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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 9:28 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 9:28 focuses on two central themes: the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his promised second coming.

The verse communicates that Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many, emphasizing the singularity and sufficiency of His sacrificial death. Instead of the repeated sacrifices in the Old Testament, Christ's one-time offering is seen as a complete and final atonement for sin.

The latter part of the verse refers to Christ's anticipated return.

It suggests that when He comes again, it will not be to deal with sin (as He did in His first coming) but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

This implies a final completion of salvation, resurrection, glorification, and eternal life, for those who have faith in Him.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and considering abandoning their Christian faith to return to Judaism.

Hebrews was written to demonstrate the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant.

The sacrificial system under the old Mosaic Law involved repeated offerings that could not truly cleanse sin.

In contrast, Christ's sacrifice is presented as effective and final.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse can be interpreted from various perspectives:

Reformed Theology: Stresses the doctrine of limited atonement, suggesting that Christ died for the 'many' who were chosen by God for salvation.
Dispensationalism: Views the second coming of Christ as a literal and physical return that will inaugurate the millennial kingdom and final judgment.
Catholicism: Acknowledges the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ while also emphasizing the continuing application of that sacrifice through the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.
Arminianism: May focus on the universal potential of Christ’s sacrifice ("sins of many"), indicating that it is effective for all who believe.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Hebrews 9:28 can be applied in the following ways:

It encourages believers to live with the expectancy of Christ's return, which can influence moral living and spiritual readiness.
It reassures Christians that Jesus has dealt with sin fully, so they can live in the freedom of forgiveness without recurring guilt or the need for additional sacrifices.
It should prompt believers to share the message of the unique sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice with those from religious backgrounds with repetitive sacrificial practices.

Cross-References

Isaiah 53:12: “…he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
1 Peter 2:24: "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: "...and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
John 14:3: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Language Study

Studying the original Greek language of this verse reveals a few key points:

The word translated "once" is "hapax," (ἅπαξ) emphasizing the one-time nature of Christ's sacrifice.
"To bear" comes from the Greek "anapherō" (ἀναφέρω), referring to offering up or carrying away.
"Without sin" translates "choris hamartias" (χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας), indicating that Christ’s second advent is unassociated with the issue of sin since it has already been dealt with.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a redemptive sacrifice in Christianity has antecedents in various ancient religions where sacrifices were made to appease deities.

Unlike these repetitive sacrificial systems, such as those in Ancient Greece or Rome, Hebrews 9:28 presents Christ's one-time sacrifice as complete and all-encompassing, breaking from the cultural norm of the time.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the verse does not intersect directly with physical sciences, as it discusses spiritual and metaphysical events such as atonement and the second coming of Christ.

However, the concept of awaiting Christ's return does influence some Christians' views on stewardship of the earth and the responsibility to care for creation while awaiting its completion in the new creation.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied perspectives on Hebrews 9:28:

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Emphasizes the completeness of Christ's sacrifice and the joyful anticipation of His return for those who seek Him.
The Expositor's Greek Testament: Notes that the contrast is between the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant and the one-time sacrifice of Christ, and between the anticipation of judgment and the anticipation of salvation.
John Calvin: Comments largely on the sufficiency and efficiency of Christ's sacrifice, and how His second coming will be for the salvation of those who are His.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9

What does Hebrews 9:28 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 9:28 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?