Hebrews 10:26

KJV

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} if we {G2257} sin {G264} wilfully {G1596} after {G3326} that we have received {G2983} the knowledge {G1922} of the truth {G225}, there remaineth {G620} no more {G3765} sacrifice {G2378} for {G4012} sins {G266},

Complete Jewish Bible

For if we deliberately continue to sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

Berean Standard Bible

If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains,

American Standard Version

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:26 issues a solemn and profound warning concerning the dire consequences for those who, having fully apprehended the truth of the Gospel and the finality of Christ's atoning work, deliberately and persistently reject it. The verse underscores the exclusivity and sufficiency of Jesus's sacrifice, declaring that for such a willful apostasy, no alternative or further means of atonement remains available, thereby highlighting the immense gravity of turning away from God's ultimate provision for sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 10:26 is strategically placed within the book's theological crescendo, following the author's meticulous exposition of Christ's superior priesthood and His once-for-all, perfect sacrifice. Chapters 9 and 10 meticulously contrast the inadequacy and repetition of the Old Covenant animal sacrifices with the singular, efficacious offering of Jesus Christ on the cross (e.g., [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10-1-18 "Hebrews 10:1-18 - The Perfection of Christ's Sacrifice")). Having established this foundational truth—that Christ's sacrifice has perfected those who are being sanctified ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ Perfects Forever"))—the author transitions from theological exposition to practical exhortation. The immediate verses preceding 10:26 urge believers to "draw near with a true heart" ([Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Drawing Near to God")), "hold fast the profession of our faith" ([Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Holding Fast to Faith")), and "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" ([Hebrews 10:24](/hebrews/10-24 "Hebrews 10:24 - Mutual Encouragement")). The warning in verse 26 serves as a severe counterpoint to these exhortations, emphasizing the perilous nature of neglecting such a great salvation ([Hebrews 2:3](/hebrews/2-3 "Hebrews 2:3 - The Greatness of Salvation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish Christians, likely facing significant persecution or social pressure to revert to Judaism. This pressure could manifest as a temptation to abandon their newfound faith in Christ and return to the familiar rituals and security of the Old Covenant system, including its temple sacrifices. The author's repeated emphasis on the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant directly addresses this temptation. For these believers, "receiving the knowledge of the truth" was not merely intellectual assent but a transformative experience of conversion, having moved from the shadows of the Old Law to the reality of Christ. To "sin wilfully" in this context would mean a deliberate, conscious, and unrepentant rejection of Christ's finished work and a return to a system that God had rendered obsolete. The cultural backdrop includes the ongoing practice of animal sacrifices in the Jerusalem Temple, which, for the author of Hebrews, stood as a stark reminder of humanity's continuous need for atonement—a need now perfectly and finally met in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it reinforces **The Finality and Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice**, asserting that His offering is the ultimate and complete atonement, rendering all previous sacrifices obsolete and making any future sacrifice unnecessary ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified by Christ's Sacrifice")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Perseverance and Warning Against Apostasy**. The author repeatedly warns against drifting away ([Hebrews 2:1](/hebrews/2-1 "Hebrews 2:1 - Drift Not Away")), hardening one's heart ([Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7-19 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - Warning Against Unbelief")), and falling away from the living God ([Hebrews 3:12](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12 - Beware of Unbelief")). Hebrews 10:26 is one of the most severe of these warnings, speaking to a deliberate and unrepentant rejection of the known truth. Thirdly, it underscores the **Exclusivity of Salvation Through Christ**, emphasizing that there is no other path to reconciliation with God once Christ's unique provision is spurned.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sin wilfully (Greek, _hekousíōs hamartánō'_):** This phrase combines the adverb `hekousíōs` (G1596), meaning "voluntarily" or "deliberately," and the verb `hamartánō` (G264), meaning "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to sin." The combination emphasizes not merely a lapse or an unintentional transgression, but a conscious, intentional, and persistent act of rebellion against known truth. It implies a purposeful turning away from God's revealed will and the saving work of Christ, rather than a sin committed out of weakness, ignorance, or a momentary stumble. This deliberate nature is crucial to understanding the severity of the warning.
* **knowledge (Greek, _epígnōsis'_):** The term `epígnōsis` (G1922) signifies more than mere intellectual acquaintance or superficial understanding. It denotes a "full discernment," "recognition," or "acknowledgement"—a deep, experiential, and transformative knowledge of the truth. It suggests a personal encounter with and conviction of the Gospel's reality, implying that the individual has genuinely apprehended the saving message of Christ and its implications. This is not about those who have merely heard the Gospel, but those who have truly "received" it.
* **sacrifice (Greek, _thysía'_):** The word `thysía` (G2378) refers to a "sacrifice," either the act of offering or the victim itself. In the context of Hebrews, it consistently points to the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant and, more importantly, to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The phrase "no more sacrifice for sins" powerfully asserts the finality and absolute sufficiency of Christ's single offering. If this definitive `thysía` is rejected, there remains no other means or ritual, whether old or new, that can atone for sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth,"**: This initial clause sets the condition for the severe consequence. The "we" indicates that the warning is directed at those within the believing community, not outsiders. The phrase "sin wilfully" (as analyzed above) is critical, denoting a deliberate, intentional, and unrepentant turning away from the faith, rather than an accidental or weak transgression. This "wilful sin" occurs *after* having "received the knowledge of the truth," which implies a genuine, transformative understanding and experience of the Gospel and Christ's saving work, not just a casual acquaintance.
* **"there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"**: This declarative statement reveals the grave consequence of the aforementioned condition. If one deliberately rejects the singular, perfect, and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ, then there is no other `sacrifice` (atoning offering) left available to deal with their sins. The implication is that God has provided the ultimate solution in Christ, and if that unique provision is spurned, there is no alternative path to reconciliation or forgiveness. This underscores the exclusivity and irreplaceable nature of Christ's atonement.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Hebrews 10:26 is **Warning**, delivered with profound **Rhetorical Force**. The author employs a conditional statement ("For if...") to introduce a stark and terrifying consequence, designed to shock the audience into a realization of the gravity of apostasy. This serves as a powerful deterrent against spiritual complacency or reversion to Judaism. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** implicit in the verse: the contrast between unintentional sins (which were covered by Old Testament sacrifices and by God's grace in Christ for repentant believers) and the deliberate, unrepentant rejection of the very source of atonement. The absolute language "no more sacrifice" heightens the sense of finality and desperation for those who choose this path, emphasizing the irreversible nature of such a decision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:26 is a profound theological statement on the exclusivity and finality of Christ's atonement. It underscores that God's ultimate and perfect provision for sin has been fully accomplished in Jesus Christ. To deliberately reject this singular, sufficient sacrifice after truly understanding it is to spurn the only means of salvation God has provided, leaving no other recourse for reconciliation. This warning is not aimed at those who struggle with sin or experience doubts, but at those who consciously and definitively turn their backs on the known truth of the Gospel, thereby trampling underfoot the Son of God and counting the blood of the covenant an unholy thing ([Hebrews 10:29](/hebrews/10-29 "Hebrews 10:29 - Trampling the Son of God")). It serves as a stark reminder of the immense value of Christ's sacrifice and the seriousness of rejecting God's ultimate grace.

