Hebrews 9:28

KJV

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3779} Christ {G5547} was once {G530} offered {G4374} to {G1519} bear {G399} the sins {G266} of many {G4183}; and unto them that look {G553} for him {G846} shall he appear {G3700}{G1537} the second time {G1208} without {G5565} sin {G266} unto {G1519} salvation {G4991}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to deliver those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Berean Standard Bible

so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

American Standard Version

so Christ also, having been once offered to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time, apart from sin, to them that wait for him, unto salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 9:28 succinctly encapsulates the profound theological truth of Christ's singular, all-sufficient sacrifice for sin and the certain hope of His glorious second advent. It declares that Christ, having been offered "once for all" to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin again, but to bring full and final salvation to those who eagerly await His return. This verse serves as a powerful conclusion to the author's argument for the superiority and finality of the New Covenant established through Christ's perfect work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the climactic conclusion to a lengthy and intricate argument in Hebrews 9 concerning the superiority of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice over the Old Covenant system. The author meticulously details the limitations of the Mosaic Law's rituals, particularly the annual Day of Atonement, where the high priest entered the Most Holy Place with animal blood ([Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - The High Priest's Annual Entry")). This repetitive ritual underscored the temporary and incomplete nature of the Old Covenant's atonement ([Hebrews 9:25](/hebrews/9-25 "Hebrews 9:25 - Repeated Sacrifices")). In stark contrast, Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary "once for all" with His own blood, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Single Entry")). Verse 28 directly parallels the universal human experience of death and judgment described in [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed Death and Judgment"), presenting Christ's singular sacrifice and future return as the divine answer to humanity's predicament.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were likely facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism, with its familiar temple rituals and sacrificial system. The author's detailed exposition of the Old Testament tabernacle, priesthood, and sacrifices (as seen in [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1-10 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - The Earthly Sanctuary")) demonstrates a deep understanding of Jewish traditions and aims to show that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment and superior reality to all these shadows. The concept of "sin-bearing" would resonate deeply with the audience, recalling the scapegoat ritual on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:20-22](/leviticus/16-20-22 "Leviticus 16:20-22 - The Scapegoat Ritual")) and the prophetic suffering servant of Isaiah ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")). The expectation of a Messiah's return was also a well-established Jewish hope, though its nature was often misunderstood.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Hebrews. Foremost is the **Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice**, emphasizing its singular, definitive nature ("once offered") in contrast to the repeated, insufficient animal sacrifices. Closely related is the theme of **Atonement and Sin-Bearing**, highlighting Christ's substitutionary work in taking the burden and penalty of "the sins of many." The verse also introduces and reinforces the **Certainty of the Second Coming**, a foundational aspect of Christian eschatology, presenting it not as a repeat of the first coming's sin-dealing purpose, but as the consummation of salvation. Finally, it underscores the **Believer's Posture of Expectation**, calling those who have received Christ's first work to live in eager anticipation of His glorious return, which will bring ultimate redemption and glorification.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Once (Greek, _hápax'_):** This adverb (G530) signifies "one (or a single) time" or "once for all." Its use here is crucial, emphasizing the absolute finality and completeness of Christ's atoning sacrifice. Unlike the endless, repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant system, Christ's offering was a singular, decisive event that perfectly accomplished its purpose, requiring no repetition.
* **Offered (Greek, _anaphérō'_):** Derived from `an` (up) and `pherō` (to carry), this verb (G399) means "to take up," "to carry up," or "to offer up." In the context of sacrifice, it denotes the act of bringing an offering to God. When applied to Christ, it signifies His voluntary presentation of Himself as the perfect sacrifice, bearing the weight and consequence of human sin upon Himself and offering it to God as a propitiation.
* **Look for (Greek, _apekdéchomai'_):** This compound verb (G553) means "to expect fully," "to wait eagerly," or "to await with patient endurance." It describes the active, hopeful, and patient anticipation of believers for Christ's return. It implies a readiness and a longing, contrasting with passive waiting, and highlights the spiritual posture of those who have embraced His first coming and now long for His second.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;":** This clause establishes the foundational truth of Christ's finished work. The "So" (G3779, _hoútō_) connects this truth to the preceding statement about humanity's appointed death and judgment, presenting Christ's experience as the divine parallel and solution. "Once offered" (G530, _hápax_, G4374, _prosphérō_) stresses the uniqueness and finality of His sacrifice, distinguishing it from the ceaseless Old Covenant offerings. To "bear the sins" (G399, _anaphérō_, G266, _hamartía_) signifies Christ's substitutionary atonement, taking the guilt, penalty, and power of sin upon Himself, thereby removing its condemnation from those for whom He died. The "many" (G4183, _polýs_) refers to all who would believe, encompassing a vast multitude, not excluding anyone who comes to Him by faith.
* **"and unto them that look for him":** This phrase identifies the specific beneficiaries of Christ's second coming. It's not a universal appearance to all, but a revelatory manifestation to those who are actively "looking for him" (G553, _apekdéchomai_). This "looking" implies a posture of faith, hope, and eager expectation, signifying a redeemed people who have already received His first saving work and now anticipate the consummation of their salvation.
* **"shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.":** This final clause declares the certainty and purpose of Christ's glorious return. "Shall he appear" (G3700, _optánomai_) denotes a visible, manifest appearance. "The second time" (G1208, _deúteros_) clearly distinguishes this future event from His first advent. Crucially, "without sin" (G5565, _chōrís_, G266, _hamartía_) emphasizes that His return is not to deal with sin again, as His atoning work is complete. He will not come as a sin-offering or to address the problem of sin, but rather "unto salvation" (G1519, _eis_, G4991, _sōtēría_). This signifies the full and final deliverance, glorification, and eternal redemption of His people, bringing them into the perfected state of eternal fellowship with God.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices to convey his profound theological message. **Contrast** is paramount, juxtaposing the repeated, imperfect sacrifices of the Old Covenant with Christ's singular, perfect offering. This contrast is explicitly stated with "once offered" versus the implied repetition of the high priest's annual entry, and further extended to the two comings of Christ (first to deal with sin, second "without sin unto salvation"). There is also a powerful **Parallelism** drawn between the universal human experience of death and judgment ([Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed Death and Judgment")) and Christ's parallel, yet redemptive, experience of being "once offered" and then appearing "the second time." The phrase "without sin" functions as a powerful **Emphasis** and **Antithesis**, highlighting the complete and final nature of Christ's atonement, ensuring that His return is solely for the purpose of bringing salvation to its glorious culmination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 9:28 is a theological cornerstone, affirming the absolute sufficiency and finality of Christ's atoning work on the cross. It declares that the sin problem, which plagued humanity and necessitated endless animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant, has been definitively solved by Christ's singular offering. This verse anchors Christian hope in the certainty of Christ's return, not as another sin-bearer, but as the one who will consummate the salvation He secured. It underscores the concept of substitutionary atonement, where Christ bore the penalty for "the sins of many," and points to the glorious future where believers will experience full redemption and glorification, free from the presence and power of sin.

