Hebrews 10:10

KJV

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].

KJV (with Strong's)

By {G1722} the which {G3739} will {G2307} we are {G2070} sanctified {G37} through {G1223} the offering {G4376} of the body {G4983} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} once {G2178} for all.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is in connection with this will that we have been separated for God and made holy, once and for all, through the offering of Yeshua the Messiah’s body.

Berean Standard Bible

And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

American Standard Version

By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:10 profoundly declares that believers are eternally set apart and made holy through the singular, decisive act of Jesus Christ offering His own body, in perfect alignment with God's sovereign will. This verse underscores the complete efficacy and finality of Christ's sacrifice, establishing a new and living way for humanity to be reconciled to God, fundamentally contrasting with the repetitive and insufficient animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within the author's sustained argument in Hebrews, which meticulously demonstrates the superiority of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice over the Levitical system. Immediately preceding [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - The Sanctifying Will of God"), the author quotes [Psalm 40:6-8](/psalms/40-6-8 "Psalm 40:6-8 - Christ's Obedience Foretold") in [Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5-7 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Incarnation and Obedience"), emphasizing Christ's incarnational purpose to do God's will as a replacement for animal sacrifices and burnt offerings. The subsequent verses in [Hebrews 10:11-18](/hebrews/10-11-18 "Hebrews 10:11-18 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and the New Covenant") elaborate on the finality of Christ's "once for all" sacrifice, highlighting His seated position at the right hand of God, signifying the completion of His redemptive work, and the perfection of those who are sanctified by Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the book of Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians, who were familiar with, and perhaps tempted to revert to, the elaborate sacrificial system of the Old Covenant. This system, centered on the Temple in Jerusalem, involved daily and annual animal sacrifices (e.g., the Day of Atonement, described in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")), which served as a temporary covering for sins and a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice. The author's message in [Hebrews](/hebrews "The Book of Hebrews - Christ's Superiority") directly addresses their understanding of sin, atonement, and access to God, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of all these shadows and the definitive High Priest whose single offering renders all previous rituals obsolete.
* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctification through Christ's Will") encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the book. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God's Will** as the ultimate basis for salvation; Christ's entire redemptive work is presented as the perfect execution of the Father's predetermined plan. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Singularity and Efficacy of Christ's Sacrifice**, emphasizing that His offering of His body was a "once for all" event, decisively and eternally effective, in stark contrast to the repetitive and ultimately ineffective animal sacrifices mentioned in [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law's Imperfection"). Thirdly, it introduces the critical concept of **Sanctification**, explaining that believers are set apart and made holy not by their own merit or ritual observance, but solely through Christ's accomplished work. This sanctification carries both a positional aspect (declared holy by God) and a progressive aspect (being set apart for holy living), both rooted in Christ's finished work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** From G2307, this term denotes a determination, purpose, or decree. In this context, it refers to God's sovereign and deliberate intention for humanity's redemption, which Christ perfectly embodied and executed through His incarnation and sacrificial death. It underscores that our sanctification is not a human initiative but a divine one, rooted in the Father's eternal plan.
* **sanctified (Greek, _hagiázō'_):** From G37, meaning "to make holy, purify, or consecrate." Here, it signifies the profound spiritual transformation and change in status experienced by believers. Through Christ's offering, they are declared holy and set apart for God, moving from a state of defilement under sin to a state of purity and acceptance before a holy God. This is a definitive, accomplished act.
* **once (Greek, _ephápax'_):** From G2178, meaning "upon one occasion (only)" or "once for all." This powerful adverb emphasizes the absolute finality, completeness, and unrepeatable efficacy of Christ's sacrifice. Unlike the Old Covenant sacrifices that had to be continually repeated because they could not truly perfect the worshipper, Christ's single offering achieved eternal redemption and sanctification, rendering any further sacrifices unnecessary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By the which will":** This phrase directly connects back to the preceding verses [Hebrews 10:5-9](/hebrews/10-5-9 "Hebrews 10:5-9 - Christ's Obedience and the Abolition of Old Sacrifices"), establishing that the entire process of our sanctification is rooted in God's sovereign and perfect will. It is not by human merit or ritualistic adherence, but by divine decree and Christ's obedient fulfillment of that decree.
* **"we are sanctified":** This is the glorious outcome for believers. The verb is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing results. It means we have been made holy, set apart for God, and consecrated to Him. This speaks to our positional holiness in Christ—our standing before God is now one of purity and acceptance because of what Christ has done.
* **"through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ":** This specifies the singular means by which our sanctification is achieved. It is not through animal sacrifices, nor through human works, but exclusively through the physical, incarnate body of Jesus Christ being offered as a perfect, substitutionary sacrifice on the cross. His death was the ultimate atonement for sin.
* **"once [for all]":** This crucial phrase (from the Greek _ephápax_) underscores the absolute finality and unrepeatable nature of Christ's sacrifice. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices that were repeated annually because they could not truly perfect the worshipper, Christ's single offering was fully sufficient, decisively accomplishing eternal redemption and sanctification for all who believe, forever.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the profound theological truths in this verse. **Contrast** is a dominant feature, implicitly setting Christ's singular, effective sacrifice against the backdrop of the repetitive, ineffective animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant, which the author has just detailed in the preceding verses. The phrase "once for all" serves as a powerful **emphasis**, highlighting the unparalleled finality and sufficiency of Christ's work, distinguishing it sharply from all prior forms of atonement. Furthermore, the mention of "the offering of the body of Jesus Christ" can be seen as a form of **synecdoche**, where the physical body represents the entirety of Christ's incarnate life, obedient suffering, and atoning death, encompassing the full scope of His redemptive work on the cross.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:10 stands as a cornerstone of New Testament theology, articulating the profound truth that our holiness and access to God are not earned but are a gracious gift, fully secured by Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice. This verse underscores the radical shift from a system of repeated, symbolic atonement to a definitive, once-for-all reconciliation. It highlights that God's will was perfectly accomplished by Christ, leading to our definitive sanctification—a positional holiness that forms the foundation for our progressive sanctification in daily life. This truth liberates believers from the burden of self-justification and ritualistic performance, grounding their assurance and identity in the finished work of Christ.

* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Blood and Eternal Redemption")
* [Romans 6:10](/romans/6-10 "Romans 6:10 - Christ Died Once for All")
* [1 Peter 1:1-2](/1_peter/1-1-2 "1 Peter 1:1-2 - Sanctification by the Spirit and Christ's Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 10:10 offers profound assurance and a powerful call to live in light of our new identity in Christ. Understanding that "we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" means that our standing before God is not precarious or dependent on our fluctuating performance, but is eternally secured by His perfect work. This truth frees us from the endless cycle of trying to earn God's favor or achieve holiness through our own efforts or religious rituals. It shifts our focus from what we must do to what Christ has already done, cultivating a deep sense of gratitude and peace. This positional holiness, however, is not an excuse for passivity but a powerful motivation for progressive sanctification. Because we _are_ set apart for God, we are empowered and called to _live_ set apart for Him, pursuing righteousness out of love and gratitude for His immeasurable gift. Our identity in Christ is the foundation for our obedience and transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "once for all" nature of Christ's sacrifice impact my daily assurance of salvation and my sense of security in God's grace?**
* **In what areas of my life might I still be subtly relying on my own efforts, good works, or religious rituals to feel "holy enough," rather than fully resting in Christ's finished work?**
* **If I am already positionally sanctified by Christ, how should this truth motivate and empower me to pursue progressive holiness and live a life set apart for God in my daily choices and relationships?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between positional and progressive sanctification?**

Answer: Positional sanctification, as highlighted in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Our Positional Holiness in Christ"), refers to the instantaneous and complete act by which God declares believers holy and set apart for Himself, solely based on the finished work of Jesus Christ. It's our legal standing before God, a perfect holiness imputed to us the moment we believe, making us fit for His presence. Progressive sanctification, on the other hand, is the ongoing, lifelong process by which the Holy Spirit transforms believers into the likeness of Christ ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformation into Christ's Image")). It's the practical outworking of our positional holiness, involving growth in obedience, purity, and Christlikeness through spiritual disciplines and reliance on God's grace ([Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Working Out Our Salvation")).

**Does "once for all" mean I don't need to do anything anymore?**

Answer: The "once for all" nature of Christ's sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - The Finality of Christ's Sacrifice")) means that the work of atonement and our positional sanctification is perfectly completed and requires no further human contribution. It frees us from the burden of earning salvation or holiness. However, it does not mean we do nothing. Instead, it frees us _to_ live a life of grateful obedience and service. Because we are already made holy and accepted in Christ, we are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to pursue progressive sanctification, living out our new identity in love, righteousness, and good works ([Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Grace, Faith, and Good Works")). Our actions become a response to, not a prerequisite for, God's grace.

**How does this verse relate to the Old Testament sacrificial system?**

Answer: [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Old Covenant") is a direct theological culmination of the author's extensive argument comparing and contrasting the Old Testament sacrificial system with Christ's sacrifice. The Old Covenant sacrifices, though divinely ordained, were imperfect and temporary. They served as a shadow of the good things to come ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")), requiring constant repetition because they could not truly take away sins or perfect the worshipper ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Animal Sacrifices Cannot Take Away Sins")). Christ's "once for all" offering of His body fulfills and therefore renders obsolete this old system. His sacrifice is superior because it is perfect, eternal, and truly cleanses from sin, providing genuine and lasting access to God ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 10:10 stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, revealing Him as the perfect and final High Priest and sacrifice. The "will" mentioned is precisely the Father's eternal purpose for salvation, which Jesus came to perfectly accomplish, echoing His own words in [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is Doing God's Will") and [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Came to Do the Father's Will"). Unlike the Levitical priests who stood daily offering repeated sacrifices that could never truly take away sins, Christ, in His incarnation, offered His own physical "body" as the singular, perfect atonement for humanity's sin. This offering of His body, foreshadowed in passages like [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins"), was the ultimate act of obedience, even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The "once for all" nature of His sacrifice ([Romans 6:10](/romans/6-10 "Romans 6:10 - Christ Died Once for All")) signifies that all the types and shadows of the Old Covenant have met their substance in Him ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ as the Substance of Shadows")). Through this singular, unrepeatable act, Christ established the New Covenant by His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")), eternally perfecting those whom He sanctifies and securing their access to God's presence, forever seated at the right hand of the Father, having completed His redemptive work ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ Seated After His Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 10:14

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:12

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

1 Corinthians 6:11

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Hebrews 7:27

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

John 17:19

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Hebrews 13:12

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: