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Hebrews 10

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

And having an high priest over the house of God;

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

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.

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

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.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

What does Hebrews 10:1 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:1 speaks to the limitations of the Old Testament law and its sacrificial system.

Literally, the verse suggests that the law is a "shadow" of the good things to come rather than the substance itself.

The sacrifices mentioned refer to the Old Testament practice where animals were offered as a means to atone for sins.

This verse emphasizes that these sacrifices were not capable of making the worshippers truly perfect in God's sight; their repetitive nature year after year highlighted their insufficiency.

The deeper meaning implies that the law pointed towards a greater, more perfect sacrifice that would be able to fully cleanse and perfect those who draw near to God.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews is believed to have been written for Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament law and its requirements.

The epistle was likely penned in the first century, possibly before the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in AD 70.

The historical context is significant because the temple and its sacrifices were central to the religious life of Jews.

The text was written in a time when there was a transition between adherence to the Old Testament law and the new covenant established by Jesus Christ, who is presented throughout Hebrews as superior to the old sacrificial system.

Theological Insights

In the theological realm, this verse supports the Christian doctrine of the insufficiency of the law for salvation.

From an evangelical perspective, it underscores the concept that Jesus is the promised Messiah and the perfect sacrifice that the law foreshadowed.

A more reformed theology might emphasize the doctrine of justification by faith alone in Christ alone, apart from the deeds of the law.

A Catholic viewpoint could highlight the typological nature of Jewish practices as precursors to the sacraments and the Eucharist.

Each perspective agrees on the fulfillment of the law in Christ, but may differ on the role of the law for believers today.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a reminder that reliance on religious rituals or legalistic adherence to rules cannot secure one’s spiritual perfection or salvation.

It encourages believers to put their faith in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.

It also challenges individuals to recognize and abandon any attempts to earn favor with God through their own actions, and to live in the freedom of grace that comes through faith in Jesus.

Cross-References

Colossians 2:17: "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
Hebrews 9:9-12: "[...] neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."
Hebrews 10:4: "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins."
Hebrews 7:19: "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God."

Language Study

The word "shadow" (Greek: "skia") refers to an outline or a sketch that hints at the form of something without revealing it in full detail.

The term "image" (Greek: "eikōn") signifies an exact representation or likeness. This language underscores the argument that the law provides an incomplete and insufficient representation of the true form of redemption that is available through Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of sacrificial atonement was not unique to Judaism, it was a common practice in various ancient cultures, where sacrifices were made to appease deities or purify individuals.

However, the uniqueness of the Jewish system was its monotheistic focus and the prophetic promise of a coming Messiah.

In this way, the practice of sacrifice in the Jewish tradition is set apart from other religious rituals by its forward-looking aspect, which Christianity interprets as pointing to Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly inform the interpretation of this verse.

However, psychological and sociological studies on religious behavior may provide insights into how ritual practices, like the Old Testament sacrifices, fulfill certain community or personal psychological needs, such as the desire for order, reconciliation, or meaning.

This can further highlight how the shift to the Christian understanding of perfect sacrifice could impact the individual and collective psyche of early Christian communities.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 10:1 elaborate on the insufficiency of the old sacrificial system.

Many scholars point out the contrast between the repeated, annual sacrifices and the one, perfect sacrifice of Christ.

The legendary Bible commentator Matthew Henry, for instance, emphasizes that the law was a shadow that could never perfect the conscience of the sinner.

John Calvin also speaks to the contrast between the shadows of the law and the substance found in Christ.

Modern commentaries by scholars like F.F.

Bruce and William Lane reiterate these points while exploring the significance of temple rituals and their intended purpose as a foreshadowing of redemption through Jesus.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Hebrews 10:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?