Hebrews 10:12

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

But {G1161} this man {G846}, after he had offered {G4374} one {G3391} sacrifice {G2378} for {G5228} sins {G266} for {G1519} ever {G1336}, sat down {G2523} on {G1722} the right hand {G1188} of God {G2316};

But this one, after he had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, sat down at the right hand of God,

But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.

but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Hebrews 10:12 stands as a powerful declaration of the finality and effectiveness of Jesus Christ's atoning work. Following a detailed comparison between the temporary, repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant and the single, perfect sacrifice of Christ, this verse highlights the completed nature of His mission and His subsequent exaltation.

Context

This verse follows a passage (Hebrews 10:1-11) that emphasizes the inadequacy of the Levitical sacrifices, which had to be offered continually and could not truly take away sins. The priests under the old law always stood ministering, signifying their work was never finished (Hebrews 10:11). Hebrews 10:12 presents a stark contrast: Christ, having offered a single sacrifice, then sat down.

Key Themes

  • The Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice: The phrase "one sacrifice for sins for ever" underscores that Christ's offering was unique, complete, and eternally effective, needing no repetition unlike the sacrifices under the law (Hebrews 7:27).
  • The Finished Work of Atonement: By saying "sat down," the verse signifies that Christ's work of making atonement for sins is finished. There is nothing left to add or repeat.
  • Christ's Exaltation and Authority: Sitting "on the right hand of God" is a position of supreme honor, authority, and power, indicating Christ's divine status and His rule over all things (Hebrews 1:3). It fulfills prophetic scripture like Psalm 110:1.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "for ever" (εἰς τὸ διηνεκές - eis to diēnekes) can mean "continually" or "for all time" in the sense of the effect of the sacrifice being permanent. This contrasts with sacrifices offered "year by year" (κατ' ἐνιαυτόν - kat eniauton) mentioned earlier in the chapter. The act of "sat down" (ἐκάθισεν - ekathisen) is deliberate and significant, highlighting the completed nature of His high-priestly work, unlike the Levitical priests who remained standing.

Reflection

Hebrews 10:12 offers immense assurance to believers. Because Christ offered one perfect sacrifice for sins for ever and then took His place of authority on the right hand of God, those who trust in Him have full and final forgiveness. We can approach God with confidence, knowing our acceptance is based not on our works or repeated rituals, but on Christ's completed and effective work on our behalf.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 1:3

    Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

  • Colossians 3:1

    ¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

  • Romans 8:34

    Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

  • Acts 2:33

    Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

  • Acts 2:34

    For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

  • Hebrews 9:12

    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].

  • Hebrews 8:1

    ¶ Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

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