TRV
with them after those days,’ says Adonai:
‘I will put my Torah on their hearts,
and write it on their minds . . . ,’ ”
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Hebrews 10:7–18. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here the apostle raises up and exalts the Lord Jesus Christ, as high as he had laid the Levitical priesthood low. He recommends Christ to them as the true high priest, the true atoning sacrifice, the antitype of all the rest: and this he illustrates,
I.From the purpose and promise of God concerning Christ, which are frequently recorded in the volume of the book of God, Heb 10:7.
God had not only decreed, but declared by Moses and the prophets, that Christ should come and be the great high priest of the church, and should offer up a perfect and a perfecting sacrifice. It was written of Christ, in the beginning of the book of God, that the seed of the woman should break the serpent's head; and the Old Testament abounds with prophecies concerning Christ. Now since he is the person so often promised, so much spoken of, so long expected by the people of God, he ought to be received with great honour and gratitude.
II.From what God had done in preparing a body for Christ (that is, a human nature), that he might be qualified to be our Redeemer and Advocate; uniting the two natures in his own person, he was a fit Mediator to go between God and man; a days-man to lay his hand upon both, a peace-maker, to reconcile them, and an everlasting band of union between God and the creature - "My ears hast thou opened; thou has fully instructed me, furnished and fitted me for the work, and engaged me in it," Psa 40:6. Now a Saviour thus provided, and prepared by God himself in so extraordinary a manner, ought to be received with great affection and gladness.
III.From the readiness and willingness that Christ discovered to engage in this work, when no other sacrifice would be accepted, Heb 10:7-9.
When no less sacrifice would be a proper satisfaction to the justice of God than that of Christ himself, then Christ voluntarily came into it: "Lo, I come! I delight to do thy will, O God! Let thy curse fall upon me, but let these go their way. Father, I delight to fulfil thy counsels, and my covenant with thee for them; I delight to perform all thy promises, to fulfil all the prophecies." This should endear Christ and our Bibles to us, that in Christ we have the fulfilling of the scriptures.
IV.From the errand and design upon which Christ came; and this was to do the will of God, not only as a prophet to reveal the will of God, not only as a king to give forth divine laws, but as a priest to satisfy the demands of justice, and to fulfil all righteousness. Christ came to do the will of God in two instances.
1.In taking away the first priesthood, which God had no pleasure in; not only taking away the curse of the covenant of works, and canceling the sentence denounced against us as sinners, but taking away the insufficient typical priesthood, and blotting out the hand-writing of ceremonial ordinances and nailing it to his cross.
2.In establishing the second, that is, his own priesthood and the everlasting gospel, the most pure and perfect dispensation of the covenant of grace; this is the great design upon which the heart of God was set from all eternity. The will of God centers and terminates in it; and it is not more agreeable to the will of God than it is advantageous to the souls of men; for it is by this will that we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all, Heb 10:10. Observe,
(1.)What is the fountain of all that Christ has done for his people - the sovereign will and grace of God.
(2.)How we come to partake of what Christ has done for us - by being sanctified, converted, effectually called, wherein we are united to Christ, and so partake of the benefits of his redemption; and this sanctification is owing to the oblation he made of himself to God.
V.From the perfect efficacy of the priesthood of Christ (Heb 10:14):
By one offering he hath for ever perfected those that are sanctified; he has delivered and will perfectly deliver those that are brought over to him, from all the guilt, power, and punishment of sin, and will put them into the sure possession of perfect holiness and felicity. This is what the Levitical priesthood could never do; and, if we indeed are aiming at a perfect state, we must receive the Lord Jesus as the only high priest that can bring us to that state.
VI.From the place to which our Lord Jesus is now exalted, the honour he has there, and the further honour he shall have:
This man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever sat down at the right hand of God, henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool, Heb 10:12, Heb 10:13. Here observe,
1.To what honour Christ, as man and Mediator, is exalted - to the right hand of God, the seat of power, interest, and activity: the giving hand; all the favours that God bestows on his people are handed to them by Christ: the receiving hand; all the duties that God accepts from men are presented by Christ: the working hand; all that pertains to the kingdoms of providence and grace is administered by Christ; and therefore this is the highest post of honour.
