Hebrews 9:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} almost {G4975} all things {G3956} are {G2511} by {G2596} the law {G3551} purged {G2511} with {G1722} blood {G129}; and {G2532} without {G5565} shedding of blood {G130} is {G1096} no {G3756} remission {G859}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In fact, according to the Torah, almost everything is purified with blood; indeed, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Berean Standard Bible

According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

American Standard Version

And according to the law, I may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 9:22 articulates a foundational principle of divine justice and atonement, declaring that under the Mosaic Law, nearly all things were purified through blood, and crucially, without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. This verse encapsulates the Old Covenant's sacrificial system, highlighting the gravity of sin and the indispensable role of life (represented by blood) in making propitiation, thereby setting the stage for the superior and definitive sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger argument in Hebrews (chapters 7-10) that meticulously compares and contrasts the Old Covenant (Mosaic Law, priesthood, sacrifices, tabernacle) with the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. Specifically, [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice") focuses on the sanctuary and the sacrificial rituals, explaining their symbolic nature and inherent limitations. The author has just described the layout of the earthly tabernacle and its furnishings ([Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Tabernacle")), followed by the priests' restricted access and the annual Day of Atonement ritual performed by the high priest ([Hebrews 9:6-7](/hebrews/9-6-7 "Hebrews 9:6-7 - Priestly Service in the Tabernacle")). The immediate verses leading up to 9:22 emphasize that the Old Covenant system, with its external rituals and animal sacrifices, could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper ([Hebrews 9:9](/hebrews/9-9 "Hebrews 9:9 - Limitations of the Old Covenant")) and served merely as a shadow pointing to a future reality ([Hebrews 9:10-11](/hebrews/9-10-11 "Hebrews 9:10-11 - Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant")). Verse 9:22 serves as a pivotal statement, summarizing the core principle of purification under the Old Covenant before the author introduces Christ's superior blood as the means of true and eternal redemption.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the book of Hebrews was primarily Jewish Christians, likely facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism. They were deeply familiar with the Levitical sacrificial system, which had been central to their religious life for centuries. The concept of blood as sacred and essential for atonement was ingrained in their understanding, stemming from passages like [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"), which states, "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: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." Animal sacrifices were not merely symbolic acts but were understood as divinely ordained means for dealing with sin and ritual impurity, allowing a holy God to dwell among an unholy people. The annual [Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"), where the high priest entered the Most Holy Place with the blood of a bull and a goat to atone for the sins of the nation, was the pinnacle of this system, demonstrating the absolute necessity of blood for reconciliation with God. This historical and cultural backdrop is crucial for understanding the author's argument: if blood was so essential in the old system, then the New Covenant's provision for sin must also involve blood, but of a far superior kind.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 9:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the **Necessity of Atonement for Sin**, establishing the divine principle that sin carries a death penalty and requires a life given in exchange. This theme is foundational to the entire biblical narrative of redemption. Secondly, it highlights the **Inadequacy of the Old Covenant Sacrifices**, demonstrating that while they purged ceremonially, they could not provide ultimate remission, thus necessitating a "better sacrifice" ([Hebrews 9:23](/hebrews/9-23 "Hebrews 9:23 - The Need for Better Sacrifices")). This leads directly to the third major theme: the **Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice**. The verse sets up the contrast between the repeated, imperfect sacrifices of animals and the "one sacrifice for sins forever" made by Christ ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), whose blood truly cleanses and grants eternal remission. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Purification and Access to God**, showing that through the shedding of blood, defilement is removed, and the way to a holy God is opened.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purged (Greek, _katharízō'_):** From G2511, meaning "to cleanse (literally or figuratively):--(make) clean(-se), purge, purify." In this context, "purged" refers to the ceremonial cleansing and purification achieved through the blood rituals under the Mosaic Law. It signifies the removal of ritual defilement and the making of something or someone acceptable for divine presence or service, though it did not fully cleanse the conscience from the guilt of sin.
* **Shedding of blood (Greek, _haimatekchysía'_):** From G130, meaning "an effusion of blood." This term specifically denotes the pouring out or spilling of blood, emphasizing the act of a life being given up. It is not merely the presence of blood but its violent separation from the body, signifying death, that is essential for atonement. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament understanding that "the life of the flesh is in the blood" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life in the Blood")).
* **Remission (Greek, _áphesis'_):** From G859, meaning "freedom; (figuratively) pardon:--deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission." This word signifies a "sending away," "release," or "forgiveness." In the context of sin, it means the complete pardon, the cancellation of a debt, or the release from the penalty and guilt of sin. The verse asserts that this profound release is impossible without the shedding of blood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood":** This clause highlights the pervasive role of blood in the Old Covenant system of purification. The term "almost all things" (G4975 `schedón` G3956 `pâs`) acknowledges that while blood was the primary means, there were a few exceptions where purification could occur without blood (e.g., through water, fire, or payment, as seen in [Numbers 31:23](/numbers/31-23 "Numbers 31:23 - Purification with Fire and Water") or certain sin offerings for the very poor in [Leviticus 5:11-13](/leviticus/5-11-13 "Leviticus 5:11-13 - Offering for the Poor")). However, these exceptions were rare and often related to minor defilements or specific circumstances, not the general principle of atonement for sin. The phrase "by the law" (G2596 `katá` G3551 `nómos`) emphasizes that this was a divinely mandated requirement within the Mosaic Covenant. "Purged with blood" (G2511 `katharízō` G1722 `en` G129 `haîma`) refers to the ceremonial cleansing of people, objects, and even the tabernacle itself through the application of sacrificial blood.
* **"and without shedding of blood is no remission":** This is the emphatic, universal principle. The conjunction "and" (G2532 `kaí`) links this absolute statement to the preceding observation, presenting it as the necessary theological conclusion. "Without shedding of blood" (G5565 `chōrís` G130 `haimatekchysía`) underscores the indispensable nature of a life being given. The negative "no" (G3756 `ou`) combined with "is" (G1096 `gínomai`) powerfully asserts that "remission" (G859 `áphesis`)—true forgiveness, pardon, and release from sin's penalty—simply does not come into being apart from this requirement. This clause moves beyond mere ceremonial purging to the deeper spiritual reality of forgiveness, setting the stage for the New Covenant's provision.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several literary devices to convey the profound truth of Hebrews 9:22. **Metonymy** is evident in the use of "blood" to represent the entire sacrificial act and the life given in atonement. The "shedding of blood" stands for the violent death of the sacrificial victim, which is the actual means of propitiation. The phrase "almost all things" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Generalization**, emphasizing the overwhelming prevalence of blood in purification rituals, even while acknowledging minor exceptions, to underscore the general rule. The verse also functions as an **Aphorism** or **Axiom**, presenting a concise, universally applicable truth ("without shedding of blood is no remission") that serves as a foundational theological principle. This aphoristic quality lends weight and authority to the statement, making it memorable and impactful for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 9:22 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the biblical doctrine of atonement. It establishes the divine necessity of a life given (symbolized by blood) for the forgiveness of sins, a principle deeply rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system. This principle underscores God's holiness and the gravity of sin, which demands a costly remedy. The temporary and repeated nature of Old Covenant sacrifices, while divinely ordained, pointed to their inherent limitations in fully dealing with sin. They served as a shadow, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice that would truly accomplish what animal blood could not: the complete and eternal remission of sins. This verse thus forms a crucial bridge, explaining the foundational principle that necessitated the coming of Christ and His unique sacrifice.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Propitiation by Christ's Blood")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 9:22 profoundly impacts our understanding of sin, sacrifice, and salvation. It forces us to confront the seriousness of sin, recognizing that it is not a trivial matter but carries a death penalty that demands a life for a life. This verse shatters any notion of cheap grace or self-atonement, emphasizing that true forgiveness is divinely costly. For the believer, it deepens our appreciation for the immense value of Christ's sacrifice, reminding us that our salvation is not based on our works or rituals, but entirely on the perfect, once-for-all shedding of His blood. This truth should lead to profound humility, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to living a life worthy of such an immeasurable gift. It assures us that because Christ's blood was shed, our sins are truly remitted, and we have bold access to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle "without shedding of blood is no remission" deepen your understanding of the gravity of sin?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the unique and indispensable nature of Jesus' sacrifice compared to Old Testament rituals?**
* **How does the truth of complete remission through Christ's blood impact your daily walk with God and your assurance of salvation?**

