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.

For then {G1893} must {G1163} he {G846} often {G4178} have suffered {G3958} since {G575} the foundation {G2602} of the world {G2889}: but {G1161} now {G3568} once {G530} in {G1909} the end {G4930} of the world {G165} hath he appeared {G5319} to {G1519} put away {G115} sin {G266} by {G1223} the sacrifice {G2378} of himself {G846}.

for then he would have had to suffer death many times — from the founding of the universe on. But as it is, he has appeared once at the end of the ages in order to do away with sin through the sacrifice of himself.

Otherwise, Christ would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Commentary

Commentary on Hebrews 9:26

Hebrews 9:26 stands as a powerful declaration of the uniqueness and finality of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. This verse is part of a larger argument in the Book of Hebrews, which meticulously contrasts the repeated, imperfect sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the singular, perfect sacrifice offered by Jesus. The author emphasizes that if the Old Testament system were truly effective in removing sin, Christ would have had to suffer continually throughout human history.

Context

The surrounding verses in Hebrews chapter 9 detail the elaborate rituals of the earthly tabernacle, including the high priest's annual entry into the Most Holy Place with the blood of animals (Hebrews 9:7). These sacrifices were a temporary covering for sins, foreshadowing the ultimate act of atonement. The author's point is that the Old Covenant system, with its constant need for repetition, underscored its own insufficiency. Christ's work, by contrast, is presented as the definitive solution, abolishing the need for any further sacrifice. This theological framework highlights the superiority of the New Covenant established through Christ's blood over the old Mosaic Law.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Singularity of Christ's Sacrifice: The phrase "but now once" is central. Unlike the "often" suffering implied by the Old Testament system, Jesus' death was a singular, decisive event. This emphasizes the complete and perfect nature of His atonement, requiring no repetition. This concept of "once for all" is a cornerstone of Christian theology (Hebrews 10:10).
  • The Efficacy of His Sacrifice: Jesus "appeared to put away sin." The Greek word for "put away" (athetesin) implies an annulment, abolition, or complete removal. His sacrifice wasn't just a covering for sin but a powerful act that abolished its power and guilt, providing genuine and lasting forgiveness.
  • The Consummation of the Ages: The phrase "in the end of the world" (KJV) or "at the consummation of the ages" (ESV) refers to a pivotal moment in salvation history. It signifies the climax of God's redemptive plan, marking the transition from the old era of types and shadows to the new era of fulfillment in Christ. This timing underscores the divine purpose and strategic importance of Jesus' incarnation and death.
  • Jesus as the Ultimate Sacrifice: By offering "the sacrifice of himself," Jesus served as both the blameless offering and the High Priest. This self-sacrifice highlights the immense love and righteousness involved in His work of redemption.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "in the end of the world" translates the Greek sunteleia tōn aiōnōn (συντέλεια τῶν αἰώνων). This isn't just the end of chronological time but refers to the completion or culmination of the various "ages" or dispensations of God's dealings with humanity. It signifies the decisive moment when God's plan of salvation reached its ultimate fulfillment through Christ.

The phrase "to put away sin" (Greek: eis athetesin hamartias) is crucial. Athetesis means annulment, abolition, or doing away with. It's a stronger term than simply covering or forgiving; it implies a complete removal of the power and legal standing of sin through Christ's atoning work. This contrasts sharply with the Old Testament sacrifices which could only ceremonially cleanse but not truly abolish sin (Hebrews 10:4).

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 9:26 offers profound assurance and freedom. Because Jesus' sacrifice was "once" and for all, there is no need for repeated rituals or works to gain forgiveness. Our salvation rests entirely on His finished work. This truth liberates us from the burden of guilt and the endless cycle of trying to earn God's favor. It calls us to trust in Christ's complete and effective atonement, knowing that our sins have been truly "put away" by His perfect offering. This understanding should lead to a life of gratitude, worship, and confident access to God through our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:16).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 9:12 (11 votes)

    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].

  • 1 Peter 1:20 (11 votes)

    Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

  • Matthew 25:34 (9 votes)

    Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  • Hebrews 1:2 (8 votes)

    Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

  • 1 Peter 3:18 (8 votes)

    ¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

  • Hebrews 10:4 (7 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 7:27 (7 votes)

    Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.