Hebrews 12:24

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.

And {G2532} to Jesus {G2424} the mediator {G3316} of the new {G3501} covenant {G1242}, and {G2532} to the blood {G129} of sprinkling {G4473}, that speaketh {G2980} better things {G2909} than {G3844} that of Abel {G6}.

to the mediator of a new covenant, Yeshua; and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better things than that of Hevel.

to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel.

Commentary

Hebrews 12:24 highlights the profound significance of Jesus Christ's role in the New Covenant and the power of His atoning sacrifice. This verse is part of a larger exhortation in Hebrews 12, which contrasts the terrifying experience of the Old Covenant at Mount Sinai with the glorious and accessible reality of the New Covenant in Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem.

Context

Following a call to persevere in faith amidst trials and a reminder of the "great cloud of witnesses" (see Hebrews 12:1), the author draws a powerful distinction between the Old Covenant and the New. Verses 18-21 describe the fearful, unapproachable nature of Mount Sinai, where the Law was given with fire, darkness, and a trumpet blast. In stark contrast, verses 22-24 present the believer's access to Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, where God dwells, surrounded by angels and the spirits of the righteous. Verse 24 culminates this comparison, presenting Jesus as the central figure of this superior, grace-filled covenant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus as Mediator of the New Covenant: The verse emphasizes Jesus' unique and indispensable role as the one who brings about and guarantees the new covenant. Unlike Moses, who mediated the Old Covenant, Jesus establishes a superior agreement rooted in grace and forgiveness, not just law. This covenant offers a direct, personal relationship with God, accessible to all who believe.
  • The Efficacy of Christ's Sprinkled Blood: The "blood of sprinkling" refers to Christ's sacrificial death. In the Old Testament, blood was sprinkled for purification, consecration, and atonement (e.g., Exodus 24:8). However, Jesus' blood is superior. It does not merely cover sin temporarily but provides permanent, complete cleansing and reconciliation. It is the basis for our peace with God and our access to His presence (see Ephesians 2:13).
  • Forgiveness and Grace Over Vengeance: The striking comparison with "that of Abel" is crucial. In Genesis 4:10, Abel's innocent blood cried out from the ground for justice and vengeance against Cain. In contrast, Jesus' blood speaks of mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It does not demand retribution but offers redemption, proclaiming God's grace and willingness to pardon.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "mediator" (Greek: mesitēs) signifies one who stands between two parties to reconcile them or bring about an agreement. Jesus perfectly fulfills this role between God and humanity.
  • The phrase "new covenant" (Greek: kainē diathēkē) emphasizes a qualitatively new agreement, not just a renewed version of the old. It is a covenant of grace, established on better promises (see Hebrews 8:6).
  • "Blood of sprinkling" (Greek: haima rhantismou) evokes Old Testament rituals but points to the definitive, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, whose blood truly purifies and sanctifies, making us acceptable to God.

Practical Application

Hebrews 12:24 offers immense comfort and assurance. It reminds believers that we are not under a covenant of fear and condemnation, but one of grace and access. We can draw near to God with confidence, knowing that our sins are truly forgiven through the shed blood of Jesus. This verse encourages us to fully rely on Christ's completed work, recognizing that His sacrifice has secured our peace with God and opened the way to the heavenly presence.

It calls us to live in the reality of this superior covenant, embracing the forgiveness and reconciliation that Jesus' blood speaks, and allowing it to transform our lives and our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 9:15 (25 votes)

    ¶ And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

  • Hebrews 11:28 (15 votes)

    Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

  • Hebrews 8:6 (14 votes)

    ¶ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

  • Hebrews 11:4 (14 votes)

    ¶ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

  • Genesis 4:10 (14 votes)

    And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

  • Matthew 26:28 (13 votes)

    For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

  • 1 Timothy 2:5 (13 votes)

    For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;