The New Priestly Service

Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, (A)who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of (B)the [a]sanctuary and of (C)the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.

For (D)every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore (E)it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; who serve (F)the copy and (G)shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, (H)“See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” But now (I)He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a (J)better covenant, which was established on better promises.

A New Covenant(K)

For if that (L)first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: (M)“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when 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 when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the (N)Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and (O)I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11 (P)None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the (Q)Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, (R)and their sins [b]and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

13 (S)In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

The Earthly Sanctuary(T)

Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and (U)the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the [c]sanctuary; (V)and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the (W)golden censer and (X)the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were (Y)the golden pot that had the manna, (Z)Aaron’s rod that budded, and (AA)the tablets of the covenant; and (AB)above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

Limitations of the Earthly Service

Now when these things had been thus prepared, (AC)the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. But into the second part the high priest went alone (AD)once a year, not without blood, which he offered for (AE)himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance; the Holy Spirit indicating this, that (AF)the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered (AG)which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— 10 concerned only with (AH)foods and drinks, (AI)various [d]washings, (AJ)and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

The Heavenly Sanctuary

11 But Christ came as High Priest of (AK)the good things [e]to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not (AL)with the blood of goats and calves, but (AM)with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place (AN)once for all, (AO)having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if (AP)the blood of bulls and goats and (AQ)the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, [f]sanctifies for the [g]purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without [h]spot to God, (AR)cleanse your conscience from (AS)dead works (AT)to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason (AU)He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that (AV)those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

The Mediator’s Death Necessary

16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For (AW)a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. 18 (AX)Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every [i]precept to all the people according to the law, (AY)he took the blood of calves and goats, (AZ)with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, (BA)“This is the (BB)blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” 21 Then likewise (BC)he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And according to the law almost all things are [j]purified with blood, and (BD)without shedding of blood there is no [k]remission.

Greatness of Christ’s Sacrifice

23 Therefore it was necessary that (BE)the copies of the things in the heavens should be [l]purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For (BF)Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are [m]copies of (BG)the true, but into heaven itself, now (BH)to appear in the presence of God for us; 25 not that He should offer Himself often, as (BI)the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another— 26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 (BJ)And as it is appointed for men to die once, (BK)but after this the judgment, 28 so (BL)Christ was (BM)offered once to bear the sins (BN)of many. To those who (BO)eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Animal Sacrifices Insufficient

10 For the law, having a (BP)shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, (BQ)can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once [n]purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For (BR)it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

Christ’s Death Fulfills God’s Will(BS)

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

(BT)“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
But a body You have prepared for Me.
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
You had no pleasure.
Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—
In the volume of the book it is written of Me—
To do Your will, O God.’ ”

Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, [o]O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 (BU)By that will we have been [p]sanctified (BV)through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Christ’s Death Perfects the Sanctified

11 And every priest stands (BW)ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 (BX)But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down (BY)at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting (BZ)till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being [q]sanctified.

15 But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,

16 (CA)“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” 17 then He adds, (CB)“Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 18 Now where there is [r]remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

Hold Fast Your Confession

19 Therefore, brethren, having (CC)boldness[s] to enter (CD)the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and (CE)living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us (CF)draw near with a true heart (CG)in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for (CH)He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 (CI)not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and (CJ)so much the more as you see (CK)the Day approaching.

The Just Live by Faith

26 For (CL)if we sin willfully (CM)after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there (CN)no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and (CO)fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three (CP)witnesses. 29 (CQ)Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, (CR)counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, (CS)and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, (CT)“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” [t]says the Lord. And again, (CU)“The Lord will judge His people.” 31 (CV)It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 But (CW)recall the former days in which, after you were [u]illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made (CX)a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while (CY)you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on [v]me (CZ)in my chains, and (DA)joyfully accepted the plundering of your [w]goods, knowing that (DB)you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves [x]in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, (DC)which has great reward. 36 (DD)For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, (DE)you may receive the promise:

37 “For (DF)yet a little while,
And (DG)He[y] who is coming will come and will not [z]tarry.
38 Now (DH)the[aa] just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”

39 But we are not of those (DI)who draw back to [ab]perdition, but of those who (DJ)believe to the saving of the soul.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 8:2 Lit. holies
  2. Hebrews 8:12 NU omits and their lawless deeds
  3. Hebrews 9:2 holy place, lit. holies
  4. Hebrews 9:10 Lit. baptisms
  5. Hebrews 9:11 NU that have come
  6. Hebrews 9:13 sets apart
  7. Hebrews 9:13 cleansing
  8. Hebrews 9:14 blemish
  9. Hebrews 9:19 command
  10. Hebrews 9:22 cleansed
  11. Hebrews 9:22 forgiveness
  12. Hebrews 9:23 cleansed
  13. Hebrews 9:24 representations
  14. Hebrews 10:2 cleansed
  15. Hebrews 10:9 NU, M omit O God
  16. Hebrews 10:10 set apart
  17. Hebrews 10:14 set apart
  18. Hebrews 10:18 forgiveness
  19. Hebrews 10:19 confidence
  20. Hebrews 10:30 NU omits says the Lord
  21. Hebrews 10:32 enlightened
  22. Hebrews 10:34 NU the prisoners instead of me in my chains
  23. Hebrews 10:34 possessions
  24. Hebrews 10:34 NU omits in heaven
  25. Hebrews 10:37 Or that which
  26. Hebrews 10:37 delay
  27. Hebrews 10:38 NU My just one
  28. Hebrews 10:39 destruction

A Better Ministry

Now the main point of what we have to say is this: we have such a High Priest, [the Christ] who is seated [in the place of honor] at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty (God) in heaven,(A) a Minister (Officiating Priest) in the holy places and in the true tabernacle, which is erected not by man, but by the Lord. For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is essential for this One also to have something to offer. Now if He were [still living] on earth, He would not be a priest at all, for there are priests who offer the gifts [to God] in accordance with the Law. They serve as a pattern and foreshadowing of [what has its true existence and reality in] the heavenly things (sanctuary). For when Moses was about to erect the tabernacle, he was warned by God, saying, “See that you make it all [exactly] according to the pattern which was shown to you on the mountain.”(B) But as it is, Christ has acquired a [priestly] ministry which is more excellent [than the old Levitical priestly ministry], for He is the Mediator (Arbiter) of a better covenant [uniting God and man], which has been enacted and rests on better promises.

