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.

And {G2532} for this {G5124} cause {G1223} he is {G2076} the mediator {G3316} of the new {G2537} testament {G1242}, that {G3704} by means {G1096} of death {G2288}, for {G1519} the redemption {G629} of the transgressions {G3847} that were under {G1909} the first {G4413} testament {G1242}, they which are called {G2564} might receive {G2983} the promise {G1860} of eternal {G166} inheritance {G2817}.

It is because of this death that he is mediator of a new covenant [or will]. Because a death has occurred which sets people free from the transgressions committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.

Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

And for this cause he is the mediator of a new covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 9:15 is a profoundly significant verse that encapsulates the core message of the book of Hebrews: the supremacy and efficacy of Jesus Christ's priestly work and His singular role in establishing the New Covenant. It explains the universal and retroactive power of His death, offering redemption for sins committed across all ages.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger discourse (Hebrews chapters 8 and 9) where the author meticulously contrasts the Old Covenant (or "first testament") and its sacrificial system with the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ. The Old Covenant, with its earthly tabernacle, Levitical priests, and animal sacrifices, served as a temporary shadow, unable to truly cleanse the conscience or provide lasting redemption (Hebrews 10:4). The author establishes that these rituals pointed forward to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, which alone could perfect those who draw near to God.

Key Themes

  • Jesus as Mediator: The verse highlights Jesus' essential role as the mediator of the new covenant. A mediator is one who stands between two parties to reconcile them or establish an agreement. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, is uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, bringing about a new and better relationship based on His shed blood.
  • Redemption Through Death: Central to this verse is the concept that redemption is achieved "by means of death." This refers to Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, which was the necessary payment for sin. His death not only atones for future sins but also retroactively cleanses "the transgressions that were under the first testament," demonstrating the eternal reach and power of His sacrifice.
  • Eternal Inheritance: The ultimate outcome for those who respond to God's call is the reception of "the promise of eternal inheritance." Unlike the temporary, land-based inheritance promised under the Old Covenant, believers in Christ are promised an imperishable, spiritual inheritance in God's kingdom, a secure and permanent future with Him (1 Peter 1:4).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "testament" (as in "new testament" and "first testament") is derived from the Greek word diathēkē (διαθήκη), which is more accurately translated as "covenant." This emphasizes a binding agreement or pact, especially one divinely initiated by God. The term "mediator" comes from the Greek mesitēs (μεσίτης), signifying one who stands in the middle, an umpire, or an intercessor, perfectly describing Jesus' reconciling role.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense assurance and comfort to believers. It affirms that our salvation and future hope are not dependent on our imperfect obedience to a legal code, but entirely on the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death covers all our transgressions, past, present, and future, securing for us an eternal life and an incorruptible inheritance. It calls us to live in gratitude for such a profound and complete redemption, trusting fully in the finished work of Christ and walking in the newness of life He has provided.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 3:24

    Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

  • Romans 3:26

    To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

  • Romans 8:30

    Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

  • 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].

  • Hebrews 10:36

    For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

  • 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.

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