Hebrews 9:18

KJV

Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whereupon {G3606} neither {G3761} the first {G4413} testament was dedicated {G1457} without {G5565} blood {G129}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why the first covenant too was inaugurated with blood.

Berean Standard Bible

That is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.

American Standard Version

Wherefore even the first covenant hath not been dedicated without blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 9:18 serves as a foundational statement within the author's intricate argument for the supremacy of the New Covenant in Christ, asserting that even the initial covenant, established under Moses, necessitated a solemn inauguration marked by the shedding of blood. This verse encapsulates a critical theological principle: divine covenants, particularly those involving reconciliation and purification, are ratified through a costly act of life given, thereby setting the stage for understanding the unparalleled efficacy of Christ's sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded in the author's extended theological exposition on the nature of covenants and sacrifices, particularly in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice"). Immediately preceding [Hebrews 9:18](/hebrews/9-18 "Hebrews 9:18 - The First Covenant Dedicated with Blood"), the author has established the legal principle that a "testament" (Greek: _diatheke_, often translated "covenant") becomes effective only upon the death of the testator ([Hebrews 9:16-17](/hebrews/9-16-17 "Hebrews 9:16-17 - The Necessity of Death for a Covenant's Validity")). Verse 18 then applies this universal principle to the historical reality of the first covenant, demonstrating that its inauguration was no exception to this rule, thereby building a compelling case for the necessity of Christ's death as the foundation for the New Covenant. The subsequent verses will further elaborate on the pervasive requirement of blood for purification and remission of sins ([Hebrews 9:19-22](/hebrews/9-19-22 "Hebrews 9:19-22 - Blood for Purification and Remission")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for [Hebrews 9:18](/hebrews/9-18 "Hebrews 9:18 - The First Covenant Dedicated with Blood") is the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai, vividly recounted in [Exodus 24](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant at Sinai"). Following the giving of the Law, Moses ratified the covenant by sprinkling the blood of oxen on the book of the Law and on the people, declaring, "Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words" ([Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - The Blood of the Covenant")). This act was not merely symbolic; it reflected a deep-seated ancient Near Eastern understanding that covenants, especially between a suzerain (God) and a vassal (Israel), were solemnized and made binding through a ritual involving blood, signifying the life given and the dire consequences of breaking the agreement. The cultural understanding of blood as the essence of life ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")) and its indispensable role in atonement rituals was central to Israelite worship and law.
* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 9:18](/hebrews/9-18 "Hebrews 9:18 - The First Covenant Dedicated with Blood") significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the **necessity of blood for covenant ratification**, establishing a foundational principle that applies to both Old and New Covenants. Secondly, it highlights the **divine principle of atonement**, emphasizing that "without shedding of blood is no remission" of sins, a truth explicitly stated later in [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - No Remission Without Blood"). This principle reveals the gravity of sin and God's righteous demand for a life given in exchange. Thirdly, the verse functions as a crucial piece in the author's argument for the **superiority of Christ's sacrifice**, foreshadowing the ultimate, once-for-all shedding of His own blood as the foundation for a perfect and eternal New Covenant ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dedicated (Greek, _enkainízō'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "new," signifies to "renew" or "inaugurate." In the context of [Hebrews 9:18](/hebrews/9-18 "Hebrews 9:18 - The First Covenant Dedicated with Blood"), it refers to the solemn act of consecrating or formally establishing the first covenant. It implies a ceremonial beginning, making something new or setting it apart for its intended purpose, underscoring the formal and sacred nature of the covenant's initiation.
