What does Hebrews 9:22 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 9:22 states, "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." This verse is part of a passage that compares the rites of the Old Testament, particularly those related to the Day of Atonement, with the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate high priest and sacrificial lamb.

The verse emphasizes the importance of blood in the process of purification and forgiveness of sins according to the Law of Moses.

In a literal sense, it refers to the numerous sacrifices in the Old Testament where the blood of animals was shed as part of the ritualistic atonement for sins.

The term "remission" means forgiveness or pardon of sins, and in the context of the verse, it indicates that under the old covenant, forgiveness was not possible without the shedding of blood.

At a deeper level, this verse symbolizes the concept that life, which is in the blood, is required to atone for the spiritual death caused by sin.

It also points forward to the New Testament teaching that the death of Christ, symbolized by His bloodshed, is the only sufficient and ultimate atonement for sin.

Historical Context

The verse is situated within a discussion in the letter to the Hebrews concerning the high priestly ministry of Jesus.

The audience of the letter included Jews who had become followers of Christ, many of whom would have been familiar with the Levitical system and the detailed procedures for sacrifices prescribed in the Old Testament, particularly the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures).

In the historical context of Second Temple Judaism, sacrifice and the shedding of blood were integral parts of religious observance, enacted as a means to maintain the covenant relationship with God.

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, was the most solemn of these occasions and involved the high priest offering blood for his own sins and the sins of the people.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is often seen as supporting the doctrine of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus is believed to have died as a substitute for sinners, with His blood serving as the means of atonement.

It reflects the view that the Old Testament sacrifices were a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which is considered the fulfillment of the law's requirement.

Other theological viewpoints might interpret Hebrews 9:22 allegorically or symbolically, suggesting that the language of blood and sacrifice speaks to the seriousness of sin and the need for renewal rather than a literal transaction involving blood.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can inspire believers to reflect on the depth of sacrifice that the remission of sins requires.

The imagery of bloodshed as necessary for forgiveness can prompt a sense of gratitude towards the sacrifice of Jesus for Christians.

It can also encourage individuals to take seriously the notion of sacrificial living, in the sense of giving of oneself for the good of others, as an extension of the principle of atonement.

Cross-References

• Leviticus 17:11: "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."
• Hebrews 10:4: "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins."
• Ephesians 1:7: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
• 1 John 1:7: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
• Romans 3:25: "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"

Language Study

The key Greek words in Hebrews 9:22 include:

• "Almost all things" (σχεδὸν πάντα / schedon panta): This phrase suggests that while most things under the law required blood for purification, there may be exceptions.
• "By the law" (νόμῳ / nomo): This refers to the Mosaic law, specifically the regulations given in the Torah for sacrificial rituals.
• "Purged" (καθαρίζω / katharizo): This word means to cleanse or purify, and it's used with reference to ritual purification.
• "Blood" (αἷμα / haima): Blood is often seen as the source of life and is associated with the life-giving and cleansing properties required for atonement.
• "Shedding" (ἔκχυσις / ekchusis): This term refers to the pouring out or spilling, usually in reference to blood.
• "Remission" (ἄφεσις / aphesis): This means forgiveness, release, or the letting go of sins.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of blood sacrifice for remission of sins has parallels in various ancient cultures. For instance, in many pagan traditions, blood sacrifices were made to appease gods and seek favor. The ancient Aztecs are known for their ritualistic bloodletting and sacrifice to their gods.

In contrast, modern-day Judaism no longer practices animal sacrifices, having developed different means of atonement, such as prayer, charity, and good deeds, after the destruction of the Second Temple.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the discussion of blood in sacrificial contexts doesn't align with a direct biological mechanism for remission of sins or spiritual purification.

Instead, scientific perspectives might examine the psychological and social functions of rituals involving blood, such as promoting social cohesion, a sense of justice, or the management of guilt and transgression within a community.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have examined Hebrews 9:22, providing insight into its meaning and significance.

For example:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes that the Old Testament sacrifices could not make the comers thereunto perfect, hence the necessity of the sacrifice of Christ.
• The Pulpit Commentary suggests that the mention of "almost all things" leaves room for exceptions, recognizing that there were some rites in the Law purged without blood.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible looks at the sacrificial system as a demonstration of the seriousness of sin and the justice of God, which requires an atonement of such rigor.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament discusses the superiority of Christ's sacrifice, acting as the theological basis for the argument of Hebrews, making Christ's blood sufficient for the ultimate remission of sins.