* [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - Warning Against Falling Away")
* [1 John 5:16-17](/1_john/5-16-17 "1 John 5:16-17 - Sin Unto Death")
* [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This challenging verse often causes anxiety among believers, leading to fears of having committed an "unforgivable sin." However, it is crucial to understand that this warning is not directed at those who genuinely repent of their sins, even grave ones, or those who struggle with spiritual doubts and weaknesses. The "sin wilfully" described here is not a momentary stumble or a struggle with temptation, but a deliberate, conscious, and unrepentant act of apostasy—a complete and final renunciation of Christ and His atoning work after having truly understood and experienced the truth of the Gospel. For the true believer who confesses their sins, seeks forgiveness, and desires to follow Christ, the promise of God's abundant grace and forgiveness remains steadfast ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). This verse serves as a profound call to perseverance, urging believers to hold fast to their confession, appreciate the immense value of Christ's sacrifice, and never take God's grace for granted. It highlights the seriousness of our response to God's ultimate revelation in Christ and the irreplaceable nature of His atonement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of Christ's "once-for-all" sacrifice deepen my appreciation for His work on the cross?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "sin wilfully" by neglecting or devaluing the truth of the Gospel in my daily life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "hold fast the profession of our faith" and persevere in my walk with Christ?**

### FAQ

**Does Hebrews 10:26 mean a true Christian can lose their salvation?**

Answer: This verse is a subject of intense theological debate, largely depending on one's view of eternal security. Interpretations vary: some see it as a warning against genuine apostasy, where a true believer can indeed forfeit salvation if they definitively and unrepentantly reject Christ. Others argue that it warns against a "professing" believer who never truly possessed saving faith, or that it describes a severe loss of reward and fellowship, not salvation itself. The key is the phrase "sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth," which points to a deliberate, unrepentant, and final repudiation of Christ, rather than a momentary fall or struggle. For those who genuinely trust in Christ and continue to repent of their sins, the promises of God's faithfulness and forgiveness remain ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). The author of Hebrews later expresses confidence in his readers' perseverance, stating, "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak" ([Hebrews 6:9](/hebrews/6-9 "Hebrews 6:9 - Better Things of You")).

**Is this the "unforgivable sin" or "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit"?**

Answer: While there are parallels, Hebrews 10:26 is distinct from the "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" mentioned in the Gospels ([Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")). The "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" typically refers to attributing the undeniable work of the Holy Spirit (through Christ) to Satan. Hebrews 10:26, however, describes a deliberate, conscious, and unrepentant rejection of Christ's atoning sacrifice *after* having received a deep, transformative "knowledge of the truth." Both passages speak to a hardened, unrepentant heart that definitively rejects God's ultimate revelation and means of salvation. If a person is concerned they have committed such a sin, their very concern suggests they have not, as a truly hardened heart would feel no conviction or desire for repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though a severe warning, Hebrews 10:26 ultimately serves to magnify the unparalleled sufficiency and finality of Christ's work, pointing to Him as the exclusive means of salvation. The verse's stark declaration, "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins," is not a statement of God's unwillingness to forgive, but a profound affirmation of the completeness of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. It underscores that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has provided the perfect and ultimate Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose blood cleanses from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus")). Therefore, to reject this singular, perfect offering is to reject God's final and most gracious act of reconciliation, leaving no other avenue for atonement. The warning, then, is a testament to the preciousness and irreplaceable nature of Christ's sacrifice, urging believers to cling steadfastly to Him as their only hope and the author and finisher of their faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus")). It highlights that the New Covenant, inaugurated by His blood, is superior precisely because it provides a once-for-all solution for sin, a reality that should inspire profound gratitude and unwavering commitment to the One who made it possible ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

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

2 Peter 2:20

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

2 Peter 2:22

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Hebrews 6:4

For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Hebrews 6:6

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame.

John 9:41

Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

Luke 12:47

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

Matthew 12:43

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.