A New Covenant

For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second one or an attempt to institute another one [the new covenant]. However, God finds fault with them [showing its inadequacy] when He says,

Behold, the days will come, says the Lord,
When I will make and ratify a new covenant
With the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;

Not like the covenant that I made with their fathers
On the day when I took them by the hand
To lead them out of the land of Egypt;
For they did not abide in My covenant,
And so I withdrew My favor and disregarded them, says the Lord.
10 
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
After those days, says the Lord:
I will imprint My laws upon their minds [even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding],
And engrave them upon their hearts [effecting their regeneration].
And I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.
11 
And it will not be [necessary] for each one to teach his fellow citizen,
Or each one his brother, saying, ‘Know [by experience, have knowledge of] the Lord,’
For all will know [Me by experience and have knowledge of] Me,
From the least to the greatest of them.
12 
For I will be merciful and gracious toward their wickedness,
And I will remember their sins no more.”(C)

13 When God speaks of “A new covenant,” He makes the first one obsolete. And whatever is becoming obsolete (out of use, annulled) and growing old is ready to disappear.

The Old and the New

Now even the first covenant had regulations for divine worship and for the earthly sanctuary.(D) A tabernacle (sacred tent) was put up, the outer one or first section, in which were the lampstand and the table with [its loaves of] the sacred showbread; this is called the Holy Place.(E) Behind the second veil there was another tabernacle [the inner one or second section] known as the Holy of Holies,(F) [a]having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered entirely with gold. This contained a golden jar which held the manna, and the rod of Aaron that sprouted, and the [two stone] tablets of the covenant [inscribed with the Ten Commandments];(G) and above the ark were the [golden] cherubim of glory overshadowing [b]the mercy seat; but we cannot now go into detail about these things.

Now when these things have been prepared in this way, the priests continually enter the outer [or first section of the] tabernacle [that is, the Holy Place] performing [their ritual acts of] the divine worship, but into the second [inner tabernacle, the Holy of Holies], only the high priest enters [and then only] once a year, and never without [bringing a sacrifice of] blood, which he offers [as a substitutionary atonement] for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance.(H) By this the Holy Spirit signifies that the way into the Holy Place [the true Holy of Holies and the presence of God] has not yet been disclosed as long as the [c]first or outer tabernacle is still standing [that is, as long as the Levitical system of worship remains a recognized institution], for this [first or outer tabernacle] is a symbol [that is, an archetype or paradigm] for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which are incapable of perfecting the conscience and renewing the [inner self of the] worshiper. 10 For they [the gifts, sacrifices, and ceremonies] deal only with [clean and unclean] food and drink and various ritual washings, [mere] external regulations for the body imposed [to help the worshipers] until the time of reformation [that is, the time of the new order when Christ will establish the reality of what these things foreshadow—a better covenant].

11 But when Christ appeared as a High Priest of the good things to come [that is, true spiritual worship], He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not a part of this [material] creation. 12 He went once for all into the Holy Place [the Holy of Holies of heaven, into the presence of God], and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, having obtained and secured eternal redemption [that is, the salvation of all who personally believe in Him as Savior]. 13 For if the sprinkling of [ceremonially] defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a [burnt] heifer is sufficient for the cleansing of the body,(I) 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal [Holy] Spirit willingly offered Himself unblemished [that is, without moral or spiritual imperfection as a sacrifice] to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the ever living God?

15 For this reason He is the Mediator and Negotiator of a new covenant [that is, an entirely new agreement uniting God and man], so that those who have been called [by God] may receive [the fulfillment of] the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has taken place [as the payment] which redeems them from the sins committed under the obsolete first covenant. 16 For where there is a will and [d]testament involved, the death of the one who made it must be established, 17 for a will and testament takes effect [only] at death, since it is never in force as long as the one who made it is alive. 18 So even the first covenant was not put in force without [the shedding of] blood. 19 For when every commandment in the Law had been read by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of the calves and goats [which had been sacrificed], together with water and scarlet wool and with a bunch of hyssop, and he sprinkled both the scroll itself and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant [that seals and ratifies the agreement] which God ordained and commanded [me to deliver to] you.”(J) 21 And in the same way he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the containers and sacred utensils of worship with the blood. 22 In fact under the Law almost everything is cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness [neither release from sin and its guilt, nor cancellation of the merited punishment].

23 Therefore it was necessary for the [earthly] copies of the heavenly things to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves required far better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but [He entered] into heaven itself, now to appear in the very presence of God on our behalf; 25 nor did He [enter into the heavenly sanctuary to] offer Himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer over and over since the foundation of the world; but now once for all at the consummation of the ages He has appeared and been publicly manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And just as it is appointed and destined for all men to die once and after this [comes certain] judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once and once for all to bear [as a burden] [e]the sins of many, will appear a second time [when he returns to earth], not to deal with sin, but to bring salvation to those who are eagerly and confidently waiting for Him.

One Sacrifice of Christ Is Sufficient

10 For since the Law has only a shadow [just a pale representation] of the good things to come—not the very image of those things—it can never, by offering the same sacrifices continually year after year, make [f]perfect those who approach [its altars]. For if it were otherwise, would not these sacrifices have stopped being offered? For the worshipers, having once [for all time] been cleansed, would no longer have a consciousness of sin. But [as it is] these [continual] sacrifices bring a fresh reminder of sins [to be atoned for] year after year, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ enters into the world, He says,

Sacrifice and offering You have not desired,
But [instead] You have prepared a body for Me [to offer];

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have taken no delight.

Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come
To do Your will, O God
[To fulfill] what is written of Me in the scroll of the book.’”(K)

After saying [in the citation] above, “You have neither desired, nor have You taken delight in sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin(which are offered according to the Law) then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” [And so] He does away with the first [covenant as a means of atoning for sin based on animal sacrifices] so that He may inaugurate and establish the second [covenant by means of obedience].(L) 10 And in accordance with this will [of God] we [who believe in the message of salvation] have been sanctified [that is, set apart as holy for God and His purposes] through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) once for all.

11 Every priest stands [at his altar of service] ministering daily, offering the same sacrifices over and over, which are never able [g]to strip away sins [that envelop and cover us]; 12 whereas Christ, having offered the one sacrifice [the all-sufficient sacrifice of Himself] for sins for all time, sat down [signifying the completion of atonement for sin] at the right hand of God [the position of honor], 13 waiting from that time onward until his enemies are made a footstool for His feet.(M) 14 For by the one offering He has perfected forever and completely cleansed those who are being sanctified [bringing each believer to spiritual completion and maturity]. 15 And the Holy Spirit also adds His testimony to us [in confirmation of this]; for after having said,

16 
This is the covenant that I will make with them
After those days, says the Lord:
I will imprint My laws upon their heart,
And on their mind I will inscribe them [producing an inward change],”

He then says,

17 
And their sins and their lawless acts
I will remember no more [no longer holding their sins against them].”(N)

18 Now where there is [absolute] forgiveness and complete cancellation of the penalty of these things, there is no longer any offering [to be made to atone] for sin.

A New and Living Way

19 Therefore, [h]believers, since we have confidence and full freedom to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of] the blood of Jesus, 20 by this new and living way which He initiated and opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great and wonderful Priest [Who rules] over the house of God, 22 let us approach [God] with a true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]; 24 and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, 25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.

Christ or Judgment

26 For if we go on willfully and deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice [to atone] for our sins [that is, no further offering to anticipate], 27 but a kind of awful and terrifying expectation of [divine] judgment and the fury of a fire and burning wrath which will consume the adversaries [those who put themselves in opposition to God].(O) 28 Anyone who has ignored and set aside the Law of Moses is put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.(P) 29 How much greater punishment do you think he will deserve who has rejected and trampled under foot the Son of God, and has considered unclean and common the blood of the covenant that [i]sanctified him, and has insulted the Spirit of grace [who imparts the unmerited favor and blessing of God]?(Q) 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the deliverance of justice rest with Me], I will repay [the wrongdoer].” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”(R) 31 It is a fearful and terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God [incurring His judgment and wrath].

32 But remember the earlier days, when, after being [spiritually] enlightened, you [patiently] endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 sometimes by being made a spectacle, publicly exposed to insults and distress, and sometimes by becoming companions with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy and deep concern for those who were imprisoned, and you joyfully accepted the [unjust] seizure of your belongings and the confiscation of your property, conscious of the fact that you have a better possession and a lasting one [prepared for you in heaven]. 35 Do not, therefore, fling away your [fearless] confidence, for it has a glorious and great reward. 36 For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised.

37 
For yet in a very little while,
He who is coming will come, and will not delay.
38 
But My righteous one [the one justified by faith] shall live by faith [respecting man’s relationship to God and trusting Him];
And if he draws back [shrinking in fear], My soul has no delight in him.(S)

39 But [j]our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but [we are] of those who believe [relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by this confident faith preserve the soul.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 9:4 The Greek participle translated “having” probably conveys the notion of “associated with it” and hence refers to the fact that the altar of incense, although located in the Holy Place according to Ex 30:6, here does not refer to location but to use, given the fact that the incense wafted behind the veil into the Holy of Holies.
  2. Hebrews 9:5 I.e. the lid of the ark where blood was sprinkled by the high priest.
  3. Hebrews 9:8 During the age of the old covenant a worshiper had no direct access to God.
  4. Hebrews 9:16 This Greek word may also be translated “covenant” as in v 18 and the author may be engaging in deliberate word play here playing off of both meanings.
  5. Hebrews 9:28 See Is 53:10-12.
  6. Hebrews 10:1 I.e. achieve the goal of perfection.
  7. Hebrews 10:11 Emphatic in Greek with the sense “to deliver completely.”
  8. Hebrews 10:19 Lit brethren.
  9. Hebrews 10:29 All believers are sanctified, that is, set apart as holy for God and His purposes.
  10. Hebrews 10:39 Emphatic in Greek.

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when 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 when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 and they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

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

11 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; 12 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. 13 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: 14 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?

15 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. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19 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, 20 saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

23 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. 24 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: 25 nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 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. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 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.

10 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 and having an high priest over the house of God; 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

1 To prove more certainly that the ceremonies of the Law are abrogated, 5 he showeth that they were appointed to serve the heavenly pattern. 8 He bringeth in the place of Jeremiah, 13 to prove the amendment of the old covenant.

Now [a]of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum, that we have such an high Priest, that sitteth at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heavens,

[b]And is a minister of the [c]Sanctuary, [d]and of that [e]true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man.

[f]For every high Priest is ordained to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it was of necessity, that this man should have somewhat also to offer.

[g]For he were not a Priest, if he were on the earth, seeing there are Priests that according to the Law offer gifts,

Who serve unto the pattern and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was warned by God when he was about to finish the Tabernacle. (A)See, said he, that thou make all things according to the pattern, showed to thee in the mount.

[h]But now our high Priest hath obtained a more excellent office, inasmuch as he is the Mediator of a better Testament, which is established upon better promises.

[i]For if that first Testament had been unblameable, no place should have been sought for the second.

For in rebuking them he saith, (B)Behold, the days will come, saith the Lord, when I shall make with the [j]house of Israel, and with the house of Judah a new Testament:

Not like the Testament that I made with their fathers, in the day that I took them by the hand, to lead them out of the land of Egypt: for they continued not in my Testament, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

10 For this is the Testament that I will make with the house of Israel, After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my Laws in their mind, and in their heart I will write them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.

