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Hebrews 9

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

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

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

What does Hebrews 9:15 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 9:15 speaks to the role of Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and humanity. As a mediator, Christ is the one who bridges the gap that came about because of humanity's transgressions (sins) under the first covenant, the Old Testament law given to Moses.

The phrase "the new testament" refers to the new covenant established by Christ's death, which allows for the redemption of these sins.

The verse emphasizes that Christ's sacrificial death has a retrospective effect, covering the transgressions under the first testament. This leads to the promised eternal inheritance, which is the hope of eternal life with God.

The verse encapsulates the Christian belief that Jesus' death and resurrection provide the means of salvation and reconciliation with God.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews is a book in the New Testament, authorship traditionally attributed to Paul, but modern scholarship disputes this and suggests an unknown author. The letter is written to Jewish Christians who were likely familiar with Old Testament scriptures and customs.

The verse assumes knowledge of the Old Covenant, the system of law and sacrifices, and the role of a high priest in atoning for the people's sins.

During the time of its writing, early Christians were attempting to understand how Jesus’ life and death related to Jewish laws and prophecies.

This epistle was likely written before the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which occurred in 70 AD.

Theological Insights

There are a variety of theological perspectives on this verse:

Traditional Christian View: It is interpreted that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning a Messiah.

His role as mediator underscores the Christian doctrine of atonement.

Catholic Perspective: Catholic theology may emphasize the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ death and may tie it to the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, as an ongoing representation of Christ's sacrifice.
Protestant Perspective: Many Protestant theologians see this verse as supporting the doctrine of "sola fide," that is, justification by faith alone, since Christ's death redeems believers and secures their inheritance.
Jewish Perspective on Christian Claims: Judaism does not accept the New Testament claim of Jesus being a mediator of a new covenant and maintains adherence to the Mosaic Law.

Practical Applications

Hebrews 9:15 offers several applications for believers:

Trusting in Jesus Christ's role as mediator can provide reassurance of salvation and a spiritual inheritance.
It invites Christians to live a life in acknowledgment of the redemption offered through Christ.
It can be a call to reflect on the concept of legacy and inheritance, not just materially but spiritually.
This verse can encourage believers to share their faith with others, as it speaks about the promise and hope of eternal life.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 31:31: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:"
1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"
Luke 22:20: "Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
Galatians 3:13-14: "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:"

Language Study

Mediator (mesitēs): The Greek word refers to an intermediary or a go-between.
New Testament (diathēkē): The Greek term can be translated as covenant or will, indicating a legal agreement.
Redemption (lytrōsis): This word indicates a release or liberation, often used in the context of freeing a slave.
Transgressions (parabaseis): Refers to violations or breaches, in this context, of the Old Testament law.
Eternal (aiōnios): A term that expresses perpetuity or timeless existence.
Inheritance (klēronomia): Refers to the act of inheriting, but here it means a heritage or legacy, especially related to salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Compared with other religious systems, the concept of a mediator in Christianity is unique to Jesus Christ.

In contrast, many ancient myths involve multiple gods mediating on behalf of humans in various ways.

In ancient Greek religion, for example, Hermes functioned as a mediator between the mortal and divine realms. In Judaism, Moses is seen as the mediator of the Old Covenant.

However, there's no expectation of a new mediator; instead, there's an anticipation of a Messiah who would deliver Israel politically and restore their fortunes.

Scientific Perspectives

The claims made in Hebrews 9:15 do not directly intersect with scientific disciplines as they address theological and spiritual dimensions of existence rather than empirical realities.

However, discussions around the concept of an "eternal inheritance" can inspire explorations into the human longing for immortality and transcendence, subjects that intersect with psychological and anthropological studies.

It also touches on the human understanding of time and the concept of eternity, a topic that can be philosophically contrasted with scientific understandings of time as a dimensional construct.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry emphasizes the role of Christ as the mediator of a better covenant, noting that his death was necessary for the redemption of transgressions.
The MacArthur Study Bible: John MacArthur explains that the Old Covenant was inadequate in that it could not clear the conscience of the worshipper, necessitating Christ's sacrifice for a truly effective redemption.
The New Jerome Biblical Commentary: This Catholic resource likely stresses the high-priestly role of Christ and the perfection of the new covenant he mediates.
The Jewish Annotated New Testament: This commentary, while providing a Jewish perspective on the New Testament texts, acknowledges the importance of Hebrews in Christian theology, particularly in its interpretation of the old and new covenants.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9

What does Hebrews 9:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Hebrews 9:15 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?