What does Hebrews 13:11 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 13:11 refers to the Old Testament practice of animal sacrifice, a core aspect of atonement in the Jewish faith. According to the Levitical laws, the high priest would offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people.

Some of the animal's blood was brought into the sanctuary as part of the ritual, signifying the purification from sin. The bodies of these sacrificial animals were then taken outside the camp to be burned.

This verse points to the idea of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, who, like the animal sacrifices, suffered outside the city walls, making Him a fulfiller and finalizer of this ancient practice.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a letter to Jewish Christians, possibly before the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.

Its intent was to show that Christ's sacrifice supersedes the old covenant's requirements.

The "camp" refers to the place where the Israelites lived, and later the city of Jerusalem, where the Temple was the central place of worship.

The act of burning the sacrificed animal outside the camp was a symbol of removing sin from the community.

This mirrors Jesus' crucifixion outside Jerusalem's walls.

Theological Insights

From a traditional Christian perspective, this verse underscores the belief that Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all, making the old system of animal sacrifices obsolete.

The Catholic and Orthodox traditions view the sacrifice of Jesus as the true atonement for sin.

Protestant views, while diverse, generally agree on the finality of Christ's sacrifice, with some emphasizing the 'priesthood of all believers,' suggesting that no intermediary is needed between God and man.

Other scholars point out that this verse shows a continuity between the old covenant's practices and the new through Jesus.

Practical Applications

This verse reminds Christians of the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and encourages them to live in appreciation for it.

Going "outside the camp" can be a metaphor for leaving one's comfort zone to confront sin or to share the gospel.

It also speaks to a willingness to bear reproach for the faith, as Jesus did.

Believers are thus encouraged not only to accept Jesus' sacrifice but to imitate His example of humility, obedience, and love for others.

Cross-References

• Leviticus 16:27 – "And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung."
• Exodus 29:14 – "But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering."
• Hebrews 13:12 – "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key terms include:

• "Bodies" (σωμάτων, somaton): meaning the physical form of the creatures sacrificed.
• "Beasts" (ζῴων, zōōn): generally referring to living creatures, in this context, the animals for sacrifice.
• "Sanctuary" (ἁγίων, hagiōn): this word means holy places and specifically refers to the inner sanctuary of the Temple.
• "High priest" (ἀρχιερεύς, archiereus): the chief religious figure in Jewish religious life responsible for making atonements.
• "Sin" (ἁμαρτίας, hamartias): Signifying moral failure or transgression against divine law.
• "Burned" (καίεται, kaietai): to be consumed by fire, symbolically representing the total eradication of sin.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of animal sacrifice is present in various ancient religions beyond Judaism, such as in ancient Greco-Roman religions, where offerings were made to the gods, and in Hinduism, where sacrifices were (and are occasionally still) offered to deities.

In many of these traditions, the sacrifice serves to appease a deity, seek favor, or purify worshippers.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly address any scientific concepts, modern science provides insight into the psychology of ritual, including sacrifice.

Rituals can be a way to express community values and are often a means of coping with guilt and moral anxieties, which has been studied in fields like anthropology and psychology.

The burning of bodies outside of habitation might also be seen as a practical means of maintaining sanitation and preventing disease in the camp.

Commentaries

Commentaries often reflect on the symbolism of Jesus' sacrifice in relation to the burnt offerings.

Matthew Henry's commentary notes that the sin offerings, once their blood was offered, were burned outside the camp, and thus Jesus suffered outside Jerusalem's gates to sanctify the people with His own blood.

The ESV Study Bible comments on how Jesus fulfilled what these sacrifices pointed towards, a final atonement for sin.

The NIV Study Bible emphasizes the idea that Christ's sacrifice enables believers to confidently approach God's throne of grace.