FocusThe law's shadow and Christ's obedience
Connection to the wholeThe argument brings the repeated sacrifices into contrast with Christ's offering and the covenant promise of sins remembered no more.
interpretation Hebrews 10:15
KJVWhereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
Read it in context
One sufficient offering
Start reading at Hebrews 10:1 (Hebrews 10:1 to Hebrews 10:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The argument brings the repeated sacrifices into contrast with Christ's offering and the covenant promise of sins remembered no more.
- 10:1 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.
- 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
- 10:3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
- 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
- 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
- 10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
- 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
- 10:8 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;
- 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
- 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
- 10:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
- 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
- 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
- 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
- 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
- 10:16 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;
- 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
- 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Who
- Who wrote the book? The author is unknown. Paul is a longstanding attribution, while Barnabas and Apollos are among other historical proposals; none can be established with certainty. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hebrews 5:1–10:39): The Christian hearers are taught about Jesus' priesthood and sacrifice, with calls to maturity and perseverance. Israel's priests and worshippers are historical examples in the explanation. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A community of Christians who had endured suffering and needed perseverance. They are traditionally identified as Jewish Christians, but their precise location and ethnic composition are uncertain. Biblical references: Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 13:22. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? One sufficient offering. Read Hebrews 10:1 through Hebrews 10:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The argument brings the repeated sacrifices into contrast with Christ's offering and the covenant promise of sins remembered no more. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The writing refers to the readers' earlier suffering and continuing need for endurance. It does not supply a calendar date or identify its author. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The exact destination and place of composition are not explicitly settled. The reference to those of Italy is a greeting and does not by itself establish where the writer is located. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in One sufficient offering (Hebrews 10:1 to Hebrews 10:18). Start reading at Hebrews 10:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus' priesthood, sacrifice, and help for the tempted govern the exposition. The repeated warnings and calls to hold fast belong to that same argument and should not be explained away. See Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Hold fast, encourage one another, and obey the word heard. Read assurance and access through Christ alongside the warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back. interpretation
Cited: Hebrews 10:1, Hebrews 10:18, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38
Who wrote it, and how we know
Uncertain; Pauline authorship is held by many
Not known
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author.
Early traditionAncient opinion was divided. Some in the East accepted Pauline authorship; Origen concluded that only God knows who wrote it. Tertullian suggested Barnabas.
What is debatedThe author is genuinely unknown. The polished Greek and the manner of citing Scripture differ from Paul's letters. Claiming certainty here overstates the evidence.
Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment
The notes distinguish explicit fulfillment statements from other explicit New Testament applications. They do not assume every detail of the surrounding prophecy has already been fulfilled.
The new covenant
NT explicitly applies this passage
- Old Testament: Jeremiah 31:31–34
- New Testament: Hebrews 8:6–13
- New Testament: Hebrews 10:14–18 (current passage)
Hebrews quotes Jeremiah and relates the new covenant to Christ's ministry and offering. This entry follows that explicit application and does not imply that Jeremiah's original recipients can be ignored.
Related passages
- Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness … Heb 2:3-4 Heb 3:7 Heb 9:8 2 Sam 23:2 Neh 9:30 John 15:26 Acts 28:25 1 Pet 1:11-12
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Hebrews 10
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Hebrews 2:1 Hebrews 3:1 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 10:39
Draw near and hold fast
Hebrews 10:19–25FocusAccess joined to shared perseverance
Connection to the wholeThe sacrifice's significance becomes an appeal to approach, hold the confession, and encourage one another rather than forsake gathering.
interpretation Warning and endurance
Hebrews 10:26–39FocusDo not draw back
Connection to the wholeA severe warning against willful rejection is followed by remembrance of earlier endurance and the call to continue in faith.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Hebrews
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Hebrews 2:1 Hebrews 3:1 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 10:39
God has spoken in the Son
Hebrews 1:1–2:18FocusRevelation, salvation, and shared humanity
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes the Son's greatness, warns against neglecting salvation, and explains His participation in flesh and blood and help for the tempted.
interpretation Hear His voice and enter rest
Hebrews 3:1–4:13FocusChrist, the wilderness warning, and faith
Connection to the wholeComparison with Moses leads to the wilderness example and the continuing appeal to hear God rather than harden the heart.
interpretation The great high priest
Hebrews 4:14–7:28FocusAccess, maturity, and an enduring priesthood
Connection to the wholeChrist's priesthood is developed through exhortation, warning, and the scriptural figure of Melchisedec.
interpretation FocusA sufficient offering
Connection to the wholeThe discussion of sanctuary and offerings explains Christ's priestly work and the significance of His once-for-all sacrifice.
interpretation Hold fast and endure
Hebrews 10:19–12:29FocusFaith, discipline, and the unshaken kingdom
Connection to the wholeThe doctrinal argument leads to sustained exhortation, examples of faith, and warnings that preserve the readers' responsibility to continue.
interpretation Faithfulness in the community
Hebrews 13:1–25FocusLove, worship, and obedience
Connection to the wholePractical instructions and final requests apply the preceding exhortation to the readers' conduct together and their continuing confession.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.