What does Hebrews 9:26 mean?

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:26

Explanation

Hebrews 9:26 aims to convey a significant component of Christian beliefs concerning the purpose and effectiveness of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. The verse contrasts the repeated sacrifices that priests offered according to Old Testament law with the singular, all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus. The phrase “since the foundation of the world” refers to the entirety of human history up to the time of Christ. The second part, “but now once in the end of the world,” indicates that Jesus’s advent and sacrifice coincide with the culmination of the ages as understood by the early Christian community. The verse suggests that the repetitive nature of previous sacrifices was incapable of fully removing sin, whereas the sacrifice of Jesus was both final and sufficient to “put away sin.”

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of early Christians, possibly of Jewish background, who were well-acquainted with the Old Testament. The historically recurrent animal sacrifices offered by priests in the Jewish tradition for the atonement of sins are herein contrasted with the one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ. At the time of its writing, possibly before the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in AD 70, the author sought to affirm the superiority of the new covenant brought by Christ over the old covenant.

Theological Insights

There are two prevailing theological insights derived from this verse:

1. The finality of Christ’s sacrifice: Many Christian theologians emphasize that unlike the repeated offerings under the old covenant, Christ’s sacrifice for sin was a singular event that need not be—and indeed could not be—repeated.
2. The eschatological interpretation of Jesus’s sacrifice: The phrase “the end of the world” is often interpreted as the fulfillment of the times or the completion of the ages, suggesting that Christ’s coming and His sacrifice have ushered in the ultimate phase of God’s redemptive plan.

Practical Applications

The verse has practical applications for daily living:

1. It encourages believers to put their faith in the completed work of Christ rather than in repetitive religious rituals for the forgiveness of sins.
2. It inspires a sense of hope and assurance of salvation within believers, promoting a lifestyle of gratitude rather than guilt.

Cross-References

1. Hebrews 10:10 – “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
2. 1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:”
3. John 1:29 – “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

Language Study

Key words from Hebrews 9:26 in the original Greek text and their meanings:

1. “Peponthaken” (πεπονθέναι) – This is a form of the verb that means “to have suffered.” It emphasizes that Christ’s suffering was a completed event.
2. “Sunteleias” (συντελείας) – Translated as “end,” reflects the completion or fulfillment of a period of time, often with eschatological implications.
3. “Aphairesin” (ἀφαίρεσιν) – Rendered as “put away,” which implies removal or elimination, in this context, of sin.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In examining other ancient religions, the idea of a divine figure or god offering himself for the sake of humanity is relatively rare. However, certain themes such as sacrifice for the common good, martyrdom, and one-time events leading to lasting change are present in various myths and religious practices worldwide.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific methods do not generally intersect directly with theological propositions about spiritual events such as sacrifice and atonement. Although science does study the historical events, cultures, and possible philosophical influences of the time, it remains neutral on questions of divine action and the supernatural aspects of religious belief.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer varying perspectives on Hebrews 9:26:

1. F.F. Bruce notes the contrast between the repeated Old Testament sacrifices and the decisive, unrepeatable act of Christ.
2. Matthew Henry comments on the sacrifice’s power to take away sins once and for all.
3. Albert Barnes discusses the timing of Christ’s appearance, emphasizing the “end of the world” as the last dispensation or era of human history in God’s divine plan.