• Hebrews 10:34
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 34 καὶ and γὰρ for τοῖς to the δεσμίοις bound (ones) συνεπαθήσατε, YOU sympathized, καὶ and τὴν the ἁρπαγὴν snatching τῶν of the ὑπαρχόντων belongings ὑμῶν of YOU μετὰ with χαρᾶς joy προσεδέξασθε, YOU received toward, γινώσκοντες knowing ἔχειν to be having ἑαυτοὺς selves κρείσσονα better ὕπαρξιν property καὶ and μένουσαν. remaining.

  • Hebrews 10:34
    American Standard Version

    • 34 For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of you possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.

  • Hebrews 10:34
    The Emphasized Bible

    • 34 For even with them who were in bonds ye sympathised, And unto the seizure of your goods with joy ye bade welcome,—Knowing that ye have yourselves for a better possession and an abiding.

  • Hebrews 10:34
    King James Version

    • 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

  • Hebrews Study Notes—Chapter 10
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 10:34

      you expressed sympathy: Paul here uses the same Greek verb for showing sympathy that he used to describe the way Jesus, as High Priest in heaven, cares for his imperfect followers. (Heb 4:15 and study note) The Hebrew Christians imitated Jesus by expressing such sympathy, or fellow feeling, not just in words but in actions. (Compare 1Co 12:26.) For instance, they generously shared what they had with those in need. (Ac 2:44, 45) And when Peter was imprisoned, “the congregation was intensely praying to God for him.” (Ac 12:5) Further, they showed sympathy for those in prison by visiting them and helping to supply their needs. In doing so, they likely risked their own safety. (Heb 13:3 and study notes) Some may even have visited Paul during his two-year imprisonment in Caesarea.​—Ac 24:23, 27; compare study notes on Col 4:11; 2Ti 1:16.

      the plundering of your belongings: Over the decades, the Hebrew Christians had endured much persecution, some perhaps at the hands of Paul himself. (Ac 8:1-3; 9:1, 2) His conversion put a stop to his wicked course, but the persecution continued. The plundered “belongings” that Paul refers to here may include houses, properties, and other possessions. It seems likely that persecutors continued to drag families from their homes, imprison them, and unjustly seize their possessions. No doubt some Christians fell into poverty as a result of these abuses. Paul was well-aware of such situations. About 49 C.E., the governing body in Jerusalem had commissioned him and Barnabas to keep in mind the needs of impoverished Christians. That directive led to a relief ministry for those in Jerusalem.​—See study note on Ga 2:10.

      a better and an enduring possession: The Hebrew Christians knew that they had an inheritance that no one could plunder​—an eternity of heavenly life. (Eph 1:18-20) This “enduring possession” was one reason why Christians were able to maintain their joy even when faced with the loss of their material possessions.​—See also Ro 5:3-5.