King James Version:
Saying, This [is] the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
Complete Jewish Bible:
and he said, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has ordained for you.”
Berean Standard Bible:
saying, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.”
American Standard Version:
saying, This is the blood of the covenant which God commanded to you-ward.
Cross-References (KJV):
Matthew 26:28
- For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Exodus 24:8
- And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled [it] on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.
Hebrews 13:20
- Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Zechariah 9:11
- As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein [is] no water.
Deuteronomy 29:12
- That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day:
Joshua 9:6
- And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G3004
There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: λέγω
Transliteration: légō
Pronunciation: leg'-o
Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter. - Strong's Number: G5124
There are 303 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: τοῦτο
Transliteration: toûto
Pronunciation: too'-to
Description: neuter singular nominative or accusative case of οὗτος; that thing:--here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore). - Strong's Number: G129
There are 141 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: αἷμα
Transliteration: haîma
Pronunciation: hah'-ee-mah
Description: of uncertain derivation; blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred:--blood. - Strong's Number: G1242
There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: διαθήκη
Transliteration: diathḗkē
Pronunciation: dee-ath-ay'-kay
Description: from διατίθεμαι; properly, a disposition, i.e. (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will):--covenant, testament. - Strong's Number: G3739
There are 1215 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅς
Transliteration: hós
Pronunciation: ho
Description: probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article ὁ); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:--one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also οὗ. - Strong's Number: G2316
There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: θεός
Transliteration: theós
Pronunciation: theh'-os
Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward). - Strong's Number: G1781
There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐντέλλομαι
Transliteration: entéllomai
Pronunciation: en-tel'-lom-ahee
Description: from ἐν and the base of τέλος; to enjoin:--(give) charge, (give) command(-ments), injoin. - Strong's Number: G4314
There are 674 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πρός
Transliteration: prós
Pronunciation: pros
Description: a strengthened form of πρό; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated):--about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in). In the comparative case, it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at. - Strong's Number: G5209
There are 388 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὑμᾶς
Transliteration: hymâs
Pronunciation: hoo-mas'
Description: accusative case of ὑμεῖς; you (as the objective of a verb or preposition):--ye, you (+ -ward), your (+ own).
Commentary for Hebrews 9:20
Hebrews 9:20 is a verse that falls within a larger section of the Epistle to the Hebrews which discusses the superiority of Christ's sacrificial death over the Old Testament sacrificial system. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the covenantal theology of the Bible, particularly the contrast between the old and new covenants.
In the Old Testament, the establishment of a covenant between God and His people often involved a ritual of sprinkling blood (Exodus 24:8). Blood was seen as the life source (Leviticus 17:11) and was used in sacrifices to atone for sins, consecrate individuals and objects, and ratify covenants. The phrase "This is the blood of the testament" refers to the covenantal significance of blood in the ratification process.
The verse emphasizes that the blood in question is not just any blood, but that which God has ordained—implying divine authority and approval. The author of Hebrews is drawing a parallel between the old covenant, which was inaugurated with the blood of animal sacrifices, and the new covenant, which is established with the infinitely more precious blood of Jesus Christ.
In the broader context of Hebrews 9, the author is explaining that the earthly tabernacle and its rituals were merely a shadow or copy of the heavenly realities (Hebrews 9:23-24). Christ's sacrifice on the cross is presented as the ultimate and final sacrifice that fulfills and transcends the old covenant's requirements, providing a new and living way for believers to enter into God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-20).
In summary, Hebrews 9:20 speaks to the theme of covenant theology, highlighting the divine institution of blood as a means of sealing a covenant. It points to the transition from the old covenant's reliance on animal sacrifices to the new covenant's reliance on the perfect and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This verse underscores the theological truth that it is through Christ's blood that God has established a new and better covenant with humanity, offering redemption and a restored relationship with Him.