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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 10:22 mean?

Explanation

This verse, found in the tenth chapter of the Book of Hebrews, is a call for the Christian faithful to approach God with sincerity and unwavering belief. It speaks to the necessity of inner purity and the assurance of faith in the Christian life.

In this verse, the heart and body are symbols of the inner and outer aspects of a person.

The 'true heart' denotes genuineness and integrity, while 'full assurance of faith' emphasizes confidence in God's promises.

The 'hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience' alludes to the Old Testament practice of sprinkling blood to purify and set apart something as holy, but in the Christian sense, it is the figurative sprinkling of Jesus' blood that cleanses the conscience.

Similarly, 'our bodies washed with pure water' could be a reference to baptism, symbolizing the cleansing of one's life and actions.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews was written to a group of early Christians who were likely facing persecution and struggling with their faith.

It is uncertain who authored the Book of Hebrews, but its message is clear: it calls Christians to persevere in their faith, emphasizing Jesus as the superior high priest who intercedes for humanity.

This verse is part of a larger argument that Christ's sacrifice has replaced the Old Testament sacrificial system, creating a new covenant between God and humanity.

Theological Insights

Different denominations may interpret Hebrews 10:22 in various ways.

Some view the 'hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience' as being metaphorical of Jesus' sacrifice cleansing believers from sin.

Others may see baptism as the fulfillment of 'our bodies washed with pure water,' thus supporting the doctrine of baptism's significance in the Christian faith.

The notion of 'full assurance of faith' is significant to those who stress the importance of personal confidence in God's grace and salvation.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to maintain sincerity and honesty in their faith journey.

It suggests that one should continuously seek spiritual purification and ethical conduct. Drawing near to God 'with a true heart' involves authenticity in worship and personal devotion.

The verse also underscores the importance of regular self-examination to maintain a 'pure' conscience, free from guilt and sin.

Cross-References

1 Peter 1:2: "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied."
Ephesians 5:26: "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word."
James 4:8: "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

Language Study

Two key phrases in the original Greek are worth noting:

The phrase "hearts sprinkled" ("ῥεραντισμένοι τὰς καρδίας") refers to the sprinkling of blood in the Levitical rituals, now seen as a metaphor for the cleansing effect of Jesus' sacrifice.
"Washed with pure water" ("λελουμένοι τὸ σῶμα") contains the word "λελουμένοι" (from "louō"), which means to bathe the body, suggesting both physical and spiritual cleansing, which many believe is a reference to baptism.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient religions outside of Judaism and Christianity, purification rites often involved water or blood.

Greeks and Romans used lustration, or ritual washing, for purification.

The usage of water in Christian baptism may find parallels in these earlier practices but is unique in its association with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse is not directly related to any modern scientific principles, there could be a psychological interpretation.

The conscience's role in mental health and the feelings of guilt or serenity it can produce is well-documented.

A 'pure' conscience may contribute to an individual’s psychological well-being, similarly to how the verse suggests spiritual wellness through a clean conscience.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that approaching God must be done sincerely, with a steadfast faith, clear conscience, and righteous life.

It emphasizes that faith is complemented by a godly life.

The MacArthur Study Bible notes that the "true heart" indicates genuine believers, who come with a "full assurance of faith," showing complete trust and confidence in God's redemptive work.
The Pulpit Commentary elaborates on the 'hearts sprinkled' as purification from the guilty conscience caused by sin, and the washing of water as either baptism or the outward purification corresponding to that inward.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:22 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 10:22 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?