12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more.

13 [k]In that he saith a new Testament, he hath abrogated the old: now that which is disannulled and waxed old, is ready to vanish away.

2 Comparing the form of the Tabernacle, 10 and the ceremonies of the Law, 11 unto the truth set out in Christ, 15 he concludeth that now there is no more need of another Priest, 24 because Christ himself had fulfilled these duties under the new covenant.

Then [l]the first Testament had also ordinances of religion, and a [m]worldly Sanctuary,

For the first Tabernacle was made, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread, which Tabernacle is called the Holy places.

And after the [n]second veil was the Tabernacle, which is called the [o]Holiest of all,

Which had the golden censer, and the Ark of the Testament overlaid round about with gold, wherein the golden pot, which had Manna, was, and (C)Aaron’s rod that had budded, and the (D)tables of the Testament.

(E)And over the Ark were the glorious Cherubims, shadowing the [p]mercy seat: of which things we will not now speak particularly.

[q]Now when these things were thus ordained, the Priest went always into the first Tabernacle, and accomplished the service.

But into the second went the (F)high Priest alone, once every year, not without blood which he offered for himself, and for the [r]ignorances of the people.

[s]Whereby the holy Ghost this signified, that the way into the Holiest of all was not yet opened, while as yet the first tabernacle was standing,

[t]Which was a figure [u]for that present time, wherein were offered gifts and sacrifices that could not make holy, concerning the conscience, him that did the service,

10 [v]Which only stood in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal rites, [w]which were enjoined, until the time of reformation.

11 [x]But Christ being come an high Priest of good things to come, [y]by a [z]greater and a more perfect Tabernacle, not made with hands, that is, not of this building,

12 [aa]Neither by the blood of [ab]goats and calves: but by his own blood entered he in once unto the holy place, and obtained eternal redemption for us.

13 (G)[ac]For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer, sprinkling them that are unclean, sanctifieth as touching the [ad]purifying of the flesh,

14 How much more shall the (H)blood of Christ which through the eternal Spirit offered himself without fault to God, (I)purge your conscience from [ae]dead works, to serve the living God?

15 [af]And for this cause is he the Mediator of the new Testament, that through (J)death which was for the redemption of the transgressions that were in the former Testament, they which were called, might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

16 [ag]For where a Testament is, there must be the death of him that made the Testament.

17 (K)For the Testament is confirmed when men are dead: for it is yet of no force as long as he that made it, is alive.

18 [ah]Wherefore, neither was the first ordained without blood.

19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to the people, [ai]according to the Law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water and purple wool and hyssop, and [aj]sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

20 (L)Saying, This is the blood of the Testament, which God hath appointed unto you.

21 Moreover, he sprinkled likewise the Tabernacle with blood also, and all the ministering vessels,

22 And almost all things are by the Law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood is no remission.

23 It was then necessary, that the [ak]similitudes of heavenly things should be purified with such things: but the heavenly things themselves are purified with better sacrifices than are these.

24 [al]For Christ is not entered into the holy places that are made with hands, which are similitudes of the true Sanctuary: but is entered into very heaven, to appear now in the sight of God for us,

25 [am]Not that he should offer himself often, as the high Priest entered into the Holy place every year with others’ blood,

26 [an](For then must he have often suffered since the foundation of the world) but now in the [ao]end of the world hath he been made manifest, once to put away [ap]sin by the sacrifice of himself.

27 And as it is appointed unto men that they shall [aq]once die, and after that cometh the judgment:

28 So (M)Christ was once offered to take away the sins of [ar]many, [as]and unto them that look for him, shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

10 1 He proveth that the sacrifices of the Law were imperfect, 2 because they were yearly renewed. 5 But that the sacrifice of Christ is one, and perpetual, 6 he proveth by David’s testimony: 19 Then he addeth an exhortation, 29 and severely threateneth them that reject the grace of Christ. 36 In the end he praiseth patience, 38 that cometh of faith.

For [at]the law having the shadow of good things to [au]come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices, which they offer year by year continually, sanctify the comers thereunto.

For would they not then have ceased to have been offered, because that the offerers once purged, should have had no more conscience of sins?

But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again of sins every year.

For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.

[av]Wherefore when he [aw]cometh into the world, he saith, (N)Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not: but a [ax]body hast thou ordained me.

In burnt offerings, and sin offerings thou hast had no pleasure.

Then I said, Lo, I come (in the beginning of the book it is written of me) that I should do thy will, O God.

Above, when he said, Sacrifice and offering, and burnt offerings, and sin offerings, thou wouldest not have, neither hadst pleasure therein (which are offered by the Law.)

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God, he taketh away the [ay]first, that he may stablish the second.

10 By the which will we are sanctified, even by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once made.

11 [az]And every Priest [ba]standeth daily ministering, and ofttimes offereth one manner of offering, which can never take away sins:

12 But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, (O)sitteth forever at the right hand of God,

13 [bb]And from henceforth tarrieth, (P)till his enemies be made his footstool.

14 For with one offering hath he consecrated forever them that are sanctified.

15 [bc]For the holy Ghost also beareth us record: for after that he had said before,

16 (Q)This is the Testament that I will make unto them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my Laws in their heart, and in their minds I will write them.

17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember [bd]no more.

18 Now where remission of these things is, there is no more offering for [be]sin.

19 [bf]Seeing therefore, brethren, that by the blood of Jesus we may be bold to enter into the Holy place,

20 By the new and living way, which he hath prepared for us, through the veil, that is, his [bg]flesh:

21 And seeing we have an high Priest, which is over the house of God,

22 [bh]Let us draw near with a [bi]true heart in assurance of faith, our [bj]hearts being pure from an evil conscience,

23 And washed in our bodies with [bk]pure water, let us keep the profession of our hope, without wavering, (for he is faithful that promised.)

