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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 9:18 mean?

Explanation

[Hebrews 9:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9%3A18&version=KJV) states that the first covenant, according to the law given to Moses, was not put into effect without the use of blood, which had a crucial role in its ratification.

Blood here symbolizes life and, in the context of covenants, is seen as a necessary element for purification and legal enactment.

In biblical terms, blood signifies atonement and purification, making it an essential component for the consecration of people and objects in religious practices.

The author of Hebrews is emphasizing that even the old covenant had to be sanctified through a sacrificial ritual involving blood, which is a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood would institute the new covenant.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and the sacrificial system established by the Mosaic Law.

At the time of its writing, the early Christian community was undergoing significant changes and faced persecution.

The historical setting involves the contrast between the old covenant rituals performed under the Law of Moses and the new covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice.

The blood of animals was used for the atonement of sins in the old system, which foreshadowed the coming of Christ and his ultimate sacrifice.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives might interpret this verse through various lenses:

Covenant Theology emphasizes that covenants are central to biblical revelation, viewing the mention of blood in the ratification of the old covenant as foundational to understanding the significance of Jesus' blood in the new covenant.
Dispensational Theology often distinguishes between the old and new covenants as distinct dispensations or periods in God's plan.

This verse presents evidence of how God administered His relationship with humanity differently in each.

Catholic theology emphasizes the importance of the sacraments as a continuation of Christ's work on the earth, reflecting on this verse as a reference to the Eucharist, where the blood of Christ is re-presented in the form of wine.

Practical Applications

From Hebrews 9:18, believers can glean several practical applications:

The importance of sacrifice: The requirement of blood in the dedication of the old covenant teaches the principle of sacrificial giving and atonement.
The value of life: As blood represents life, one can reflect on the sanctity of life and the cost associated with redeeming it.
Understanding tradition: Recognizing the role of historical religious practices helps place Christian worship in context, appreciating its roots and the transformative work of Christ.

Cross-References

[Exodus 24:6-8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+24%3A6-8&version=KJV): Moses took the blood of sacrificial animals and sprinkled it on the altar and the people to seal the covenant.
[Leviticus 17:11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+17%3A11&version=KJV): The life of the flesh is in the blood, used for atonement.
[Matthew 26:28](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A28&version=KJV): Jesus' blood of the New Testament shed for many for the remission of sins.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key terms include:

"Testament" (διαθήκη, diathēkē): a covenant or will, an agreement between two parties.
"Dedicated" (ἐγκαίνισις, egkainisis): Inauguration or consecration, typically associated with the initiation of something sacred.
"Blood" (αἷμα, haima): Literally the fluid that circulates in humans and animals, but symbolically representing life and sacrifice.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as the Babylonians and Egyptians, blood also had sacrificial significance.

Rituals often involved blood as a means of appeasing deities or spiritual forces.

Such comparisons highlight the common human perception of blood as a profound metaphysical substance linked to life and the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, blood is vital for life, carrying oxygen and nutrients to body cells and removing waste. This biological importance may augment the symbolic significance attributed to blood in religious and cultural practices, acknowledging its life-sustaining properties.

commentaries

Commentators have varying perspectives on Hebrews 9:18:

Matthew Henry sees it as an illustration of the solemnity of the old covenant's institution and the pointing forward to Christ's sacrifice.
John Gill notes the necessity of blood shedding for remission under the law, foreshadowing Christ's sacrifice.
The NIV Study Bible comments on the contrast between the old covenant ceremonies and the superior efficacy of Christ's blood shed for the new covenant.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9

What does Hebrews 9:18 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 9:18 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?