Hebrews 9:27

KJV

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} as {G2596}{G3745} it is appointed {G606} unto men {G444} once {G530} to die {G599}, but {G1161} after {G3326} this {G5124} the judgment {G2920}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Just as human beings have to die once, but after this comes judgment,

Berean Standard Bible

Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,

American Standard Version

And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 9:27 presents a profound and universal truth regarding the human condition: a divinely appointed, singular death followed by an equally certain and singular judgment. This concise declaration serves as a foundational theological statement, underscoring the finality of earthly life and the inevitability of divine accountability, thereby providing a crucial backdrop for understanding the unique efficacy of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the author's intricate theological argument in Hebrews, which meticulously contrasts the Old Covenant's temporary and repeated sacrificial system with the New Covenant's superior and definitive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Immediately preceding Hebrews 9:27, the author explains that Christ's appearance was "once in the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). The parallel drawn in Hebrews 9:27 between Christ's singular, decisive act of atonement and humanity's singular, decisive encounter with death and judgment serves to emphasize the finality and sufficiency of Christ's work. It reinforces the idea that just as Christ's sacrifice was not a repeated event, neither is human life or the ultimate reckoning. The subsequent verse, [Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Second Coming"), then completes the parallel by discussing Christ's second coming for salvation, further linking human destiny to Christ's redemptive work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the Book of Hebrews, likely Jewish Christians, would have been deeply familiar with the Old Testament sacrificial system and the Levitical priesthood. They understood the daily and annual rituals, including the Day of Atonement, which continually reminded them of sin and the need for repeated sacrifices. Against this backdrop, the author's argument for the superiority of Christ's "once for all" sacrifice would have been revolutionary. Culturally, the concept of death followed by judgment was deeply ingrained in Jewish thought, stemming from passages like [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection and Judgment") and the broader prophetic tradition. While some Hellenistic philosophies might have entertained ideas of reincarnation or a less definitive afterlife, the biblical worldview consistently presented death as a singular transition to a state of divine accountability. The author is affirming this established truth while simultaneously elevating Christ's role within it.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 9:27 contributes significantly to several major themes in the Book of Hebrews and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **finality and singularity**, emphasizing that both Christ's redemptive work and humanity's earthly existence are singular, decisive events. This contrasts sharply with the repeated rituals of the Old Covenant, highlighting the New Covenant's definitive nature. Another key theme is **divine appointment and sovereignty**, as death is presented not as a random occurrence but as a fixed, divinely ordained decree for all humanity, echoing the consequences of the Fall found in [Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "Genesis 3:19 - The Curse and Return to Dust"). Finally, the verse powerfully introduces the theme of **universal accountability and judgment**, asserting that physical death is not annihilation but a transition to a state where every individual will face a divine reckoning, a concept consistent with prophetic warnings and the eschatological teachings of Jesus, such as those in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **appointed (Greek, _apókeimai'_):** This word (G606) means "to be reserved" or "to await." It conveys the sense of something being laid up or destined for a specific purpose or time. In this context, it emphasizes that death is not an accident or a random event, but a fixed, divinely ordained decree from which no human being can escape. It highlights the pre-ordained nature of this universal human experience.
* **once (Greek, _hápax'_):** This term (G530) signifies "one (or a single) time," numerically or conclusively. Its inclusion here is crucial, underscoring the finality of physical death for each individual. It directly refutes any concept of reincarnation or multiple earthly lives, asserting that for every person, there is only one physical death, making the subsequent judgment a singular and decisive event.
* **judgment (Greek, _krísis'_):** This word (G2920) denotes a "decision," "judgment," or "condemnation." It refers to a definitive divine reckoning or verdict. It signifies that physical death is not the end of existence, but rather a transition to a state of divine accountability where every individual will stand before God to give an account of their life, leading to a conclusive determination of their eternal destiny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as it is appointed unto men once to die":** This clause establishes the universal and inescapable reality of human mortality. The phrase "appointed unto men" indicates a divine decree, a fixed and certain destiny for all humanity. The word "once" emphasizes the singularity and finality of this event; each person experiences physical death only a single time, making it a definitive transition. This divine appointment underscores the brevity and preciousness of earthly life.
* **"but after this the judgment":** This second clause reveals the profound consequence that immediately follows physical death. The conjunction "but" introduces a pivotal and unavoidable truth: death is not the end, but the precursor to divine accountability. The term "judgment" signifies a decisive divine reckoning, where every individual will face God to account for their life, actions, and relationship with their Creator. This highlights the seriousness of life and the eternal implications of one's choices.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several powerful **literary devices** in this concise verse. Most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of antithetical or contrasting parallelism, where the singular event of "death" is juxtaposed with the singular event of "judgment." This structure emphasizes the direct and immediate consequence of one upon the other, creating a sense of inevitability and divine order. The phrase "appointed unto men" utilizes **Divine Passive**, implying God as the agent of this appointment without explicitly naming Him, thereby attributing the certainty of death and judgment to divine sovereignty. Furthermore, the use of the word "once" (hápax) serves as a device of **Emphasis**, highlighting the unique and non-repeatable nature of both death and the subsequent judgment, which is crucial for the author's broader argument about Christ's "once-for-all" sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 9:27 connects profoundly with the overarching biblical narrative of human sin, divine justice, and the necessity of redemption. It affirms the universal impact of the Fall, where death entered the world as a consequence of sin ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam")). Yet, it also immediately points beyond death to the ultimate divine reckoning, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and moral governance over all creation. This verse serves as a stark reminder of humanity's finite nature and infinite accountability, setting the stage for the unparalleled significance of Christ's atoning work as the only means by which one can stand righteous before a holy God in judgment. It underscores the urgency of responding to God's grace during one's earthly life, as death seals one's eternal destiny.