24 And let us consider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good works,

25 Not forsaking the fellowship that we have among ourselves, as the manner of some is: but let us exhort one another, [bl]and that so much the more, because ye see that the day draweth near.

26 (R)For if we sin [bm]willingly after that we have received and acknowledged that truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a fearful looking for of judgment, and violent fire, which shall devour the [bn]adversaries.

28 [bo]He that despiseth Moses’ Law, dieth without mercy (S)under two, or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be worthy, which treadeth under foot the Son of God, and counteth the blood of the Testament as an unholy thing, wherewith he was sanctified, and doeth despite the Spirit of grace?

30 [bp]For we know him that hath said, (T)Vengeance belongeth unto me: I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall [bq]judge his people.

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 [br]Now call to remembrance the days that are passed, in the which, after ye had received light ye endured a great fight in afflictions,

33 Partly while ye were made a [bs]gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions, and partly while ye became [bt]companions of them which were so tossed to and fro.

34 For both ye sorrowed with me for my bonds, and suffered with joy the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves how that ye have in heaven a better, and an enduring [bu]substance.

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompense of reward.

36 For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37 For yet a very [bv]little while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry.

38 (U)[bw]Now the just shall live by faith: but if any withdraw himself, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not they which withdraw ourselves unto perdition, but follow faith unto the conservation of the soul.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 8:1 He briefly repeateth that, whereunto all these things are to be referred, to wit, we have a far other high Priest than those Levitical high Priests are, even such an one as sitteth at the right hand of the most high God in heaven.
  2. Hebrews 8:2 They of Levi were high Priests in an earthly sanctuary, but Christ is in the heavenly.
  3. Hebrews 8:2 Of heaven.
  4. Hebrews 8:2 They of Levi exercised their Priesthood in a frail tabernacle, but Christ beareth about with him a far other tabernacle, to wit, his body which God himself made to be everlasting, as it shall afterward be declared, Heb. 9:11.
  5. Hebrews 8:2 Of his body.
  6. Hebrews 8:3 He bringeth a reason why it must needs be that Christ should have a body (which he calleth a tabernacle which the Lord pight and not man) to wit, that he might have what to offer: for otherwise he could not be an high Priest. And the selfsame body is both the tabernacle and the sacrifice.
  7. Hebrews 8:4 He giveth a reason why he said that our high Priest is in the heavenly sanctuary and not in the earthly: because, saith he, if he were now on the earth, he could not minister in the earthly sanctuary, seeing there are yet Levitical Priests, which are appointed for him, that is to say, to be patterns of that perfect example. And to what purpose should the patterns serve when the true and original example is present.
  8. Hebrews 8:6 He entereth into the comparison of the old and transitory Testament or covenant being but for a time, whereof the Levitical Priests were mediators with the new the everlasting Mediator whereof is Christ, to show that this is not only better than that in all respects, but also that that was abrogated by this.
  9. Hebrews 8:7 He proveth by the testimony of Jeremiah, that there is a second Testament or covenant, and therefore that the first was not perfect.
  10. Hebrews 8:8 He calleth it an house, as it were one family of the whole kingdom: for whereas the kingdom of David was divided into two factions, the Prophet giveth us to understand that through the new Testament they shall be joined together again in one.
  11. Hebrews 8:13 The conclusion: Therefore by the latter and the new, the first and old is taken away, for it could not be called new if it differed not from the old. And again that same is at length taken away: which is subject to corruption, and therefore imperfect.
  12. Hebrews 9:1 A division of the first Tabernacle which he calleth worldly, that is to say, transitory and earthly into two parts, to wit, into the holy places and the Holiest of all.
  13. Hebrews 9:1 An earthy and a flitting.
  14. Hebrews 9:3 He calleth it the second veil, not because there were two veils, but because it was behind the Sanctuary or the first Tabernacle.
  15. Hebrews 9:3 The holiest Sanctuary.
  16. Hebrews 9:5 The Hebrews call the cover of the Ark of the covenant, the mercy seat, whom both the Greeks and we follow.
  17. Hebrews 9:6 Now he cometh to the sacrifices which he divideth into those daily sacrifices, and that yearly and solemn sacrifice, with the which the high Priest only, but once every year entering into the Holiest of all with blood, offered for himself and the people.
  18. Hebrews 9:7 For the sins. See Heb. 5:2.
  19. Hebrews 9:8 Of that yearly rite and ceremony he gathereth that the way was not by such sacrifices opened into heaven, which was shadowed by the Holiest of all. For why did the high Priest alone enter in thither, shutting out all other, and that to offer sacrifices there both for himself and for others, and after did shut the Holiest of all again?
  20. Hebrews 9:9 An objection: If the way were not opened into heaven by those sacrifices (that is to say, If the worshippers were not purged by them) why then were those ceremonies used? to wit, that men might be called back to that spiritual example, that is to say, to Christ, who should correct all those things at his coming.
  21. Hebrews 9:9 For that time that that figure had to last.
  22. Hebrews 9:10 Another reason why they could not make clean the conscience of the worshipper, to wit, because they were outward and carnal or corporal things.
  23. Hebrews 9:10 For they were as you would say a burden, from which Christ delivered us.
  24. Hebrews 9:11 Now he entereth into the declaration of the figures, and first of all comparing the Levitical high Priest with Christ, (that is to say, the figure with the thing itself) he attributeth to Christ the administration of good things to come, that is, everlasting, which those carnal things had respect unto.
  25. Hebrews 9:11 Another comparison of the first corruptible Tabernacle with the latter (that is to say, with the human nature of Christ) which is the true incorruptible Temple of God, whereinto which the Son of GOD entered, as the Levitical high Priests into the other which was frail and transitory.
  26. Hebrews 9:11 By a more excellent and better.
  27. Hebrews 9:12 Another comparison of the blood of sacrifices with Christ. The Levitical high Priests entering by their holy places into the Sanctuary, offered corruptible blood for one year only: but Christ entering into that holy body of his, entered by it into heaven itself, offering his own most pure blood for an everlasting redemption: For one selfsame Christ answereth both to the high Priest, and the Tabernacle, and the sacrifices, and offering themselves, as the truth to the figures, so that Christ is both the high Priest, and Tabernacle, and Sacrifice, yea, all these both truly, and forever.
  28. Hebrews 9:12 For in this yearly sacrifice of reconciliation, there were two kinds of sacrifices, the one a goat, the other a heifer, or calf.
  29. Hebrews 9:13 If the outward sprinkling of blood and ashes of beasts, was a true and effectual sign of purifying and cleansing, how much more shall the thing itself and the truth being present, which in times past was shadowed by those external Sacraments, that is to say, his blood which is in such sort man’s blood, that is also the blood of the Son of God, and therefore hath an everlasting virtue of purifying and cleansing, does it?
  30. Hebrews 9:13 He considereth the signs apart, being separate from the thing itself.
  31. Hebrews 9:14 From sins which proceed from death, and bring forth nothing but death.
  32. Hebrews 9:15 The conclusion of the former argument: therefore seeing the blood of beasts did not purge sins, the new Testament which was before time promised, whereunto those outward things had respect, is now indeed established, by the virtue whereof all transgressions might be taken away, and heaven indeed opened unto us: whereof it followeth that Christ shed his blood also for the Fathers: For he was shadowed by those old ceremonies, otherwise, unless they had served to represent him, they had been nothing at all profitable. Therefore this Testament is called the latter, not concerning the virtue of it, (that is to say, remission of sins) but in respect of that time, wherein the thing itself was finished, that is to say, wherein Christ was indeed exhibited to the world, and fulfilled all things which were necessary to our salvation.
  33. Hebrews 9:16 A reason why the Testament must be established by the death of the Mediator, because this Testament hath the condition of a Testament or gift, which is made effectual by death, and therefore that it might be effectual, it must needs be that he that made the Testament, should die.
