Hebrews 10:15

KJV

[Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

KJV (with Strong's)

Whereof {G1161} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} also {G2532} is a witness {G3140} to us {G2254}: for {G1063} after {G3326} that he had said before {G4280},

Complete Jewish Bible

And the Ruach HaKodesh too bears witness to us; for after saying,

Berean Standard Bible

The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says:

American Standard Version

And the Holy Spirit also beareth witness to us; for after he hath said,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:15 serves as a crucial point in the author's argument for the superiority and finality of the new covenant in Christ, asserting that the Holy Spirit Himself bears divine witness to its truth and efficacy. This verse introduces a foundational Old Testament prophecy, which the author will quote to demonstrate that the new covenant's promises—particularly the forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of God's law—are not merely human constructs but are divinely ordained and eternally ratified, thereby providing absolute assurance to believers in Christ's finished work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 10:15 acts as a pivotal transition within the author's extended theological exposition on the definitive nature of Christ's sacrifice. The preceding verses ([Hebrews 10:1-14](/hebrews/10-1-14 "Hebrews 10:1-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")) meticulously detail how Jesus's single, perfect offering has eternally sanctified believers, rendering the repetitive, insufficient animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete. This verse specifically introduces the Holy Spirit's testimony, which validates the author's claims about the new covenant's permanence and perfection. The phrase "for after that he had said before" signals the imminent quotation of a key Old Testament prophecy from [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy"), which the author uses to underscore the covenant's divine origin and the radical transformation it brings. This method of grounding new covenant realities in fulfilled prophecy is a hallmark of the book of Hebrews, designed to persuade its Jewish audience of Christ's supremacy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were likely facing persecution or temptation to revert to Judaism and its Mosaic rituals. In this context, the author systematically demonstrates how Christ is superior to angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, and the Old Covenant sacrifices. The appeal to the Holy Spirit's witness and Old Testament prophecy would have resonated deeply with a Jewish audience accustomed to the authority of Scripture and the concept of divine revelation. The Old Covenant, with its elaborate sacrificial system and the Law, was central to Jewish identity and worship. The author of Hebrews argues that these were merely shadows pointing to the reality found in Christ ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")), and that the new covenant, far from abrogating God's promises, actually fulfills them in a superior way. The Holy Spirit's testimony, therefore, provides irrefutable divine authentication for this radical theological shift.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it strongly emphasizes the **Divine Endorsement of the New Covenant**, asserting that this new arrangement is not a human innovation but is divinely ratified and confirmed by the Holy Spirit Himself. This highlights the **Holy Spirit's Role in Revelation and Assurance**, as He actively bears witness to God's truth and confirms His promises, bringing certainty to believers regarding their salvation and standing before God. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Continuity and Fulfillment of Prophecy**, demonstrating that the new covenant in Christ was not an afterthought but was prophesied centuries earlier by God through His prophets. By quoting [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy"), the author firmly links the Christian faith to the rich heritage of God's consistent plan of salvation, providing a robust foundation for faith amidst the challenges faced by the original readers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holy (Greek, _hágios'_):** This word describes something sacred, pure, morally blameless, or ceremonially consecrated. When applied to "Ghost" (Spirit), it denotes the unique, divine purity and set-apartness of the Third Person of the Trinity, distinguishing Him as God's Spirit, inherently perfect and untainted by sin. His holiness is the very essence of His being, making His testimony unimpeachable.
* **Ghost (Greek, _pneûma'_):** Literally meaning "a current of air, breath, or breeze," this term is used analogously or figuratively to refer to a spirit. In the context of the Holy Ghost, it refers to the divine Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead, who is the source of life, inspiration, and divine revelation. The use of "Ghost" (Spirit) here emphasizes His active, personal involvement in bearing witness to God's truth.
* **Witness (Greek, _martyréō'_):** Derived from the word for "witness" (martys), this verb means "to be a witness," "to testify," or "to give evidence." In a legal or judicial sense, a witness provides crucial, confirming testimony that validates a claim. Here, the Holy Spirit provides incontrovertible, divine testimony to the truth and efficacy of the new covenant and the completed work of Christ, lending ultimate authority to the author's argument.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us:"** This opening clause establishes the divine authority behind the author's preceding arguments regarding the new covenant and Christ's perfect sacrifice. The term "Whereof" (Greek: _dé_, G1161, often unexpressed in English but implying a connection or transition) links this statement directly to the efficacy and finality of Christ's sacrifice mentioned in [Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfected Sacrifice"). The Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, is presented as an active, personal, and authoritative witness. His testimony is not merely a passive affirmation but an active, ongoing confirmation of the truth of the new covenant's provisions, particularly the complete forgiveness of sins and the eternal sanctification of believers. This divine witness provides absolute assurance to those who believe.
* **"for after that he had said before,"** This phrase introduces the basis for the Holy Spirit's witness: a prior divine declaration. The particle "for" (Greek: _gár_, G1063) indicates that what follows provides the reason or explanation for the Holy Spirit's testimony. The verb "had said before" (Greek: _proeréō_, G4280) refers to a prophetic utterance made in the past. This signals that the author is about to quote an Old Testament prophecy, specifically from [Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant Prophecy"), to demonstrate that the new covenant was not an unforeseen development but was part of God's long-established plan, revealed centuries earlier through His prophets. The Holy Spirit is testifying to the fulfillment of God's own prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. **Personification** is evident in the depiction of the "Holy Ghost" as an active "witness." This attributes a human-like action (testifying) to a divine person, emphasizing the Spirit's active role in validating God's promises and the reality of the new covenant. This is not merely an abstract concept but a personal, divine affirmation. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Allusion and Anticipation**, as the phrase "for after that he had said before" directly alludes to a specific Old Testament prophecy without yet quoting it, building anticipation for the divine words that will follow. This technique reinforces the argument for the **Continuity of God's Plan**, demonstrating that the new covenant is not a break from God's past dealings but a fulfillment of His ancient promises. The overall rhetorical strategy is one of **Argumentation by Divine Authority**, where the author strengthens his theological claims by invoking the unimpeachable testimony of the Holy Spirit and the prophetic word of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:15 profoundly reinforces the theological truth that the new covenant is not a human invention but a divinely attested reality, validated by the Holy Spirit Himself. This divine witness provides an unshakeable foundation for the believer's assurance of salvation and the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice. The Holy Spirit's testimony, rooted in the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, underscores God's faithfulness and the immutability of His promises. It highlights the Spirit's ongoing work in confirming God's Word to humanity, bridging the Old and New Testaments through the consistent divine plan of redemption. This verse invites believers to rest in the certainty of God's completed work through Christ, knowing that the Spirit Himself bears witness to its truth within their hearts.

