 2026