  34. Hebrews 9:18 There must be a proportion between those things which purify, and those which are purified: Under the Law all those figures were earthly, the Tabernacle, the book, the vessels, the sacrifices, although they were the figures of heavenly things. Therefore it was requisite that all those should be purified with some matter and ceremony of the same nature, to wit, with the blood of beasts, with water, wool, hyssop. But under Christ all things are heavenly, an heavenly tabernacle, an heavenly sacrifice, an heavenly people, an heavenly doctrine, and heaven itself is set open before us for an eternal habitation. Therefore all these things are sanctified in like sort, to wit, with the everlasting offering of the quickening blood of Christ.
  35. Hebrews 9:19 As the Lord had commanded.
  36. Hebrews 9:19 He useth to sprinkle.
  37. Hebrews 9:23 The similitudes of heavenly things were earthly, and therefore they were to be set forth with earthly things, as with the blood of beasts, and wool, and hyssop. But under Christ all things are heavenly, and therefore they could not but be sanctified with the offering of his lively blood.
  38. Hebrews 9:24 Another double comparison: the Levitical high Priest entered into the Sanctuary, which was made indeed by the commandment of God, but yet with men’s hands, that it might be a pattern of another more excellent, to wit, of the heavenly place. But Christ entered even into heaven itself. Again, he appeared before the Ark, but Christ before God the Father himself.
  39. Hebrews 9:25 Another double comparison: the Levitical high Priest offered other blood, but Christ offered his own: he every year once iterated his offering: Christ offering himself but once, abolished sin altogether, both of the former ages and of the ages to come.
  40. Hebrews 9:26 An argument to prove that Christ’s offering ought not to be repeated: Seeing that sins were to be purged from the beginning of the world, and it is proved that sins cannot be purged, but by the only blood of Christ: he must needs have died oftentimes since the beginning of the world. But a man can die but once: therefore Christ’s oblation which was once done in the latter days, neither could nor can be repeated. Seeing then it is so, surely the virtue of it extendeth both to sins that were before, and to sins that are after his coming.
  41. Hebrews 9:26 In the latter days.
  42. Hebrews 9:26 That whole root of sin.
  43. Hebrews 9:27 He speaketh of the natural state and condition of man: For as for Lazarus and certain others that died twice, that was no usual thing but extraordinary, and for them that shall be changed, their changing is a kind of death, 1 Cor. 15:51.
  44. Hebrews 9:28 Thus the general promise is restrained to the elect only: and we have to seek the testimony of our election: not in the secret counsel of God, but in the effects that our faith worketh, and so we must climb up from the lowest step to the highest, there to find such comfort as is most certain, and shall never be moved.
  45. Hebrews 9:28 Shortly by the way he setteth out Christ as Judge, partly to terrify them, which do not rest themselves in the only oblation of Christ once made, and partly to keep the faithful in their duty, that they will go not back.
  46. Hebrews 10:1 He preventeth a privy objection. Why then were those sacrifices offered? The Apostle answereth first touching that yearly sacrifice which was the solemnest of all, wherein (saith he) there was made every year a remembrance again of all former sins. Therefore that sacrifice had no power to sanctify: for to what purpose should those sins which are purged be repeated again, and wherefore should new sins come to be repeated every year, if those sacrifices did abolish sin?
  47. Hebrews 10:1 Of things which are everlasting, which were promised to the Fathers, and exhibited in Christ.
  48. Hebrews 10:5 A conclusion following of those things that went before, and comprehending also the other sacrifices. Seeing that the sacrifices of the Law could not do it, therefore Christ speaking of himself as of our high Priest manifested in the flesh, witnesseseth evidently that God resteth not in the sacrifices, but in the obedience of his Son our high Priest, in which obedience he offered up himself once to his Father for us.
  49. Hebrews 10:5 The Son of God is said to come into the world, when he was made man.
  50. Hebrews 10:5 It is word for word in the Hebrew text, Thou hast pierced mine ears through, that is, thou hast made me obedient, and willing to hear.
  51. Hebrews 10:9 That is the sacrifices, to establish the second, that is, the will of God.
  52. Hebrews 10:11 A conclusion, with the other part of the comparison. The Levitical high Priest repeateth the same sacrifices daily in his sanctuary: whereupon which it followeth that neither those sacrifices, neither those offerings, neither those high Priests could take away sins. But Christ, having offered one sacrifice once for the sins of all men, and having sanctified his own forever, sitteth at the right hand of the Father, having all power in his hands.
  53. Hebrews 10:11 At the altar.
  54. Hebrews 10:13 He preventeth a privy objection, to wit, that yet notwithstanding we are subject to sin and death, whereunto the Apostle answereth, that the full efficacy of Christ’s virtue hath not yet showed itself, but shall at length appear when he will at once put to flight all his enemies, with whom as yet we strive.
  55. Hebrews 10:15 Although there do yet remain in us relics of sin, yet the work of our sanctification which is to be perfected, hangeth upon the selfsame sacrifice which never shall be repeated: and that the Apostle proveth by alledging again the testimonies of Jeremiah, thus, Sin is taken away by the new Testament, seeing the Lord saith that it shall come to pass, that according to the form of it, he will no more remember our sins: Therefore we need now no purging sacrifice to take away that which is already taken away, but we must rather take pains, that we may now through faith be partakers of that sacrifice.
  56. Hebrews 10:17 Why then, where is the fire of Purgatory, and that Popish distinction of the fault and the punishment?
  57. Hebrews 10:18 He said well, for sin: for there remaineth another offering, to wit, of thanksgiving.
  58. Hebrews 10:19 The sum of the former treatise: We are not shut out now of the holy place, as the Fathers were, but we have an entrance into the true holy place (that is, into heaven) seeing that we are purged with the blood not of beasts, but of Jesus. Neither as in times past, doth the high Priest shut us out by setting the veil against us, but through the veil, which is his flesh, he hath brought us into heaven itself, being present with us, so that we have now truly an high Priest, which is over the house of God.
  59. Hebrews 10:20 So Christ’s flesh showeth us the Godhead as it were under a veil, for otherwise we were not able to abide the brightness of it.
  60. Hebrews 10:22 A most grave exhortation, wherein which he showeth how that sacrifice of Christ may be applied to us: to wit, by faith, which also he describeth, by the consequence, to wit, by sanctification of the Spirit, which causeth us surely to hope in God, and to procure by all means possible one another’s salvation, through the love that is in us one toward another.
  61. Hebrews 10:22 With no double and counterfeit heart, but with such an heart as is truly and indeed given to God.
  62. Hebrews 10:22 This is it which the Lord saith, Be ye holy, for I am holy.
  63. Hebrews 10:23 With the grace of the holy Ghost.
  64. Hebrews 10:25 Having mentioned the last coming of Christ, he stirreth up the godly to the meditation of an holy life, and cites the faithless fallers from God, to the fearful judgment seat of the judge, because they wickedly rejected him in whom only salvation consisteth.
  65. Hebrews 10:26 Without any cause or occasion, or show of occasion.
  66. Hebrews 10:27 For it is another matter to sin through the frailty of man’s nature, and another thing to proclaim war as it were to God as to an enemy.
  67. Hebrews 10:28 If the breach of the Law of Moses was punished by death, how much more worthy death is it to fall away from Christ?
  68. Hebrews 10:30 The reason of all these things is, because God is a revenger of such as despise him: otherwise he should not rightly govern his Church. Now there is nothing more horrible then the wrath of the living God.
  69. Hebrews 10:30 Rule or govern.
  70. Hebrews 10:32 As he terrified the fallers away from God so doth he now comfort them that are constant and stand strongly setting before them the success of their former fights, so stirring them up to a sure hope of a full and ready victory.
  71. Hebrews 10:33 You were brought forth to be ashamed.
  72. Hebrews 10:33 In taking their miseries, to be your miseries.
  73. Hebrews 10:34 Goods and riches.
  74. Hebrews 10:37 He will come within this very little while.
  75. Hebrews 10:38 He commendeth the excellency of a sure faith by the effect, because it is the only way to life, which sentence he setteth forth and amplifieth by setting the contrary against it.

