What does Hebrews 9:10 mean?
Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. Hebrews 9:10
Explanation
Hebrews 9:10 refers to the various ceremonial practices and rituals that were part of the Old Covenant, especially those given to the Israelites in the law of Moses. These involved dietary regulations (“meats and drinks”), various ceremonial purifications (“divers washings”), and other physical regulations (“carnal ordinances”). The verse indicates that these were temporary measures “imposed on them until the time of reformation.” This “time of reformation” is often understood to mean the coming of Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant, where the focus shifts from external rituals to the internal transformation of the heart.
Historical Context
Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience that had converted to Christianity. This community likely faced pressure to revert to Judaism or to syncretize their new faith with Jewish practices. The epistle of Hebrews aims to demonstrate the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant. During the time before Christ, Jewish laws and rituals were integral to religious life, serving as a guide and a means to obtain ceremonial cleanliness and to make amends for sins.
Theological Insights
From a Christian theological perspective, this verse underscores the belief in the transitory nature of the Old Testament rituals. They are seen as shadows of the reality that is fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:1). Some other theological viewpoints might include:
- Covenant Theology: This perspective would see these rituals as part of the Old Covenant, which has been replaced by the New Covenant in Christ’s blood.
- Dispensationalism: Adherents may argue that this verse indicates a dispensation of law that was in place until Christ instituted a dispensation of grace.
- New Perspective on Paul: This approach might emphasize how these rituals were part of the ‘works of the law’, which separated Jews from Gentiles and that in Christ, this separation is abolished.
Practical Applications
This verse encourages readers to focus on the spiritual aspects of faith rather than external rituals. It suggests that true transformation comes from within and that rituals without internal change are insufficient. It may also comfort those feeling burdened by attempts to earn salvation through deeds, highlighting faith in Christ’s atonement instead.
Cross-References
- Colossians 2:16-17: “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”
- Galatians 3:23-25: “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.”
- Romans 14:17: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Language Study
Key words in the original Greek text of Hebrews 9:10 are:
- “Meats and drinks” (βρώσεις καὶ πόσεις) – Referring to eating and drinking regulations.
- “Divers washings” (διαφόροις βαπτισμοῖς) – The word used here for washings is “baptismos,” indicating various ceremonial purifications.
- “Carnal ordinances” (δικαιώμασιν σαρκός) – Literally translates to “justices of the flesh,” meaning ordinances pertaining to the body.
- “Imposed” (ἐπικείμενα) – This translates as “laid upon” or “imposed upon,” indicating an obligation.
- “Until the time of reformation” (μέχρι καιροῦ διορθώσεως) – Indicating a designated time of correction or setting things straight, alluding to the coming of Christ.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
These Jewish rituals can be compared to rites of purification found in other ancient cultures, where physical actions were meant to signify spiritual cleansing or readiness to approach deities. In various religious systems, there are often parallels of dietary laws or purity codes which set apart the devout from the secular societies around them.
Scientific Perspectives
From a scientific perspective, while most of the Old Testament “meats and drinks” and “divers washings” do not directly relate to modern scientific practices, some of the dietary and cleanliness laws may have had practical health benefits for the ancient Israelites. However, Hebrews 9:10 is more focused on the symbolic and spiritual significance of these practices rather than their health implications.
Commentaries
- Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes that these ordinances were symbolic and educational, pointing forward to the sacrifice of Christ and teaching the necessity for holiness.
- The Expositor’s Greek Testament suggests that the purpose of these outward ordinances was to prepare the people for the internal and spiritual worship introduced by Christ.
- The Pulpit Commentary reflects on these as temporary and designed to last only until Christ would establish the New Covenant, bringing a more profound spiritual reality beyond the physical rituals.