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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 9:16 mean?

Explanation

[Hebrews 9:16] speaks metaphorically and draws on a common legal practice to make a theological point.

In simple terms, it refers to the concept of a last will and testament, which is a legal document that outlines the distribution of a person's estate after their death.

In order for the terms of the will to be enacted, the person who made the will (the testator) must die.

The verse implies that the benefits promised in the testament (in this case, the New Covenant) cannot come into effect without the death of the one who made the promise (Christ, viewed here as the testator).

This death, therefore, is seen as both necessary and redemptive, enabling the fulfillment of the promises made in the testament.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was written to early Jewish Christians who were familiar with Old Testament traditions and the concept of covenants.

In ancient times, covenants were akin to legally binding agreements and would often include stipulations that needed to be followed.

The writer of Hebrews uses this understanding of covenants to explain the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice.

The central theme of the book is the superiority of the New Covenant, established by Jesus, over the Old Covenant, mediated by the laws of Moses.

The audience was living in a time when the Roman Empire dominated much of the known world, and legal procedures including testaments were well understood within the culture.

Theological Insights

Theologically, [Hebrews 9:16] presents a powerful image of Jesus as both the mediator and guarantor of the New Covenant who had to die to enact the promises contained therein.

From a Reformed perspective, this verse underscores the doctrine of penal substitution, where Christ's death is seen as taking the place of sinners' punishment.

A Catholic perspective may emphasize the sacrificial nature of Jesus' death as a fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrifices, ultimately leading to the establishment of the New Covenant.

Different Christian traditions may diverge in their interpretation of how this covenantal shift applies to their theology and liturgical practices.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, believers take from Hebrews 9:16 an understanding of the necessity of sacrifice for the enactment of promises.

It serves as a reminder of the cost of the blessings they enjoy under the New Covenant - a cost paid by Christ's death.

This realization encourages Christians to live in gratitude, to honor the sacrifice made on their behalf, and to take seriously their commitment to the stipulations of this New Covenant: love, mercy, and justice.

Cross-References

Romans 5:8: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
1 Corinthians 11:25: "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me."
Jeremiah 31:31-33: "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Language Study

The original Greek word used for "testament" in Hebrews 9:16 is "διαθήκη" (diathēkē), which can mean both a covenant and a last will and testament.

The term "death" in Greek is "θάνατος" (thanatos), which refers to the physical death or the act of dying.

The word for "testator" is "διαθέμενος" (diathemenos), meaning one who enacts a testament or will. Understanding these terms helps to grasp the legal metaphor used to explain Christ's role in establishing the New Covenant with his death.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing [Hebrews 9:16] with other ancient myths and religious traditions shows a common theme of sacrificial death leading to new realities or benefits. In some pagan myths, a god's death might bring about change in the natural world or the fate of its followers.

In a broader context, the idea that something new can only come into being through sacrifice or transformation is a recurring theme in many world religions.

Scientific Perspectives

While [Hebrews 9:16] does not lend itself directly to scientific analysis, the concept of necessary conditions for certain outcomes is reflective of causality, a principle widely recognized in scientific study.

However, the verse speaks to metaphysical and theological realities rather than empirical scientific laws.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have different takes on [Hebrews 9:16].

Matthew Henry's Commentary refers to the verse as a confirmation of Jesus' death as the means of executing the will of God for man's redemption.

The Pulpit Commentary notes the parallel the author of Hebrews draws between Christ's last will and testament and the ancient customs, effectively communicating with the contemporary audience's understanding.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible discusses how the death of Christ gives efficacy to his testament, or covenant, paving the way for the inheritance promised to believers.

Each commentary contributes to a layered understanding of this complex theological concept.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9

What does Hebrews 9:16 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 9:16 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?