And the sum concerning the things spoken of [is]: we have such a chief priest, who did sit down at the right hand of the throne of the greatness in the heavens,

of the holy places a servant, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord did set up, and not man,

for every chief priest to offer both gifts and sacrifices is appointed, whence [it is] necessary for this one to have also something that he may offer;

for if, indeed, he were upon earth, he would not be a priest -- (there being the priests who are offering according to the law, the gifts,

who unto an example and shadow do serve of the heavenly things, as Moses hath been divinely warned, being about to construct the tabernacle, for `See (saith He) thou mayest make all things according to the pattern that was shewn to thee in the mount;') --

and now he hath obtained a more excellent service, how much also of a better covenant is he mediator, which on better promises hath been sanctioned,

for if that first were faultless, a place would not have been sought for a second.

For finding fault, He saith to them, `Lo, days come, saith the Lord, and I will complete with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah, a new covenant,

not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers, in the day of My taking [them] by their hand, to bring them out of the land of Egypt -- because they did not remain in My covenant, and I did not regard them, saith the Lord, --

10 because this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord, giving My laws into their mind, and upon their hearts I will write them, and I will be to them for a God, and they shall be to Me for a people;

11 and they shall not teach each his neighbour, and each his brother, saying, Know thou the Lord, because they shall all know Me from the small one of them unto the great one of them,

12 because I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawlessnesses I will remember no more;' --

13 in the saying `new,' He hath made the first old, and what doth become obsolete and is old [is] nigh disappearing.

It had, indeed, then (even the first tabernacle) ordinances of service, also a worldly sanctuary,

for a tabernacle was prepared, the first, in which was both the lamp-stand, and the table, and the bread of the presence -- which is called `Holy;'

and after the second vail a tabernacle that is called `Holy of holies,'

having a golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid all round about with gold, in which [is] the golden pot having the manna, and the rod of Aaron that budded, and the tables of the covenant,

and over it cherubim of the glory, overshadowing the mercy-seat, concerning which we are not now to speak particularly.