2.How Christ came to this honour - not merely by the purpose or donation of the Father, but by his own merit and purchase, as a reward due to his sufferings; and, as he can never be deprived of an honour so much his due, so he will never quit it, nor cease to employ it for his people's good.
3.How he enjoys this honour - with the greatest satisfaction and rest; he is for ever sitting down there. The Father acquiesces and is satisfied in him; he is satisfied in his Father's will and presence; this is his rest for ever; here he will dwell, for he has both desired and deserved it.
4.He has further expectations, which shall not be disappointed; for they are grounded upon the promise of the Father, who hath said unto him, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool, Psa 110:1. One would think such a person as Christ could have no enemies except in hell; but it is certain that he has enemies on earth, very many, and very inveterate ones. Let not Christians then wonder that they have enemies, though they desire to live peaceably with all men. But Christ's enemies shall be made his footstool; some by conversion, others by confusion; and, which way soever it be, Christ will be honoured. Of this Christ is assured, this he is expecting, and his people should rejoice in the expectation of it; for, when his enemies shall be subdued, their enemies, that are so for his sake, shall be subdued also.
VII.The apostle recommends Christ from the witness the Holy Ghost has given in the scriptures concerning him; this relates chiefly to what should be the happy fruit and consequence of his humiliation and sufferings, which in general is that new and gracious covenant that is founded upon his satisfaction, and sealed by his blood (Heb 10:15): Whereof the Holy Ghost is a witness. The passage is cited from Jer 31:31, in which covenant God promises,
1.That he will pour out his Spirit upon his people, so as to give them wisdom, will, and power, to obey his word; he will put his laws in their hearts, and write them in their minds, Heb 10:16. This will make their duty plain, easy, and pleasant.
2.Their sins and iniquities he will remember no more (Heb 10:17), which will alone show the riches of divine grace, and the sufficiency of Christ's satisfaction, that it needs not be repeated, Heb 10:18. For there shall be no more remembrance of sin against true believers, either to shame them now or to condemn them hereafter. This was much more than the Levitical priesthood and sacrifices could effect.
And now we have gone through the doctrinal part of the epistle, in which we have met with many things dark and difficult to be understood, which we must impute to the weakness and dulness of our own minds. The apostle now proceeds to apply this great doctrine, so as to influence their affections, and direct their practice, setting before them the dignities and duties of the gospel state.
Historical interpretation
Six Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us." He had said that those sacrifices are not offered; he reasoned from what is written, and from what is not written; moreover also he put forward the prophetic word which says, "sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not." He had said that He had forgiven their sins. Again this also He proves from the testimony of what is written, for "the Holy Ghost" (he says) "is a witness to us: for after that He had said, This is the covenant, that I will make with them, after those days, saith the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is there is no more offering for sin." So then He forgave their sins, when He gave the Covenant, and He gave the Covenant by sacrifice. If therefore He forgave the sins through the one sacrifice, there is no longer need of a second.
"But He, having offered one sacrifice," Christ evidently.
"for sins." For our sins, for which he suffered.
"for all time." Christ, clearly, offered one sacrifice, namely, His own body, for our sins, sufficient for us forever, so that there would be no need for a second.
"sat down at the right hand of God."He is not only a high priest, but also God. After completing the work, through which He also became a high priest and stewarded the administration, He sat down as God and awaits.
"from that time onward." And for what reason were his enemies not immediately placed under his feet? For the sake of those who are to become and give birth to believers. For not only demons are enemies, but also unbelievers.But now Paul especially calls the unbelieving Hebrews enemies, comforting the faithful from the Jews who have suffered countless terrible things at their hands.
"until His enemies be made." He did not say "they will be subjected," but signifying the greatest of subjection, he said "they be made," a footstool for his feet. For their being made as a footstool is a proof of his sitting at the right hand of the Father.
"For by one offering," which Christ offered, he perfected, having made perfect, he completely freed from sins.
"those who are being sanctified."That is, the faithful. For they are sanctified by the aforementioned offering.
"And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us." What does it bear witness to? That our sins have been forgiven.
