Hebrews 9:22

Commentary on Hebrews 9:22 (KJV)

Hebrews 9:22 is a foundational verse in understanding the biblical concept of atonement and forgiveness. It states, "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." This powerful declaration summarizes a core principle established in the Old Testament and fully realized in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.

Historical and Cultural Context

The author of Hebrews is explaining the principles of the Old Covenant sacrificial system, particularly as practiced in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Under the Mosaic Law, blood played a central and sacred role in purification and reconciliation with God. Priests performed various rituals involving the blood of animals (bulls, goats, lambs) to cleanse people, objects, and even the holy places from ceremonial defilement and sin. The annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the most significant of these, where the high priest entered the Most Holy Place with blood to make atonement for the sins of the people. This system underscored the gravity of sin and the divine requirement for a life given in exchange for transgression.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Necessity of Blood for Atonement: The verse unequivocally declares that "without shedding of blood is no remission." This establishes a divine principle: sin carries a penalty, and that penalty requires a life given. Blood, representing life, was the divinely appointed means for covering sin and achieving forgiveness.
• Purification and Remission: The terms "purged" (cleansed, purified) and "remission" (forgiveness, pardon, release from penalty) highlight the dual effect of blood sacrifice. It not only cleanses from defilement but also provides release from the guilt and consequences of sin.
• Foreshadowing Christ's Sacrifice: While the Old Testament sacrifices provided temporary covering and pointed forward, this verse sets the stage for understanding the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus. The continuous cycle of animal sacrifices demonstrated that they were insufficient to fully and permanently take away sin, thus necessitating a better, once-for-all sacrifice.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "purged" is katharizetai (καθαρίζεται), meaning "to cleanse" or "to purify," often in a ceremonial or moral sense. The word for "remission" is aphesis (ἄφεσις), which signifies "sending away," "release," "forgiveness," or "pardon." This emphasizes the complete removal of sin's guilt and penalty, not just a covering up.

Related Scriptures

This principle finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose perfect life and sacrificial death provided the definitive shedding of blood. The book of Hebrews consistently argues that Christ's blood is superior to that of animals, offering a once-for-all sacrifice that truly takes away sin (Hebrews 10:4, Hebrews 10:12). This aligns with other New Testament teachings on redemption and the forgiveness of sins through His blood (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 9:22 highlights the immense value and profound necessity of Christ's sacrifice. It reminds us that:

• Sin is Serious: The requirement of blood shows that sin is not trivial; it carries a death penalty.
• Forgiveness is Costly: True forgiveness is not cheap; it required the ultimate sacrifice of God's own Son.
• Our Hope is Secure: Because Christ shed His perfect blood, we can have full and lasting remission of sins, providing direct access to God and boldness to enter the Holiest.

This verse deepens our appreciation for the finished work of Jesus on the cross, which is the foundation of our faith and salvation.