And these things having been thus prepared, into the first tabernacle, indeed, at all times the priests do go in, performing the services,

and into the second, once in the year, only the chief priest, not apart from blood, which he doth offer for himself and the errors of the people,

the Holy Spirit this evidencing that not yet hath been manifested the way of the holy [places], the first tabernacle having yet a standing;

which [is] a simile in regard to the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which are not able, in regard to conscience, to make perfect him who is serving,

10 only in victuals, and drinks, and different baptisms, and fleshly ordinances -- till the time of reformation imposed upon [them].

11 And Christ being come, chief priest of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands -- that is, not of this creation --

12 neither through blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, did enter in once into the holy places, age-during redemption having obtained;

13 for if the blood of bulls, and goats, and ashes of an heifer, sprinkling those defiled, doth sanctify to the purifying of the flesh,

14 how much more shall the blood of the Christ (who through the age-during Spirit did offer himself unblemished to God) purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

15 And because of this, of a new covenant he is mediator, that, death having come, for redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, those called may receive the promise of the age-during inheritance,

16 for where a covenant [is], the death of the covenant-victim to come in is necessary,

17 for a covenant over dead victims [is] stedfast, since it is no force at all when the covenant-victim liveth,

18 whence not even the first apart from blood hath been initiated,

19 for every command having been spoken, according to law, by Moses, to all the people, having taken the blood of the calves and goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, he both the book itself and all the people did sprinkle,

20 saying, `This [is] the blood of the covenant that God enjoined unto you,'

21 and both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the service with blood in like manner he did sprinkle,

22 and with blood almost all things are purified according to the law, and apart from blood-shedding forgiveness doth not come.

23 [It is] necessary, therefore, the pattern indeed of the things in the heavens to be purified with these, and the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these;

24 for not into holy places made with hands did the Christ enter -- figures of the true -- but into the heaven itself, now to be manifested in the presence of God for us;

25 nor that he may many times offer himself, even as the chief priest doth enter into the holy places every year with blood of others;

26 since it had behoved him many times to suffer from the foundation of the world, but now once, at the full end of the ages, for putting away of sin through his sacrifice, he hath been manifested;

27 and as it is laid up to men once to die, and after this -- judgment,

28 so also the Christ, once having been offered to bear the sins of many, a second time, apart from a sin-offering, shall appear, to those waiting for him -- to salvation!

10 For the law having a shadow of the coming good things -- not the very image of the matters, every year, by the same sacrifices that they offer continually, is never able to make perfect those coming near,

since, would they not have ceased to be offered, because of those serving having no more conscience of sins, having once been purified?

but in those [sacrifices] is a remembrance of sins every year,

for it is impossible for blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Wherefore, coming into the world, he saith, `Sacrifice and offering Thou didst not will, and a body Thou didst prepare for me,

in burnt-offerings, and concerning sin-offerings, Thou didst not delight,

then I said, Lo, I come, (in a volume of the book it hath been written concerning me,) to do, O God, Thy will;'

saying above -- `Sacrifice, and offering, and burnt-offerings, and concerning sin-offering Thou didst not will, nor delight in,' -- which according to the law are offered --

then he said, `Lo, I come to do, O God, Thy will;' he doth take away the first that the second he may establish;

10 in the which will we are having been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once,

11 and every priest, indeed, hath stood daily serving, and the same sacrifices many times offering, that are never able to take away sins.

12 And He, for sin one sacrifice having offered -- to the end, did sit down on the right hand of God, --

13 as to the rest, expecting till He may place his enemies [as] his footstool,

14 for by one offering he hath perfected to the end those sanctified;

15 and testify to us also doth the Holy Spirit, for after that He hath said before,

16 `This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, giving My laws on their hearts, and upon their minds I will write them,'

17 and `their sins and their lawlessness I will remember no more;'

18 and where forgiveness of these [is], there is no more offering for sin.

19 Having, therefore, brethren, boldness for the entrance into the holy places, in the blood of Jesus,

20 which way he did initiate for us -- new and living, through the vail, that is, his flesh --

21 and a high priest over the house of God,

22 may we draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having the hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having the body bathed with pure water;

23 may we hold fast the unwavering profession of the hope, (for faithful [is] He who did promise),

24 and may we consider one another to provoke to love and to good works,

25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as a custom of certain [is], but exhorting, and so much the more as ye see the day coming nigh.

26 For we -- willfully sinning after the receiving the full knowledge of the truth -- no more for sins doth there remain a sacrifice,

27 but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery zeal, about to devour the opposers;

28 any one who did set at nought a law of Moses, apart from mercies, by two or three witnesses, doth die,

29 of how much sorer punishment shall he be counted worthy who the Son of God did trample on, and the blood of the covenant did count a common thing, in which he was sanctified, and to the Spirit of the grace did despite?

30 for we have known Him who is saying, `Vengeance [is] Mine, I will recompense, saith the Lord;' and again, `The Lord shall judge His people;' --

31 fearful [is] the falling into the hands of a living God.

32 And call to your remembrance the former days, in which, having been enlightened, ye did endure much conflict of sufferings,

33 partly both with reproaches and tribulations being made spectacles, and partly having become partners of those so living,

34 for also with my bonds ye sympathised, and the robbery of your goods with joy ye did receive, knowing that ye have in yourselves a better substance in the heavens, and an enduring one.

35 Ye may not cast away, then, your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward,

36 for of patience ye have need, that the will of God having done, ye may receive the promise,

37 for yet a very very little, He who is coming will come, and will not tarry;

38 and `the righteous by faith shall live,' and `if he may draw back, My soul hath no pleasure in him,'

39 and we are not of those drawing back to destruction, but of those believing to a preserving of soul.