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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 10:16 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Hebrews 10:16, refers to a new covenant between God and believers, signifying a significant shift from the Old Covenant, which was based on adherence to the Mosaic Law.

Instead of external conformity to a set of laws, this new covenant emphasizes the internalization of God's laws.

It implies that God's will and guidance will be understood and embraced in the hearts and minds of believers, leading to a more intimate and personal relationship with God.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews was likely written prior to the destruction of the second Jewish temple in AD 70.

The book addresses a community that was familiar with Jewish traditions and the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament.

The "new covenant" mentioned in this verse is a reference to the prophecy made by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 31:33.

This new covenant was necessary because the old one, mediated through Moses, was inadequate for the complete redemption and transformation of the heart.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse carries several key insights:

The Superiority of the New Covenant: The new covenant established through Jesus is considered superior to the Old Covenant because it allows for a personal and transformative experience.
Internal Transformation: The new covenant focuses on heart and mind, going beyond mere external adherence to the Law.
The Role of the Holy Spirit: In Christian theology, the ability to have God's laws written on one's heart and mind is often associated with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse encourages believers to:

Seek an intimate relationship with God rather than a religion based solely on rituals and rules.
Emphasize the importance of internal transformation over outward religiosity.
Reflect on the meaning and application of the scriptures in a deep and personal way.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 31:33: "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Ezekiel 36:26-27: "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: ...

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them."

2 Corinthians 3:3: "...written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."

Language Study

Key words from the original Greek text include:

"Covenant": διαθήκη (diathēkē), meaning a contract or arrangement between two parties.
"Laws": νόμους (nomous), referring to legal prescriptions or commandments.
"Hearts": καρδίαις (kardiais), meaning the inner self or the seat of moral and emotional life.
"Minds": διανοίαις (dianoiais), pertaining to the intellect or understanding.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, covenants were widespread throughout the cultures of the Near East. The practice of gods making covenants with their people is not unique to Judaism. For example, the Hittites and Mesopotamians had similar concepts.

However, the internalization of divine law in such a personal way is distinctive to the Judeo-Christian tradition, as many other ancient religions emphasized external rites and sacrifices.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the emphasis on writing laws on the heart and mind may have parallels in the understanding of neuroplasticity and the ways in which learning and beliefs can change the brain's structure.

However, the verse's concept transcends materialistic interpretations and enters the realm of spiritual and metaphysical belief.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Hebrews 10:16:

Some, like Matthew Henry, regard this as the fulfillment of prophecy and a clear illustration of the differences between the old and the new covenants.
F.F.

Bruce sees this as a transition to an inward, spiritual dynamic in religious practice.

Others, such as John Owen, emphasize the futility of the old sacrificial system and the necessity of Christ's sacrifice for true sanctification and inward obedience.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:16 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 10:16 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?