And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Read it in contextThe Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice and the New Covenant
Start reading at Hebrews 9:1 (Hebrews 9:1 to Hebrews 9:28).
The passage begins at the start of the chapter, introducing the ordinances of the first covenant and contrasting them with Christ's superior sacrifice.
9:1Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
9:2For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
9:3And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
9:4Which 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;
9:5And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
9:6Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
9:7But 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:
9:8The 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:
9:9Which 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;
9:10Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
9:11But 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;
9:12Neither 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.
9:13For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
9:14How 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?
9:15And 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.
9:16For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
9:17For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
9:18Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
9:19For 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,
9:20Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
9:21Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
9:22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
9:23It 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.
9:24For 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:
9:25Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
9:26For 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.
9:27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
9:28So 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.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
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 main event or theme? The passage explains the necessity of blood for purification and remission under the law, contrasting it with Christ's superior sacrifice which provides eternal redemption.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the divine principle that remission of sins requires the shedding of blood, a principle established under the first covenant and perfectly fulfilled by Christ's singular, eternal sacrifice.
What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle or sermon, characterized by exposition and theological argument, using comparison and contrast between the old covenant and the new covenant.
When
When was it written? The letter was written approximately A.D. 65 to 68.
When does the event take place? The passage describes the ordinances and services of the first covenant which took place in the past, and Christ's sacrifice which occurred once for all time. The writing itself occurred before the destruction of the temple.
Where
Where did it happen? The passage refers to the tabernacle and holy place on earth, where the first covenant's services were performed, and to heaven itself, where Christ entered to appear in the presence of God.
Where was the author located? The place where the author was located is uncertain.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice and the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:1 to Hebrews 9:28).
Start reading at Hebrews 9:1. The passage begins at the start of the chapter, introducing the ordinances of the first covenant and contrasting them with Christ's superior sacrifice.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Hebrews 9:22 summarizes a foundational principle of the law—that purification and remission require blood—which is central to the argument of Hebrews 9. It sets the stage for demonstrating how Christ's sacrifice, by His own blood, perfectly fulfills and surpasses the requirements of the old covenant. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? The statement 'without shedding of blood is no remission' establishes the divine requirement for forgiveness. This principle points directly to Christ, whose own blood was shed once for all to obtain eternal redemption and provide complete remission of sins, making the animal sacrifices of the old covenant obsolete. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today can understand the gravity of sin and the profound, singular provision God has made for forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice. It emphasizes that true cleansing and remission come only through the blood of Christ, not through human works or rituals, leading to a life of serving the living God. interpretation
Uncertain; Pauline authorship is held by manyNot 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.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Hebrews 9
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
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.
Connection to the wholeChrist's offering and entrance are explained in relation to redemption and a cleansed conscience, with blood's place in covenant set out.
Connection to the wholeThe chapter closes by contrasting repeated offerings with Christ's one sacrifice and by directing hope toward His appearing to those who look for Him.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Hebrews
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
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.
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.
Connection to the wholeThe doctrinal argument leads to sustained exhortation, examples of faith, and warnings that preserve the readers' responsibility to continue.
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.