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Hebrews 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.

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

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;

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

And having an high priest over the house of God;

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.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

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

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.

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

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?

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.

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

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

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.

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

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

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

What does Hebrews 10:13 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:13 speaks about a period of waiting that follows Christ's sacrificial offering. It portrays Jesus as sitting at the right hand of God after providing a single sacrifice for sins, which represents his exaltation.

The verse conveys the idea that Jesus is currently in a state of expectation, anticipating the time when his enemies will be subjected to him.

The term "expecting" is key here, as it implies a confident and assured waiting for something that is certainly going to take place.

The phrase "till his enemies be made his footstool" refers to an ultimate defeat of all opposing forces and the establishment of Christ's full and unopposed rule.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion within the book of Hebrews, which is particularly concerned with demonstrating the superiority of Christ’s priesthood and his sacrificial offering over the priests and sacrifices of the Old Covenant.

This book was composed for an audience with a significant understanding of Jewish traditions.

Therefore, the author uses Old Testament references extensively.

This verse specifically echoes Psalm 110:1, indicating that it taps into a then-current understanding of messianic prophecy.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is significant in several ways.

From a Christian perspective, it's seen as confirmation of Jesus' divine authority and his role as the High Priest who offered himself for the salvation of humanity.

His current state of waiting reflects the period known as the "already, but not yet" - a time in Christian theology that recognizes the Kingdom of God as both present through Christ's redemptive work and still in process of being fully realized.

Various denominations interpret the nature of Christ's enemies differently.

Some may view the enemies as sin, death, and the devil, while others might consider the term to include broader spiritual and societal opposition to Christianity.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can offer believers a sense of assurance and patience.

Just as Jesus is depicted as waiting confidently, Christians are encouraged to live with hope and anticipation for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

It serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in faith, despite challenges or opposition, trusting in the ultimate victory of Christ.

Cross-References

Psalm 110:1: "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
1 Corinthians 15:25: "For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet."
Hebrews 1:13: "But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?"

Language Study

The Greek word translated here as "expecting" is "εκδεχομενος" (ekdechomenos), which implies a waiting with anticipation.

The term "footstool" originates from the Greek word "υποποδιον" (hypopodion), indicating a place to put one's feet upon, symbolizing dominion or subjugation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern culture, placing one's foot on a defeated enemy was a common motif symbolizing subjugation and victory.

The image of enemies becoming a footstool shows a powerful portrayal of total conquest.

Comparably, other ancient religions also have motifs of gods or divine figures defeating their adversaries, such as the Norse god Thor battling the giants, or the Hindu god Vishnu subduing demons.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on this verse as it relates to theological beliefs and expectations about spiritual realities beyond the scope of scientific inquiry.

However, the concept of waiting with expectation for future events can be reflected upon in the psychological study of hope and the human tendency to look forward to perceived positive outcomes.

Commentaries

Commentaries offer varying perspectives on this verse.

Some emphasize the messianic interpretation and the fulfillment of prophecy, seeing Jesus as the ultimate priest-king who awaits the complete manifestation of his kingdom.

Others focus on the significance of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice that renders the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant obsolete.

Many also highlight that this period of expectation is characterized by the ongoing work of Jesus interceding for believers and the continued spread of the gospel.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:13 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 10:13 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?