Hebrews 10:30 Meaning: When God Says ‘Vengeance Is Mine’
For we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me. I will repay,” says the Lord. Again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
for we have known Him who is saying, `Vengeance is Mine, I will recompense, saith the Lord;' and again, `The Lord shall judge His people;' --
For we know him that said, To me [belongs] vengeance; I will recompense, saith the Lord: and again, The Lord shall judge his people.
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Hebrews 10:30 quote Deuteronomy about vengeance? Find out how God's judgment applies to believers and what it means for your faith.
Context
This verse sits in the middle of a sobering passage. The writer of Hebrews has been urging readers to hold fast to their confidence in Christ. Now he warns about the danger of turning away from the faith after receiving the truth. He quotes from Deuteronomy 32, the Song of Moses, where God declares He will avenge His people and judge them. The warning is not abstract. It is for real people who might slide back under pressure. The writer wants them to know that God takes sin seriously, and that His judgment is sure. But he also wants them to know this God personally, “we know him who said.”
Key Words
The verse opens with a small Greek word that carries a huge weight: oidamen, “we know.” This is not head-knowledge or a fact memorized from a book. It is deep, personal knowing. The readers know the One who spoke these words, not just the words themselves. That changes how you read the warning.
The word for “vengeance” is ekdikēsis. It means a full and fair meting out of justice. The old commentators liked to say it is not about vindictiveness. It is about God setting things right. When we are wronged, we want revenge. But ekdikēsis belongs to God alone.
Then antapodōsō, “I will repay.” It means to give back what is due, whether for good or for ill. The same word is used in the New Testament for repayment in a good sense (Luke 14:14). So God’s repayment is proportional and perfect.
Finally, krinei, “will judge.” In the original verse from Deuteronomy, this judgment meant God rising up to vindicate His people when they were helpless. In Hebrews it also carries the sense of God examining and dealing with His own. It is a comfort and a warning at the same time.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have heard different notes in this verse. Reformed readers often emphasize that it applies to professing believers who fall away, a warning that genuine faith must persevere. Catholic and Orthodox readers tend to see a call to holy fear and the reality of final judgment for all. Many note that Paul uses the same quotation in Romans 12:19 to tell believers not to avenge themselves, while Hebrews uses it to warn against sin. Both readings flow from the same truth: God is the rightful judge. The verse leaves room for both the severity of God and the security of those who truly belong to Him, without resolving the tension completely.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is to think that “the Lord will judge his people” means only punishment and condemnation. In fact, in Deuteronomy 32:36, the phrase means God will vindicate His people when they are helpless. The same Greek verb can mean to rule, to set right, or to punish. Hebrews quotes it in a warning context, but the original setting is about God stepping in to rescue. Both meanings are present: God will both defend His faithful and deal with those who rebel.
Living This Out
If you have been wronged by someone, this verse is a quiet invitation to let go. You do not have to fight your own battles. God sees what happened. He will repay, not necessarily now, but perfectly and finally. You can give the wound to Him.
If you are drifting away from faith, this verse is a serious call to turn back. You cannot treat the Son of God casually and expect no consequences. God will judge His people. That judgment may come as a loving discipline that pulls you back, or it may be the painful result of walking away.
This week, when you are tempted to hold a grudge or neglect your faith, remember who said these words. You know Him. And He will do what He says.
Main takeaway: God alone holds the right to repay every wrong, and He will surely set things right for His people.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God is the best judge. He always knows what is right. When someone is mean to you, you don’t have to get even. God will take care of it.
For ages 9, 12
This verse reminds us that God sees everything. When people hurt you, you can let it go because God will make it right. But it also warns us: God sees our own hearts too. He wants us to stay close to Him and not turn away. Trust God to be the judge, and keep following Jesus.
Questions People Ask
What does 'vengeance belongs to me' mean in Hebrews 10:30?
It means God alone has the right to repay wrongs. The Greek word 'ekdikēsis' carries the idea of full and fair justice, not vindictiveness. We are not to take revenge ourselves, because God will settle every account.
Does Hebrews 10:30 contradict Jesus' command to love our enemies?
No. Jesus tells us to love and pray for our enemies, and to leave judgment to God. Romans 12:19 uses the same verse to say 'do not avenge yourselves.' God's vengeance is righteous and just; ours is often mixed with sin. Both commands come from the same God.
Who are 'his people' in Hebrews 10:30?
In the original Deuteronomy passage, 'his people' refers to Israel. In Hebrews, the writer applies it to those who are part of God's covenant community, those who have professed faith in Christ. The verse warns that God will judge His own people, not just the outsiders.
How is this verse a comfort for believers?
It is a comfort because God promises to repay those who wrong His people. When you suffer for your faith, you can trust that God sees and will act. The same God who judges also vindicates and rescues His own when they are helpless.
Why does the writer quote Deuteronomy 32 here?
The writer is drawing from Moses' song, which describes God's faithfulness and justice toward Israel. By using these exact words, he shows that the same God who dealt with Israel deals with believers in Christ now. The warnings are not new, they are the consistent word of God.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study