What does Hebrews 10:12 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:12 refers to the unique and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of humanity.

This verse contrasts the repetitive sacrifices offered by priests under the Old Covenant with the singular, definitive sacrifice made by Jesus.

The phrase "this man" points to Jesus' humanity, denoting that He was a man who walked on earth.

The phrase "after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever" signifies that unlike the temporary animal sacrifices of the Old Testament, Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all, enduring throughout all time.

The conclusion of the verse, "sat down on the right hand of God," symbolizes the completion and perfection of His work.

In Jewish culture, sitting down after completing a task signified its completion.

Here, it denotes that Christ's redemptive work was finished, and His sitting at God's right hand portrays His exaltation and the authority given to Him.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish-Christian audience who were familiar with the Old Testament sacrificial system.

It's generally recognized that Hebrews was composed before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 A.D. since it speaks of the temple services as still being performed.

The author's purpose was to show that Jesus superseded the old covenant and that His sacrifice was superior to the animal sacrifices that were continually offered by Levitical priests.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse underscores the doctrine of the Atonement.

Most Christian traditions interpret this as teaching that Jesus' death on the cross paid the penalty for sins once and for all.

The Catholic Church, along with Orthodox and mainline Protestant denominations, view it as a foundation for understanding Jesus' priestly role in offering a perfect sacrifice.

Some Reformed theologians emphasize the 'finished work' of Christ, implying that nothing further needs to be done for a person's salvation other than faith in Jesus.

In contrast, the Arminian view accentuates the all-encompassing nature of the sacrifice, suggesting it is effective only when accepted by individuals through faith.

Practical Applications

Believers may draw from this verse the assurance of forgiveness and a completed redemption.

It can provide comfort that there is no need for repeated sacrifices or works to atone for sins.

This doctrine can encourage Christians to rest in the completed work of Jesus and to live lives that reflect gratitude for His sacrifice, through acts of kindness, prayer, and service to others.

Cross-References

• Romans 6:10: "For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God."
• Ephesians 1:20: "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,"
• Hebrews 7:27: "Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself."
• Hebrews 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."
• 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:"

Language Study

Key terms from the original Greek text of Hebrews 10:12 provide deeper understanding:

• "offered" (προσφέρω, prosphero): This term is repeatedly used in the Septuagint to designate the act of offering a sacrifice.
• "sacrifice for sins" (περὶ ἁμαρτίας, peri hamartias): The phrase implies a sacrifice intended to make amends for iniquities.
• "for ever" (εἰς τὸ διηνεκές, eis to diēnekēs): The term suggests continuity, or an unbroken time span, indicating the permanence of the sacrifice.
• "sat down" (καθίζω, kathizo): The sitting posture is culturally significant as it denotes rest after completing work.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a divine being making a sacrificial act for the benefit of humanity has parallels in various ancient myths and religions. For instance, in some tales of Greek mythology, gods or heroes undergo suffering on behalf of humanity.

However, in Hebrews, the emphasis is on a one-time, all-sufficient sacrifice that replaces the continuous, repetitive sacrifices of the Levitical priesthood, which is unique to Christian theology.

Scientific Perspectives

The discussion of Jesus' sacrifice is largely theological and doesn't directly intersect with scientific perspectives.

However, the concept of a single event having permanent effects could be loosely analogized with the principle of cause and effect observed in science, where a single action can have lasting repercussions.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have interpreted Hebrews 10:12 in line with the larger theme of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice in the Book of Hebrews.

Matthew Henry comments on the completeness of Christ's sacrifice and His exaltation in heaven.

John Gill speaks to the Jewish context, contrasting the daily ministrations of the Levitical priests with the finality of Christ's offering.

Modern commentators like F.F.

Bruce focus on how the sacrificial terminology relates to the original audience's understanding of the temple practices, highlighting the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant that Christ's sacrifice embodies.