partly by being made a public spectacle through insults and distress, and partly by becoming companions with those who were so treated.
Parallel translations
- WEB partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so.
- KJV Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
- BSB Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated.
- NKJV partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;
- NLT Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
They had endured public insult and persecution, and stood with others who suffered likewise. Their faith had cost them dearly.
Overview
The author recalls the specific trials: being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and identifying with fellow believers who were mistreated. This solidarity in suffering displayed genuine faith and love. Remembering such costly faithfulness encourages continued endurance.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 18
- 1 Cor 4:9For, I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men.
- Phil 4:14However you did well that you shared in my affliction.
- Phil 1:7It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.
- 2 Cor 12:10Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
- Heb 11:36Others were tried by mocking and scourging, yes, moreover by bonds and imprisonment.
- Isa 51:7“Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law: Don’t fear the reproach of men, and don’t be dismayed at their insults.
- Ps 74:22Arise, God! Plead your own cause. Remember how the foolish man mocks you all day.
- Ps 89:51With which your enemies have mocked, Yahweh, with which they have mocked the footsteps of your anointed one.
- Ps 79:12Pay back to our neighbors seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you, Lord.
- Zech 3:8Hear now, Joshua the high priest, you and your fellows who sit before you; for they are men who are a sign: for, behold, I will bring out my servant, the Branch.
- Heb 13:13Let us therefore go out to him outside of the camp, bearing his reproach.
- Nah 3:6I will throw abominable filth on you, and make you vile, and will set you a spectacle.
- 2 Tim 1:8Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God,
- Ps 71:7I am a marvel to many, but you are my strong refuge.
- Heb 11:26accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
- 1 Th 2:14For you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews;
- 2 Tim 1:16–18May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
- Ps 69:9For the zeal of your house consumes me. The reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
Resources, by level
Commentaries & study tools
Free animated overview and word-study videos for this book.
Sermons and teaching on this passage from across YouTube.
Clear, readable, conservative exposition — the best free place to start on any passage.
Matthew Henry, Barnes, Gill, the Pulpit Commentary, Ellicott, Cambridge, and more — stacked on one page for this exact verse.
The beloved Puritan exposition of this whole book — warm, devotional, and verse by verse (free, CCEL).
Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
Christ at the center
Hebrews is sustained worship of Christ: better than angels, Moses, and the priests; the great High Priest after Melchizedek who by one sacrifice perfects forever those he saves.
How Hebrews 10:33 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.