* **without (Greek, _chōrís'_):** As an adverb, this term means "separately" or "apart from." Its use here is emphatic, asserting that the dedication of the first covenant was absolutely "apart from" or "lacking" blood. This highlights the indispensable nature of blood in the covenant-making process, presenting it as an essential, non-negotiable component without which the covenant could not have been validly established.
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** This term refers literally to the vital fluid of living beings. In biblical theology, "blood" frequently carries profound symbolic weight, representing life itself ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")), the means of atonement, and the ratification of covenants. In [Hebrews 9:18](/hebrews/9-18 "Hebrews 9:18 - The First Covenant Dedicated with Blood"), it specifically denotes the blood of the sacrifices offered at Sinai, which served to consecrate the Old Covenant and foreshadow the ultimate atoning work of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whereupon neither the first [testament]"**: This introductory phrase, "Whereupon" (_hóthen_), links the verse directly to the preceding discussion about the necessity of a testator's death for a will (or covenant) to be valid. The phrase "neither the first [testament]" refers to the Old Covenant, established through Moses at Mount Sinai, emphasizing that even this foundational divine agreement was not exempt from the principle just stated. The term "testament" (_diatheke_) here is best understood as "covenant," signifying a solemn, binding agreement between God and humanity.
* **"was dedicated"**: This clause asserts the formal inauguration or establishment of the first covenant. The Greek word _enkainízō_ implies a ceremonial consecration, setting apart the covenant for its sacred purpose. It points to the historical event at Sinai where the covenant was formally ratified, not merely proposed.
* **"without blood."**: This concluding phrase is crucial, stating the absolute condition for the dedication of the first covenant. It unequivocally declares that the Old Covenant's establishment was impossible "without blood." This refers to the ritualistic shedding and sprinkling of animal blood, which served as the life-giving, purifying, and ratifying agent for the covenant, underscoring the gravity of the divine agreement and the cost associated with its initiation.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several literary devices to convey the profound theological truth in [Hebrews 9:18](/hebrews/9-18 "Hebrews 9:18 - The First Covenant Dedicated with Blood"). Firstly, there is **Logical Progression**, as the verse serves as a direct application of the general principle articulated in [Hebrews 9:16-17](/hebrews/9-16-17 "Hebrews 9:16-17 - The Necessity of Death for a Covenant's Validity"), moving from a universal truth about testaments to its specific historical fulfillment in the Old Covenant. Secondly, **Emphasis** is achieved through the negative construction "neither... without," which functions as a strong affirmation of the necessity of blood. It is a double negative that powerfully asserts the positive truth: the first covenant *was indeed* dedicated *with* blood. Thirdly, **Metonymy** is present in the use of "blood" to represent the entire sacrificial system and the act of death that ratifies a covenant. "Blood" stands in for the life that is given and the atonement that is achieved, making it a potent symbol throughout the book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 9:18 articulates a fundamental theological truth deeply embedded in the Old Testament and brought to its ultimate fulfillment in the New: the principle that divine covenants, especially those involving atonement and reconciliation, are consecrated through the shedding of blood. This verse underscores the sacred and costly nature of God's agreements with humanity, revealing that the establishment of a binding relationship with a holy God invariably requires a life offered. The blood signifies not only the gravity of sin, which demands a substitute, but also the solemnity of the covenant, which cannot be entered into lightly. This principle prepares the reader to grasp the profound significance of Christ's blood as the foundation for a superior, eternal covenant, where His perfect sacrifice definitively deals with sin and opens the way to God.

