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].

Neither {G3761} by {G1223} the blood {G129} of goats {G5131} and {G2532} calves {G3448}, but {G1161} by {G1223} his own {G2398} blood {G129} he entered in {G1525} once {G2178} into {G1519} the holy place {G39}, having obtained {G2147} eternal {G166} redemption {G3085} for us.

he entered the Holiest Place once and for all.

And he entered not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of his own blood, thus setting people free forever.

He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption.

Commentary

Hebrews 9:12 (KJV): "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]."

Commentary

This powerful verse in Hebrews contrasts the temporary, repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the unique, permanent sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It highlights the superiority of Christ's work in securing salvation.

Context

Hebrews chapter 9 is deeply engaged in explaining how Christ's ministry fulfills and surpasses the sacrificial system established under the Law of Moses. The author describes the earthly tabernacle, its furnishings, and the rituals performed by the Levitical priests, particularly focusing on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). On this day, the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place (the inner sanctuary) once a year, but only with the blood of animals (Leviticus 16:15). This system could not provide a final cleansing for sins, pointing forward to a greater sacrifice.

Key Themes

  • Contrast with Old Covenant Sacrifices: The verse explicitly states that Christ did not enter the 'holy place' (referring to the heavenly sanctuary) by the blood of animals like goats and calves, which were central to the earthly system.
  • The Sufficiency of Christ's Blood: Instead of animal blood, Christ used "his own blood," signifying the perfect, sinless life he offered as a sacrifice. His life and death were the required payment for sin.
  • Entry into the True Sanctuary: Christ entered the heavenly "holy place" (or Most Holy Place), the true dwelling place of God, not the earthly copy. This entry signifies his completed work and ascension to the Father's presence.
  • The Finality of the Sacrifice: The phrase "once" (ephapax in Greek) is crucial. Unlike the yearly, repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant priests, Christ's sacrifice was a single, unrepeatable event, sufficient for all time (Hebrews 10:10).
  • Obtaining Eternal Redemption: The glorious outcome of Christ's sacrifice is "eternal redemption." This refers to a permanent liberation from the penalty and power of sin, securing forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of everlasting life for all who believe (Romans 3:24).

Linguistic Insights

The term translated "eternal redemption" is aidios lutrosis. Aidios means "everlasting" or "eternal," emphasizing the enduring nature of the redemption achieved. Lutrosis means "redemption" or "deliverance obtained by payment of a ransom." Together, they powerfully convey a permanent, complete deliverance secured by Christ's costly sacrifice.

Reflection and Application

Hebrews 9:12 provides immense comfort and assurance to believers. Because Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary "once" with "his own blood," the redemption he obtained is truly "eternal." This means our salvation is not dependent on our ongoing works or repeated rituals, but on the finished work of Christ. We have permanent access to God through him, knowing that the price for our sin has been paid fully and forever. This truth should lead to profound gratitude, confidence in our standing before God, and motivation to live lives worthy of such a great salvation.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 10:4

    For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

  • 1 Peter 1:18

    Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

  • 1 Peter 1:19

    But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

  • Hebrews 9:15

    ¶ 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.

  • Ephesians 1:7

    In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

  • Hebrews 9:24

    For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

  • Hebrews 9:26

    For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.