* [Romans 6:10](/romans/6-10 "Romans 6:10 - Christ Died Once for All")
* [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship and Christ's Return")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 9:28 offers profound assurance and a compelling call to live with purposeful expectation. For the believer, the truth that "Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many" provides an unshakable foundation for salvation. Our redemption is not based on our ongoing efforts or repeated rituals, but on the finished, perfect work of Jesus Christ. This should lead to deep gratitude and a settled peace concerning our standing before God. Furthermore, the promise that He "shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation" transforms our future outlook. It means our ultimate hope is not in earthly circumstances, but in the glorious return of our Savior, who will bring us into full and eternal salvation. This anticipation should motivate us to live lives that reflect our hope, marked by purity, perseverance, and a longing for His appearing, knowing that our full redemption is drawing near.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "once for all" nature of Christ's sacrifice impact your understanding of your own salvation and security in Him?**
* **What does it mean practically to "look for" Christ's second coming in your daily life?**
* **How does the truth that Christ will return "without sin" encourage you concerning the ultimate victory over sin and evil?**
* **In what ways does this verse shift your focus from past struggles or present anxieties to future hope and glorification?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "once offered" in relation to Christ's sacrifice?**

Answer: The phrase "once offered" (Greek: _hápax_) is profoundly significant because it highlights the absolute finality, uniqueness, and complete sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Unlike the Old Covenant sacrifices, which had to be repeated continually because they could not truly take away sin ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")), Christ's single offering of Himself was perfect and fully accomplished the work of atonement. It means His work on the cross never needs to be repeated, and it provides eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

**Why will Christ appear "without sin" the second time?**

Answer: Christ will appear "without sin" at His second coming because His first coming fully dealt with the problem of sin. He came as the sin-offering, bearing the sins of many upon Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). Since His atoning work is complete and perfect, there is no need for Him to return to deal with sin again. His second coming will be for the purpose of bringing full and final salvation, glorification, and judgment, not for another sacrifice. This emphasizes the efficacy and finality of His first work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 9:28 is a powerful Christ-centered declaration, revealing the Lord Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. His "once offered" sacrifice directly fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system, which merely foreshadowed His perfect atonement. Unlike the Levitical priests who repeatedly offered animal blood, Christ, as our great High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). This singular act of bearing "the sins of many" points directly to His substitutionary death on the cross, where He became sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). Furthermore, the promise of His second coming "without sin unto salvation" completes the Christ-centered narrative. His return will not be another act of atonement, but the glorious consummation of the salvation He already secured, bringing His redeemed people into their full inheritance and glorification, just as He promised He would come again to take His own to be with Him ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises His Return")). This verse thus beautifully encapsulates Christ's past redemptive work, His present heavenly intercession, and His future glorious return, all centered on His finished work for our salvation.

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

Titus 2:13

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Romans 6:10

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Isaiah 25:9

¶ And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Romans 8:23

And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.