* [Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - The Blood of the Covenant at Sinai")
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood, No Remission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 9:18 offers profound insights for believers today, inviting us to reflect on the enduring principles of God's redemptive plan and the immense cost of our salvation. This verse reminds us that forgiveness, reconciliation, and the establishment of a relationship with a holy God have always come at a significant price. The blood of animals under the Old Covenant, though temporary and imperfect, served as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and the divine requirement for a life to be given. For us, this should cultivate a deep appreciation for the definitive and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His shed blood did not merely dedicate a temporary covenant but established an eternal, perfect New Covenant, rendering all previous sacrifices obsolete. Our access to God, our cleansing from sin, and the very foundation of our faith are rooted in the precious blood of Jesus, the true and perfect sacrifice. This truth should inspire not only gratitude but also a life of humble obedience and worship, recognizing the immeasurable love that paid such a high price for our redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the necessity of blood for the Old Covenant's dedication deepen your understanding of the severity of sin?**
* **In what ways does this verse enhance your appreciation for the unique and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?**
* **How should the truth that our salvation is founded on Christ's shed blood impact your daily walk and worship?**

### FAQ

**Why was blood necessary for the dedication of the first covenant?**

Answer: Blood was necessary for the dedication of the first covenant primarily because it represented life, and in ancient Israelite understanding, life was required as an atonement for sin. As stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood for Atonement"), "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls." The shedding of blood symbolized the taking of a life as a substitute, signifying the seriousness of sin and God's righteous demand for a payment. It also served to purify and consecrate, making the covenant participants and the covenant itself acceptable before a holy God. The historical account in [Exodus 24:6-8](/exodus/24-6-8 "Exodus 24:6-8 - Moses Sprinkles Blood on the Covenant") explicitly details Moses sprinkling blood on the people and the book of the law to ratify the covenant.

**What is the significance of the word "testament" in Hebrews 9:18?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "testament" is _diatheke_ (διαθήκη). While it can indeed mean a "last will and testament" (as implied in [Hebrews 9:16-17](/hebrews/9-16-17 "Hebrews 9:16-17 - The Necessity of Death for a Covenant's Validity")), in the broader theological context of the book of Hebrews, it predominantly refers to a solemn "covenant" or divine agreement between God and humanity. The author masterfully uses the dual meaning of _diatheke_ to transition from the legal principle of a will requiring a death to the theological reality of a covenant requiring a sacrifice. Thus, in [Hebrews 9:18](/hebrews/9-18 "Hebrews 9:18 - The First Covenant Dedicated with Blood"), "testament" refers to the Old Covenant established at Sinai, emphasizing its binding nature and the necessity of a death (symbolized by blood) for its inauguration.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "without shedding of blood is no remission" in Hebrews 9:22?**

Answer: [Hebrews 9:18](/hebrews/9-18 "Hebrews 9:18 - The First Covenant Dedicated with Blood") lays the groundwork for the explicit declaration in [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood, No Remission"). Verse 18 establishes the historical precedent that the very *dedication* of the first covenant required blood. Verse 22 then extends this principle to the *remission of sins* and the *purification* of all things under the Law. The logic is cumulative: if the covenant itself could not be inaugurated without blood, then certainly the cleansing from sin and the purification of sacred objects, which are functions *within* the covenant, would also require blood. Both verses underscore the absolute necessity of a blood sacrifice for dealing with sin and establishing a righteous relationship with God, pointing forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 9:18 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the mediator of the New Covenant. Just as the first covenant was dedicated with the blood of animals, foreshadowing the gravity of sin and the need for a substitute, so the New Covenant is established and made eternally effective through the precious, once-for-all shedding of Christ's own blood. The author of Hebrews meticulously argues that Christ did not enter into an earthly sanctuary with 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 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). His sacrifice is not merely a repetition of Old Covenant rituals but the ultimate reality to which they pointed, a perfect and sufficient atonement that cleanses the conscience from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Through His blood, believers gain "boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus" ([Hebrews 10:19](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access to God by Christ's Blood")), enjoying a new and living way to God that was inaugurated by His perfect, atoning death. Thus, the principle of blood dedication in the Old Covenant culminates in the glorious reality of Christ's redeeming work, making Him the "mediator of the new covenant" whose "blood of sprinkling" speaks a better word than that of Abel ([Hebrews 12:24](/hebrews/12-24 "Hebrews 12:24 - Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant")).

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

Exodus 24:3

And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.

Exodus 24:8

And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled [it] on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

Hebrews 9:14

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 8:7

For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

Hebrews 8:9

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

Hebrews 9:22

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Exodus 12:22

And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip [it] in the blood that [is] in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that [is] in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.