* [Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "Genesis 3:19 - The Curse and Return to Dust")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God's Impartial Judgment")
* [Revelation 20:12-13](/revelation/20-12-13 "Revelation 20:12-13 - The Great White Throne Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 9:27 serves as a profound call to sober reflection and urgent action. It strips away any illusions of immortality or endless chances, presenting the stark reality that life is finite and followed by an inescapable divine accounting. This truth should not evoke despair in the believer, but rather a profound sense of purpose and gratitude. For those who have placed their faith in Christ, the judgment is not one of condemnation, but of evaluation and reward, as their sin has already been dealt with by Christ's sacrifice. For those outside of Christ, it is a solemn warning, urging them to consider their eternal destiny and to seek reconciliation with God while there is still time. The verse compels us to live intentionally, to steward our lives wisely, to pursue holiness, and to share the good news of salvation with those who have yet to prepare for their ultimate appointment. It reminds us that every moment matters, and our choices today have eternal ramifications.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of death and judgment impact my daily priorities and decisions?**
* **In what ways am I actively preparing for my "appointment" with God?**
* **How does the "once to die, then the judgment" truth deepen my appreciation for Christ's "once for all" sacrifice?**
* **What responsibilities does this verse place upon me regarding sharing the Gospel with others?**

### FAQ
**Does "once to die" mean there is no reincarnation?**

Answer: Yes, the phrase "once to die" (Greek: _hápax_) directly refutes the concept of reincarnation or multiple earthly lives. The New Testament consistently presents death as a singular, definitive event for each individual, after which comes the judgment. There is no biblical basis for the idea that souls return to new bodies to live another life on earth. This verse emphasizes the finality of our earthly existence and the unique, unrepeatable nature of our opportunity to respond to God in this life.

**What kind of judgment is referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The "judgment" (Greek: _krísis_) referred to here is a universal divine reckoning that follows physical death for all humanity. While the specifics of this judgment differ for believers and unbelievers, it signifies an ultimate accounting before God. For believers in Christ, it often refers to the Bema Seat judgment, where their works are evaluated for rewards, though their salvation is secure ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Bema Seat Judgment")). For unbelievers, it refers to a judgment concerning their eternal destiny, often associated with the Great White Throne Judgment, where they are judged according to their deeds and their names not found in the Book of Life ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). In both cases, it is a definitive and final verdict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 9:27, while stating a universal truth about humanity's destiny, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the very next verse, [Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Second Coming"). Just as it is appointed for humans to die once and then face judgment, so too was Christ offered "once to bear the sins of many." This powerful parallel highlights Jesus' unique role as the substitute for humanity. He, the sinless Son of God, experienced death "once" on the cross, not for His own sin, but to atone for ours, thereby fulfilling the ultimate divine appointment. His resurrection conquered death, and His finished work on the cross means that for those who believe, the judgment they face is no longer one of condemnation for sin, but an evaluation of their lives lived in Christ ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Moreover, the verse foreshadows Christ's second coming, when He will appear "a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him" ([Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Second Coming")). Thus, the certainty of death and judgment for humanity is met by the certainty of Christ's singular, sufficient sacrifice and His promised return, offering salvation and eternal life to all who trust in Him as their only hope before a holy God.

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

2 Corinthians 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

Ecclesiastes 12:7

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

2 Samuel 14:14

For we must needs die, and [are] as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect [any] person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.

Acts 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

John 5:26

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

John 5:29

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.