"And their sins." He added, he says, "And their sins I will remember no more." Do you see that he testified to the forgiveness of sins? Then he forgave when he established the new covenant. And the new covenant was given through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
"Now where there is forgiveness of these things." Of sins, obviously.
"there is no longer an offering for sin." For who, he says, has need of many offerings, when the one that Christ presented is sufficient to take away sins?
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Summary
Hebrews 10:16 presents a profound articulation of the New Covenant, quoting directly from Jeremiah 31:33 to emphasize a radical shift in God's relationship with His people. This verse reveals that God's law is no longer an external code inscribed on stone tablets, but is now supernaturally implanted within the very hearts and minds of believers, signifying an internal, spiritual transformation that enables genuine and Spirit-empowered obedience.
Context
Literary Context
Hebrews 10:16 is a pivotal verse within the book of Hebrews, serving as a direct quotation from the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah (specifically Jeremiah 31:33). This quotation is strategically placed to underscore the superiority and efficacy of the New Covenant, mediated by Jesus Christ, over the Old Covenant. The preceding verses in Hebrews 10 build upon the argument that Christ's "once for all" sacrifice (see Hebrews 10:10) has rendered the repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete. The author emphasizes that the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness to this new arrangement, as stated in Hebrews 10:15, directly leading into the covenant promises detailed in verse 16. This continuous flow of thought highlights the divine validation and internal reality of the new agreement.
Historical & Cultural Context
The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were likely facing persecution or temptation to revert to aspects of Judaism, including its ceremonial laws and sacrificial system. In the ancient Near East, covenants were formal agreements, often involving oaths, rituals, and written documents (like the Ten Commandments written on stone tablets, Exodus 31:18). The concept of "writing" laws was familiar, but the idea of writing them "into hearts and minds" was revolutionary, signifying a departure from external adherence to an internal, transformative relationship. This prophetic vision in Jeremiah, now applied in Hebrews, would have resonated deeply with a people steeped in covenant theology, demonstrating that God was fulfilling His ancient promises in an unprecedented way through Christ.
Key Themes
Hebrews 10:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Hebrews. Foremost is the Superiority of the New Covenant, which is presented as fundamentally better than the Old Covenant because it achieves what the former could not: a genuine internal transformation and perfect cleansing from sin. This verse also highlights the theme of Divine Initiative and Sovereignty, as God explicitly states, "I will make," "I will put," and "I will write," emphasizing His active role in establishing and fulfilling this covenant. Furthermore, it speaks to the Internalization of God's Law, moving beyond mere external obedience to a state where God's will is inherently desired and pursued from within. This internal transformation is foundational to the New Covenant's promise of a restored relationship with God, where believers truly "know" Him, as further elaborated in Jeremiah 31:34.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term properly signifies a "disposition," specifically a "contract" or "devisory will." In the biblical context, it refers to a solemn, binding agreement initiated by God. The use of "will" or "testament" highlights its unilateral nature, with God setting the terms, and its irrevocable character, much like a last will and testament. In Hebrews, it underscores the unchangeable and divinely ordained nature of God's new arrangement with humanity through Christ.
"heart" figuratively denotes the totality of one's inner person—the center of emotions, will, moral character, and spiritual life. It is the seat of thought and feeling. The Old Covenant laws were external; the New Covenant laws are inscribed here, indicating a transformation at the deepest level of one's being, affecting desires, motivations, and affections.
This word refers to "deep thought," the "faculty of the mind or its disposition," and by implication, its "exercise." It encompasses intellect, understanding, and imagination. When God's laws are written in the mind, it means a renewal of one's cognitive faculties, enabling true comprehension and alignment with divine truth, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to profound spiritual insight.
Verse Breakdown
"This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord,"
This opening clause establishes the divine origin and future orientation of the New Covenant. The phrase "after those days" points to a new epoch, distinct from the era of the Old Covenant, which the author of Hebrews has been meticulously contrasting. The declaration "saith the Lord" affirms the absolute authority and certainty of this promise, directly quoting God's own words from Jeremiah, emphasizing its prophetic fulfillment in Christ.
