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Hebrews 9

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

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.

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

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.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

What does Hebrews 9:14 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 9:14 speaks about the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice in contrast to the Old Testament animal sacrifices.

The verse emphasizes that Christ, through the eternal Spirit, offered Himself unblemished to God, and by doing so, His blood can cleanse the believer's conscience from acts that lead to death (referred to here as "dead works") so that they may serve the living God.

The literal meaning is that Christ's sacrifice is superior and can bring about an internal and spiritual cleansing that animal sacrifices could not achieve.

Deeper meanings include the concepts of redemption, atonement, and sanctification.

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Historical Context

This verse originates from the New Testament's Epistle to the Hebrews, a book that addresses Jewish Christians possibly contemplating a return to Judaism due to persecution or doubt. The author stresses the superiority of the new covenant in Christ over the old covenant.

Historically, the Jewish faith included annual sacrifices for sin during the Day of Atonement. Hebrews 9 compares these sacrifices with Christ's sacrifice, highlighting the transition from the Levitical priesthood to the everlasting priesthood of Jesus.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse consolidates the doctrine of Christ's atonement. The "eternal Spirit" could be interpreted as the Holy Spirit, indicating the Trinitarian involvement in the atonement process.

The term "without spot" refers to Christ's sinless nature, which is crucial for Him to be an effective sacrifice.

The cleansing of the conscience implies that Christ's sacrifice enables a transformation that affects not just the external adherence to the law but also the internal moral and spiritual state of the believer.

Different denominations may emphasize various aspects of this verse within their broader atonement theology.

Practical Applications

Hebrews 9:14 encourages Christians to accept the redemption offered through Christ and to live a life that reflects that grace.

It dissuades believers from relying on "dead works," a term that can be seen to encompass any religious rituals or moral actions that are carried out with a reliance on self rather than faith in Christ.

Instead, the emphasis is on serving God with a clear conscience and a heart transformed by the grace of God, living in the freedom that comes from faith in Christ's sacrifice.

Cross-References

1 Peter 1:18-19: "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."
Ephesians 1:7: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
Isaiah 53:11-12: "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities."

Language Study

The key words in this verse in the original Greek include:

"Aionion" (αἰώνιον): often translated as "eternal," indicating not just everlasting duration but also quality or divinity.
"Amōmon" (ἄμωμον): meaning "without spot" or "blemish," implying purity and perfection.
"Dead works" (νεκρῶν ἔργων): "nekron ergon," works that are ineffective in achieving salvation or spiritual vitality.

These terms reinforce the contrast between the limitations of the old sacrificial system and the effectiveness of Christ's sacrifice.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of sacrificial purity is prevalent in many ancient religions. Unblemished animals were commonly offered to appease gods or atone for sins.

Christianity's concept of the sinless Christ as the ultimate sacrifice diverges significantly from the idea that one must continually offer sacrifices for atonement.

Scientific Perspectives

The language of cleansing and conscience in Hebrews 9:14 touches on psychological and neurological domains. Modern science studies how beliefs and spiritual practices can shape cognitive and emotional experiences.

While scientific investigations cannot validate theological claims about the atonement's spiritual efficacy, they can explore how religious beliefs impact mental health and behavior.

Commentaries

Commentators provide various insights into Hebrews 9:14:

Matthew Henry emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in Christ's offering and the believer's sanctification.
John Calvin focuses on the comparison between the shadows of the law and the substance found in Christ.
The NIV Study Bible notes the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, contrasting it with the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9

What does Hebrews 9:14 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 9:14 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?