Hebrews 10:34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.

◄ Hebrews 10:34 ►

New International Version
You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

New Living Translation
You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.

English Standard Version
For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.

Berean Standard Bible
You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.

Berean Literal Bible
For both you sympathized with the prisoners and you accepted the plundering of your possessions with joy, knowing yourselves to have a better and abiding possession.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.

New American Standard Bible
For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better and lasting possession.

NASB 1995
For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.

NASB 1977
For you showed sympathy to the prisoners, and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.

Legacy Standard Bible
For you also showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted with joy the seizure of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better and lasting possession.

Amplified Bible
For you showed sympathy and deep concern for those who were imprisoned, and you joyfully accepted the [unjust] seizure of your belongings and the confiscation of your property, conscious of the fact that you have a better possession and a lasting one [prepared for you in heaven].

Christian Standard Bible
For you sympathized with the prisoners and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions, because you know that you yourselves have a better and enduring possession.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For you sympathized with the prisoners and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves have a better and enduring possession.

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

Contemporary English Version
You were kind to people in jail. And you gladly let your possessions be taken away, because you knew you had something better, something that would last forever.

English Revised Version
For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that ye yourselves have a better possession and an abiding one.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You suffered with prisoners. You were cheerful even though your possessions were stolen, since you know that you have a better and more permanent possession.

Good News Translation
You shared the sufferings of prisoners, and when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something much better, which would last forever.

International Standard Version
For you sympathized with the prisoners and cheerfully submitted to the violent seizure of your property, because you know that you have a better and more permanent possession.

Majority Standard Bible
You sympathized with me in my chains and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession in heaven.

NET Bible
For in fact you shared the sufferings of those in prison, and you accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy, because you knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession.

New Heart English Bible
For you both had compassion on them that were in chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an enduring one.

Webster's Bible Translation
For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the seizing of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Weymouth New Testament
For you not only showed sympathy with those who were imprisoned, but you even submitted with joy when your property was taken from you, being well aware that you have in your own selves a more valuable possession and one which will remain.

World English Bible
For you both had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for you also sympathized with my bonds, and the robbery of your goods you received with joy, knowing that you have in yourselves a better substance in the heavens, and an enduring one.

Berean Literal Bible
For both you sympathized with the prisoners and you accepted the plundering of your possessions with joy, knowing yourselves to have a better and abiding possession.

Young's Literal Translation
for also with my bonds ye sympathised, and the robbery of your goods with joy ye did receive, knowing that ye have in yourselves a better substance in the heavens, and an enduring one.

Smith's Literal Translation
For ye also suffered together with me in bonds, and received the pillage of your possessions with joy, knowing to have in yourselves a better and abiding substance in the heavens.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For you both had compassion on them that were in bands, and took with joy the being stripped of your own goods, knowing that you have a better and a lasting substance.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For you even had compassion on those who were imprisoned, and you accepted with gladness being deprived of your goods, knowing that you have a better and more lasting substance.

New American Bible
You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you had a better and lasting possession.

New Revised Standard Version
For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And you had pity on those who were prisoners, and you took the seizure of your property cheerfully, for you know in yourselves that you have a better and a more enduring possession in heaven.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And you were grieved concerning those who were imprisoned and you endured with joy the robbery of your possessions, because you know you have a possession in Heaven which is greater and does not pass away.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For you sympathized with me in my bonds, and endured joyfully the seizure of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better and abiding substance in the heavens.

Godbey New Testament
For you suffered along with the prisoners, and received with joy the spoliation of your goods, knowing that you have a better and abiding possession.

Haweis New Testament
For ye have been fellow-sufferers with my bonds, and received with joy the plundering of your properties, knowing in yourselves that you have in the heavens a better substance, and permanent.

Mace New Testament
for you were passionately affected for those who were in bonds, and were pleas'd at the seizing of your goods, knowing that you have what is more excellent and lasting.

Weymouth New Testament
For you not only showed sympathy with those who were imprisoned, but you even submitted with joy when your property was taken from you, being well aware that you have in your own selves a more valuable possession and one which will remain.

Worrell New Testament
for ye both sympathized with those in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions; knowing that ye yourselves have a better possession and an abiding one.

Worsley New Testament
for ye sympathized with me in my bonds, and ye took joyfully the plundering of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

A Call to Persevere
…33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated. 34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession. 35So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Acts 5:41
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Philippians 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,

1 Peter 4:13-14
But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

2 Timothy 2:12
if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

Matthew 19:29
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.

Luke 6:22-23
Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. / Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 8:2
In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.

Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. / Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.

Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Treasury of Scripture

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

in my.

Acts 21:33
Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

Acts 28:20
For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

Ephesians 3:1
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

and took.

Matthew 5:11,12
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake…

Acts 5:41
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

James 1:2
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

in yourselves that ye have.

Matthew 6:19,20
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: …

Matthew 19:21
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Luke 10:42
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

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Abiding Accepted Aware Better Bonds Chains Compassion Confiscation Enduring Goods Heaven Heavens Imprisoned Joy Joyfully Lasting Pity Plunder Plundering Possession Possessions Prison Prisoners Property Seizing Selves Showed Spoiling Submitted Substance Sympathy Yourselves

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Hebrews 10

1. The weakness of the law sacrifices.
10. The sacrifice of Christ's body once offered,
14. for ever has taken away sins.
19. An exhortation to hold fast the faith with patience and thanksgiving.

Berean Study Bible

You sympathized with those in prison
The phrase "You sympathized" is derived from the Greek word "sympathēsantes," which means to suffer with or to have compassion. In the early Christian context, believers often faced persecution, and imprisonment was a common consequence for their faith. The act of sympathizing with those in prison reflects a deep sense of Christian solidarity and love, as believers were called to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). This sympathy was not merely emotional but was often expressed through tangible support, such as visiting prisoners or providing for their needs, which was a risky endeavor given the potential for association with those deemed criminals by the state.

and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property
The word "joyfully" is significant, as it indicates a profound spiritual maturity and understanding of the Christian faith. The Greek word "meta charas" suggests a gladness that transcends circumstances, rooted in the joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). The "confiscation of your property" refers to the legal and social repercussions faced by early Christians, who were often stripped of their possessions as a form of punishment or societal rejection. Historically, this reflects the Roman Empire's treatment of Christians, who were seen as subversive to the traditional Roman religious and social order. The willingness to accept such loss joyfully underscores a detachment from earthly possessions and a focus on spiritual wealth.

knowing that you yourselves have a better and permanent possession
The word "knowing" comes from the Greek "ginōskontes," implying a deep, experiential knowledge. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but is rooted in faith and the promises of God. The "better and permanent possession" refers to the eternal inheritance promised to believers, as described in 1 Peter 1:4, which is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading." This possession is the kingdom of God, a treasure stored in heaven (Matthew 6:20), which far surpasses any earthly wealth. The assurance of this eternal reward empowers believers to endure trials and losses with hope and confidence, reflecting the eternal perspective that is central to the Christian faith.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(34) For ye had compassion of me in my bonds.--Rather (according to the true reading of the Greek), for ye had sympathy with them that were in bonds (comp. Hebrews 13:3, "Remember them that are in bonds as bound with them"). The change of reading is very important in connection] with the question of authorship. (See the Introduction.)

And took joyfully.--Better, and accepted with joy the spoiling of your possessions. In the spirit of Matthew 5:12 (Acts 5:41; 2Corinthians 12:10), they accepted persecution not with "patience and long suffering" only, but "with joy" (Colossians 1:11). The rendering "possessions" is necessary because a similar word ("substance" in the Authorised version) will immediately occur. In the last clause two remarkable changes in the Greek text are made necessary by the testimony of our best authorities. The words "in heaven" must certainly be removed; they are omitted in the oldest MSS., and are evidently an explanatory comment which has found its way into the text. For the reading, "in yourselves," there is hardly any evidence whatever. The MSS. are divided between two readings, "yourselves" and "for yourselves;" the former having also the support of the Latin and Coptic versions. There is little doubt that we must read "yourselves;" and the most probable translation will now be, perceiving that ye have your own selves for a better possession and one that abideth. They had been taught the meaning of the words spoken by Jesus of the man who gains the world and loses himself (Luke 9:25), and of those who win their souls by their endurance (Luke 21:19); so in Hebrews 10:39 the writer speaks of "the gaining of the soul." Thus trained, they could accept with joy the loss of possessions for the sake of Christ, perceiving that in Him they had received themselves as a possession, a better and a lasting possession. (It would be possible to render the clause, "knowing that ye yourselves have a better possession," &c.; but the parallelism of Hebrews 10:39 renders it almost certain that the former view of the words is correct.) . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 34. - For ye had compassion on those who were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession, and an abiding one. For τοῖς δεσμίοις, the Receptus has τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου, which the A.V., so as to avoid the impropriety of expressing sympathy with the bonds themselves, renders "me in my bonds." Even apart from manuscript authority, δεσμίοις is evidently to be preferred, both as suiting the verb συνεπαθήσατε and as being more likely to have been altered to the common Pauline expression, δεσμοῖς μου, than vice versa, especially on the supposition of the writer being St. Paul himself. Thus no evidence as to the authorship of the Epistle is hence deducible. The allusion is to persecutions of Christians, under which the Hebrews addressed had been plundered, and had succored others who were prisoners for the faith, as is intimated also in Hebrews 6:10. More than one such persecution might be in the writer's view, including, perhaps, that after the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1; Acts 11:19); that instituted by Herod Agrippa, under which James the elder suffered (Acts 12.); that which led to the martyrdom of James the Just (Josephus, 'Ant.,' 20:09. 1) and others.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

You sympathized
συνεπαθήσατε (synepathēsate)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4834: To sympathize with, have compassion on. From sumpathes; to feel 'sympathy' with, i.e. to commiserate.

with those
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

in prison
δεσμίοις (desmiois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1198: One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

joyfully
χαρᾶς (charas)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5479: Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.

accepted
προσεδέξασθε (prosedexasthe)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4327: From pros and dechomai; to admit (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

confiscation
ἁρπαγὴν (harpagēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 724: The act of plundering; plunder, spoil, robbery. From harpazo; pillage.

of
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

property,
ὑπαρχόντων (hyparchontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5225: To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).

knowing that
γινώσκοντες (ginōskontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

you yourselves
ἑαυτοὺς (heautous)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

had
ἔχειν (echein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

a better
κρείττονα (kreittona)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 2909: Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

permanent
μένουσαν (menousan)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3306: To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.

possession.
ὕπαρξιν (hyparxin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5223: Goods, substance, property, possessions. From huparcho; existency or proprietorship, i.e. property, wealth.

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NT Letters: Hebrews 10:34 For you both had compassion on me (Heb. He. Hb)