### FAQ

**Why does the verse say "almost all things" instead of "all things" are purged with blood?**

Answer: The phrase "almost all things" (Greek: `schedón pâs`) acknowledges that while blood was the predominant and most significant means of purification and atonement under the Mosaic Law, there were a few rare exceptions where purification could occur without blood. For instance, certain minor defilements or offerings for the very poor might involve water, fire, or flour offerings (e.g., [Leviticus 5:11-13](/leviticus/5-11-13 "Leviticus 5:11-13 - Grain Offering for the Poor") for a sin offering, or [Numbers 31:23](/numbers/31-23 "Numbers 31:23 - Purification of Spoils") for purification of objects). However, these were specific cases, and the overarching, fundamental principle for the remission of sin and major defilement unequivocally required the shedding of blood. The author uses "almost" to be precise, but the emphasis remains on the absolute necessity of blood for true remission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 9:22 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant sacrifices, with their repeated shedding of animal blood, were merely a shadow, a temporary provision that pointed forward to the true and eternal sacrifice. The principle "without shedding of blood is no remission" is not abrogated but perfectly satisfied by Christ. His blood, unlike that of bulls and goats, is "precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). When Jesus, "through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God," His blood truly purges our conscience from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses the Conscience")). His one, definitive act on the cross provided the "once-for-all" shedding of blood ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's One Sacrifice")) that achieved eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ Obtained Eternal Redemption")). Therefore, the remission of sins that was imperfectly and temporarily granted under the law is now fully and permanently secured for all who believe in the atoning power of Jesus' shed blood, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")).

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

Leviticus 17:11

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: for it [is] the blood [that] maketh an atonement for the soul.

Leviticus 6:7

And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.

Leviticus 4:35

And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 5:18

And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist [it] not, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 14:14

And the priest shall take [some] of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put [it] upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:

Leviticus 14:6

As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird [that was] killed over the running water:

Leviticus 4:20

And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.