Consider Who? (Hebrews 10:24–25)
It might be assumed from many English translations that the primary verb in Heb 10:24–25 is “to stimulate.” However, the word rendered “stimulate” (παροξυσμός) is actually a noun. The main verb is “consider” (κατανοέω, cf. 3:1). Yet, it is not: “Consider how to love each other and do good deeds.” That would be biblical and right. But the wording is different. Heb 10:24 says, “And let us consider one another to [εἰς followed by an accusative object connotes “for the purpose of”] provoke love and good works” (cf. 6:10).
The direct object of the verb “consider” is the reciprocal pronoun “one another.” Consider what? Consider one another! It is God’s call for believers to consider one another, that is, to look at one another, think about one another, focus on one another, study one another, to let their minds be occupied with one another (see BDAG s.v. κατανοέω 2: “to think about carefully, envisage, think about, notice”). Thoughtful scrutiny is required. We are not to reach conclusions about each other quickly or casually. Rather, we are to take time to understand one another and how best to approach one another’s mutual needs for growth.
The noun παροξυσμός is a potent word. English translations, without exception give a verbal rendering to the noun: “stimulate” (NASB update), “spur” (NIV, NET), “stir up” (NKJV, ESV), “provoke” (KJV, NRSV), “motivate” (NLT), “promote” (HCSB), or “arouse” (NEB). The author of Hebrews has deliberately chosen a strong word. The only other use of this noun in the NT is found in Acts 15:39, where Luke refers to a “sharp disagreement” (NIV, NET, ESV) or “sharp contention” (RSV) between Paul and Barnabas. It is used twice in the Septuagint (Greek translation of the OT) and in both instances has negative connotations, meaning “provocation” (Deut 29:27 [Eng 29:28]; Jer 39:37 [Eng 32:37]). In contrast to these other biblical uses, παροξυσμός bears a favorable connotation in Heb 10:24. The author may be using this term in an ironic fashion. In other words, rather than provoking one another to anger, think about how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.
This suggestion finds grammatical support in 10:25, which expands upon 10:24. The two participial clauses in the present tense—μὴ ἐγκαταλείποντες τὴν ἐπισυναγωγὴν ἑαυτῶν (“not forsaking our meeting together”) and ἀλλὰ παρακαλοῦντες (“but rather encouraging [one another]”)—are subordinate to κατανοέω, the hortatory subjunctive main verb (10:24). Hence, the author gives us two ways to “provoke” other believers spiritually: (1) to gather with other believers and (2) to encourage one another.
A parallel idea is found in 3:13 (ἀλλὰ παρακαλεῖτε ἑαυτοὺς καθ᾽ ἑκάστην ἡμέραν, “but encourage one another every day”). It presupposes the gathering together of believers for ongoing mutual encouragement. In both of these contexts (3:13 and 10:24), the verb παρακαλέω includes notions of warning and reproof as well as encouragement. Both nuances of παρακαλέω were necessary because these believers may have been discouraged from Christian gatherings for various reasons: the threat of persecution, continued connections with the Jewish synagogue, mere apathy, or some combination of these types of issues.
Although we may not be facing the severe trials that the believers of Hebrews faced (10:33–34), contemporary believers can be discouraged because of other conflicts. Some face marital conflicts, others have heartaches over rebellious or spiritually indifferent children. Some face demotion or even loss of their jobs, or various health problems. Many are wondering if God truly cares for them. That is why the church needs believers who will consider one another and provoke one another to love, good works, regular fellowship, and mutual encouragement.
The direct object of the verb “consider” is the reciprocal pronoun “one another.” Consider what? Consider one another! It is God’s call for believers to consider one another, that is, to look at one another, think about one another, focus on one another, study one another, to let their minds be occupied with one another (see BDAG s.v. κατανοέω 2: “to think about carefully, envisage, think about, notice”). Thoughtful scrutiny is required. We are not to reach conclusions about each other quickly or casually. Rather, we are to take time to understand one another and how best to approach one another’s mutual needs for growth.
The noun παροξυσμός is a potent word. English translations, without exception give a verbal rendering to the noun: “stimulate” (NASB update), “spur” (NIV, NET), “stir up” (NKJV, ESV), “provoke” (KJV, NRSV), “motivate” (NLT), “promote” (HCSB), or “arouse” (NEB). The author of Hebrews has deliberately chosen a strong word. The only other use of this noun in the NT is found in Acts 15:39, where Luke refers to a “sharp disagreement” (NIV, NET, ESV) or “sharp contention” (RSV) between Paul and Barnabas. It is used twice in the Septuagint (Greek translation of the OT) and in both instances has negative connotations, meaning “provocation” (Deut 29:27 [Eng 29:28]; Jer 39:37 [Eng 32:37]). In contrast to these other biblical uses, παροξυσμός bears a favorable connotation in Heb 10:24. The author may be using this term in an ironic fashion. In other words, rather than provoking one another to anger, think about how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.
This suggestion finds grammatical support in 10:25, which expands upon 10:24. The two participial clauses in the present tense—μὴ ἐγκαταλείποντες τὴν ἐπισυναγωγὴν ἑαυτῶν (“not forsaking our meeting together”) and ἀλλὰ παρακαλοῦντες (“but rather encouraging [one another]”)—are subordinate to κατανοέω, the hortatory subjunctive main verb (10:24). Hence, the author gives us two ways to “provoke” other believers spiritually: (1) to gather with other believers and (2) to encourage one another.
A parallel idea is found in 3:13 (ἀλλὰ παρακαλεῖτε ἑαυτοὺς καθ᾽ ἑκάστην ἡμέραν, “but encourage one another every day”). It presupposes the gathering together of believers for ongoing mutual encouragement. In both of these contexts (3:13 and 10:24), the verb παρακαλέω includes notions of warning and reproof as well as encouragement. Both nuances of παρακαλέω were necessary because these believers may have been discouraged from Christian gatherings for various reasons: the threat of persecution, continued connections with the Jewish synagogue, mere apathy, or some combination of these types of issues.
Although we may not be facing the severe trials that the believers of Hebrews faced (10:33–34), contemporary believers can be discouraged because of other conflicts. Some face marital conflicts, others have heartaches over rebellious or spiritually indifferent children. Some face demotion or even loss of their jobs, or various health problems. Many are wondering if God truly cares for them. That is why the church needs believers who will consider one another and provoke one another to love, good works, regular fellowship, and mutual encouragement.
Adapted from “Consider Who? (Hebrews 10:24–25),” by Keith R. Krell, in Devotions on the Greek New Testament: 52 Reflections to Inspire and Instruct, ed. J. Scott Duvall and Verlyn D. Verbrugge (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2012), 125–27. Reprinted, by permission, from HarperCollins Christian Publishing.