* [Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit's Witness to Adoption")
* [1 John 5:6](/1_john/5-6 "1 John 5:6 - The Spirit as Truth")
* [Acts 5:32](/acts/5-32 "Acts 5:32 - The Spirit as Witness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 10:15 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that the promises of God's new covenant—particularly the complete forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of His law in our hearts—are not mere theological concepts but are divinely affirmed by the very Spirit of God. This means that our salvation is secure, our standing before God is permanent through Christ's sacrifice, and we can live with a deep sense of peace and confidence, knowing that the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness to our adoption as children of God. This truth empowers us to live boldly in the freedom of the new covenant, trusting in God's faithfulness and allowing the Spirit to guide us into deeper understanding and obedience. It calls us to listen attentively to the Spirit's voice, which continually points us back to Christ and the finished work of the cross, enabling us to walk in the assurance of our redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Holy Spirit's witness to the new covenant bring you personal assurance and peace in your faith?**
* **In what ways do you experience the Holy Spirit confirming God's promises in your life today?**
* **How does the knowledge that the new covenant was prophesied long ago strengthen your trust in God's unchanging plan and faithfulness?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that "the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us"?**

Answer: This means that the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, actively testifies to the truth and validity of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. His witness is not merely a passive observation but an authoritative, divine confirmation. Just as a witness in a court of law provides irrefutable evidence, the Holy Spirit provides divine assurance to believers, confirming that Christ's work is complete, our sins are forgiven, and we are eternally sanctified. This witness occurs both externally through the inspired Scriptures (as seen by the subsequent quotation of [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy")) and internally within the hearts of believers, confirming their spiritual reality and adoption into God's family ([Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit's Witness to Adoption")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 10:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment by explicitly connecting the Holy Spirit's witness to the completed work of Jesus Christ. The Spirit's testimony is not an independent declaration but a divine affirmation of what Christ has accomplished. The "new covenant" to which the Spirit testifies is the very covenant inaugurated by Jesus's blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")), fulfilling the ancient prophecies of [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy"). Christ, as the perfect High Priest, offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), securing eternal redemption. The Holy Spirit's witness, therefore, validates the efficacy and finality of Christ's sacrifice, confirming that through Him, believers have true forgiveness of sins and God's law written on their hearts ([Hebrews 10:16-17](/hebrews/10-16-17 "Hebrews 10:16-17 - The New Covenant's Provisions")). This verse beautifully illustrates how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in perfect unity to bring about salvation, with the Spirit bearing witness to the glorious reality of Christ's redemptive work. The Spirit points us to Christ, confirming that He is indeed the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 3:7

¶ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

Acts 28:25

And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

John 15:26

¶ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

Revelation 3:6

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 2:11

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

2 Samuel 23:2

The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.