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Verse

Hebrews 10:34

ESV 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.
NIV 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.
NASB 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.
CSB 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.
NLT 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.
KJV 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.

What does Hebrews 10:34 mean?

For Christians, earthly persecution is only a temporary problem. In fact, when we are persecuted for the sake of our faith in Christ, it's a sign that we are, in fact, siding with God instead of with the world (John 15:18–20). Recently, the writer of Hebrews delivered a dire warning to Christians not to dismiss or ignore their faith in the face of hardship. Just as God punished Israel, harshly, for sinning under the old covenant, Christians who "profane" the sacrifice of Jesus can expect severe consequences in their lives when they choose to sin (Hebrews 10:26–29).

Immediately following this warning, the writer provides words of comfort and encouragement. The Jewish Christians to whom he is writing have already suffered a certain degree of persecution. In response, they have persevered (Hebrews 10:32). Here, it is mentioned that they even accepted that abuse with a certain level of joy, knowing that what awaited them in heaven was far more valuable.

In context, this praise is meant to strengthen the readers' resolve. They have endured hardship in the past, so they should be confident that they can withstand it now.
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