Hebrews 10:25
Bible Verses. Also called Heb. 10:25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Scripture quotation from the King James Version (KJV). Read this chapter
Hebrews 10:25 exhorts believers, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." The verse is widely cited as a basis for attendance at corporate worship. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been at the center of debate over whether online worship can take the place of this "assembling."
About this articleAI draft from a Korean source. No sources listed. Not yet reviewed by a person.
- Origin
Drafted by AI from the Korean church.wiki article, then translated and adapted for English readers on 5 November 2026.
- Sources
None listed yet. The article draws on the biblical text and general reference works. Add a source
- Review
Not yet reviewed by a person. Last edited by a person: never. Translation updated 5 November 2026. Edit history
Context
Hebrews 10:19–25 is an exhortation grounded in the boldness believers have to enter the holy place by the blood of Christ. It calls for three responses: to draw near to God "with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (v. 22), to "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering" (v. 23), and to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (v. 24). Verse 25 gives the concrete means of carrying out the last of these exhortations: believers are to gather together and exhort one another. Some appear to have been leaving the gatherings because of persecution and discouragement. The passage that immediately follows (vv. 26–31) turns to a warning against willful apostasy.
Interpretation
- As a duty of corporate worship: This reading takes the verse as a command not to neglect regular gatherings for worship. It uses the verse as a foundational text for teaching Lord's Day observance and attendance at corporate worship.
- As a community of mutual encouragement: This reading holds that the main verb of the sentence is "exhorting" (encouraging one another), with the gathering serving as the means. Accordingly, it locates the heart of the verse not in mere attendance but in fellowship in which believers care for and encourage one another.
- Eschatological tension: From the phrase "as ye see the day approaching," this reading draws the motivation that a community awaiting the Day of the Lord should all the more remain together rather than scatter.
Debates and Issues
In 2020, when the South Korean government restricted in-person gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, a debate over this verse arose among Korean churches. Some churches appealed to the verse in insisting that in-person worship must continue. Many denominations, however, adopted online worship alongside in-person services, maintaining that protecting the lives of one's neighbors is also part of the commandment of love. Theological questions have since remained as to whether worshiping together through a screen can be regarded as the biblical "assembling," and whether the Lord's Supper can be observed online. Those who accept online worship hold that the essence of the gathering lies in sharing the same time and being of one mind. Those who are more cautious maintain that it cannot replace the sacraments and fellowship shared in bodily presence.
Related Passages
See also 6
Is there a problem with this article? Report it
Log in to report. Reports are reviewed within 24 hours.
Discussion 0
Share corrections, other viewpoints or questions about this article.