"I will put my laws into their hearts,"
This is a radical departure from the Old Covenant, where laws were external (e.g., on stone tablets). God promises to internalize His laws, placing them not just in the intellect, but in the "heart," the very core of human desire, will, and affection. This signifies a profound spiritual transformation where obedience becomes not a burdensome external duty but an intrinsic desire, flowing from a renewed inner disposition.
"and in their minds will I write them;"
Complementing the work in the heart, God also promises to inscribe His laws in the "minds." This speaks to the intellectual and cognitive aspect of transformation. It implies a renewed understanding, a divine illumination that enables believers to grasp and align with God's truth. Together, the "heart" and "mind" encompass the totality of one's inner being, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic transformation that impacts both one's affections and one's intellect, leading to genuine and Spirit-empowered obedience.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Hebrews 10:16 is Quotation, as the author directly cites Jeremiah 31:33. This serves to validate the New Covenant's divine origin and demonstrate its fulfillment of ancient prophecy, lending authoritative weight to the argument for Christ's superiority. A significant Metaphor is the imagery of God "writing" His laws "into their hearts, and in their minds." This vivid image contrasts sharply with the literal writing of the Old Covenant law on stone tablets, symbolizing an internal, organic, and transformative process rather than an external, imposed code. This metaphorical language highlights the intimate and personal nature of the New Covenant relationship. Furthermore, there is an implicit Contrast throughout the passage, as the author continually juxtaposes the Old Covenant's external, ineffective rituals with the New Covenant's internal, efficacious transformation, emphasizing the radical difference and superior efficacy of God's new arrangement.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Hebrews 10:16 is a cornerstone for understanding the New Covenant's transformative power, moving beyond external adherence to internal regeneration. It highlights God's initiative in making His people truly His own, not by outward compulsion but by an inward work of grace. This internalization of the law signifies a profound shift in the very nature of obedience, transforming it from a legalistic burden into a Spirit-empled desire. This divine work ensures that believers are not merely given rules, but are given new hearts and minds that genuinely desire to live in accordance with God's will, fostering a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.
Reflection and Application
Hebrews 10:16 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It assures us that our relationship with God under the New Covenant is not based on our ability to perfectly keep an external set of rules, but on God's sovereign work within us. This means that true obedience flows from a transformed heart and mind, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are called to lean into this divine enablement, recognizing that God has already provided the means for us to desire and live out His will. This verse encourages us to cultivate an intimate relationship with God, allowing His truth to penetrate our deepest thoughts and affections, shaping our character from the inside out. It reminds us that our spiritual journey is less about striving to earn favor and more about yielding to the transformative power of God's grace, which makes His law a delight rather than a burden.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of God writing His laws on hearts and minds instead of stone tablets?
The shift from stone tablets to hearts and minds signifies a profound transformation from an external, legalistic covenant to an internal, relational one. Under the Old Covenant, the law was external, revealing sin and demonstrating humanity's inability to perfectly obey (see Romans 7:7-13). Writing laws on stone emphasized an objective standard, but it did not provide the power to fulfill them. In contrast, under the New Covenant, God's laws are supernaturally inscribed within a believer's inner being—their desires, affections, intellect, and will. This means obedience is no longer merely an external compulsion but flows from an intrinsic desire and a renewed capacity, empowered by the Holy Spirit (as promised in Ezekiel 36:27). This internal transformation enables a genuine, intimate relationship with God, where His will becomes truly integrated into one's life.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Hebrews 10:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the Mediator of this superior New Covenant (as highlighted in Hebrews 8:6). It is through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross that the Old Covenant's limitations were overcome and the New Covenant's promises, including the internalization of God's law, became a reality. Christ's atoning work cleanses the conscience (see Hebrews 9:14), making it possible for the Holy Spirit to indwell believers and actively write God's laws into their hearts and minds. This is not merely a moral instruction but a spiritual regeneration, where the very nature of the believer is transformed to desire and pursue God's will. Thus, the promise of Jeremiah 31:33 is realized in all who are united with Christ, enabling them to live in genuine obedience and enjoy an intimate, unhindered relationship with God, empowered by the Spirit of Christ who dwells within them (see Romans 8:4).