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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 9:17 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 9:17, as part of the letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament, draws a parallel between the legal concept of a will or testament and the death of Christ, which, in Christian theology, is the foundation of the New Covenant between God and humanity.

A will, in the legal sense, only becomes active or enforceable after the death of the individual who made it.

Prior to that person's death, the will can be changed or revoked.

The verse suggests that similarly, the effectiveness of Christ's sacrificial death, which is likened to the establishment of a last will and testament, only comes into play with His death. The death of Christ 'activated' the promises of forgiveness and eternal life.

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Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were likely familiar with Old Testament teachings and traditional Jewish covenant concepts.

The epistle is thought to have been written before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in AD 70 because it refers to the Temple and the Levitical priesthood as if they were still functioning.

The cultural context involved a community that understood legal agreements, including wills and testaments, and the rituals and sacrifices of the Old Testament, which the author uses as a foundation to explain how Jesus' death initiated the New Covenant.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Hebrews 9:17 reinforces the doctrine that the death of Christ was necessary to inaugurate the New Covenant.

This view aligns with the principles outlined in the Gospels, particularly the Synoptic Gospels' accounts of the Last Supper, where Jesus refers to His blood as "the blood of the covenant."

The verse may also evoke comparisons with the Old Testament sacrifices, where the death of an animal was necessary to atone for sins.

Furthermore, some theologians may find in this concept an indication of the Trinitarian relationship within God, where the Father communicates His will, and the Son fulfills it through His death and resurrection.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Hebrews 9:17 can manifest in the understanding and appreciation of the 'finality' and 'irrevocability' of Christ's sacrifice in Christian faith.

For believers, this could translate into a sense of assurance and confidence in the salvation and promises of God, leading to a life of faith and obedience.

For those involved in creating and executing wills and legal agreements, this verse could serve as a reminder of the importance of intentions and the binding nature of promises after one's death.

Cross-References

Hebrews 9:16 - "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator."
Luke 22:20 - "Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
1 Corinthians 11:25 - "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me."
Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Describes the prophecy of the New Covenant, which the New Testament views as fulfilled in Christ's death.

Language Study

The original language of Hebrews is Koine Greek. The key words in this verse include "testament" (διαθήκη, diathēkē) and "force" (βεβαία, bebaia).

"Diathēkē" can mean both "covenant" and "will," essentially a binding agreement.

"Bebaia" suggests something that is firm, secure, and legally established. By understanding these particular Greek terms, the legal aspect of Christ’s work in establishing the New Covenant is both highlighted and emphasized.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, covenants and legal agreements were common, often sealed through sacrifice or an exchange of goods or promises.

The concept of a testament, or will, might also be compared with Egyptian, Babylonian, and Hellenistic practices that involved detailed procedures for inheritance after one's death.

The New Covenant theology of Christianity could also be compared with Jewish understandings of the covenant relationship with God, emphasizing the continuation but also the fulfillment and transformation of the covenantal relationship through Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

The concept of a testament or covenant and its legal implications is not directly related to scientific inquiry.

However, the understanding of death and its certainty is grounded in biology. The irrevocability of death, much like the irrevocability of a testament after the testator's death, is a biological fact that intersects with the religious and legal concept discussed in Hebrews 9:17.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentators have offered insights into Hebrews 9:17.

For example, Matthew Henry's commentary underscores the completeness of redemption through the death of Christ, as a testament is only sure after death.

The Pulpit Commentary discusses the allegorical interpretation of the testament requiring a death, noting the contrast with Greek customs wherein a testament could be initiated while the testator lived.

John Calvin emphasizes the importance of the death of the testator as an integral component in the establishment of the covenant, symbolizing how without Jesus’ sacrifice, none of the promises could have been received.

Across these commentaries is the consensus that Hebrews 9:17 is essential in understating the sacrificial death of Christ as central to Christian faith.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9

What does Hebrews 9:17 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 9:17 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?