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Hebrews 10:15

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[Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

Whereof {G1161} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} also {G2532} is a witness {G3140} to us {G2254}: for {G1063} after {G3326} that he had said before {G4280},

And the Ruach HaKodesh too bears witness to us; for after saying,

The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says:

And the Holy Spirit also beareth witness to us; for after he hath said,

Commentary

Context of Hebrews 10:15

Hebrews 10:15 serves as a pivotal transition within the author's extended argument concerning the superiority of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ's perfect sacrifice over the old Mosaic covenant. The preceding verses (Hebrews 10:1-14) meticulously detail how Christ's single offering has forever sanctified believers, rendering the repetitive sacrifices of the Old Testament obsolete. This particular verse introduces the Holy Spirit as a divine witness, validating the claims made about this new, permanent arrangement. The phrase "for after that he had said before" signals the imminent quotation of Old Testament prophecy, specifically from Jeremiah 31:33-34, which the author uses to underscore the covenant's divine origin and nature. This method of building arguments upon fulfilled prophecy was a common and powerful rhetorical tool in early Christian teaching, especially to a Jewish audience familiar with the scriptures.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Endorsement of the New Covenant: The verse emphasizes that the new covenant is not merely a human concept but is divinely ratified. The active testimony of the Holy Ghost as a witness underscores its authenticity and authority.
  • The Holy Spirit's Role in Revelation: It highlights the Holy Spirit's crucial function in bearing witness to God's truth and confirming His promises to humanity. This witness brings assurance and certainty to believers.
  • Continuity and Fulfillment of Prophecy: By quoting Jeremiah, the author demonstrates that the new covenant was not an afterthought but was prophesied centuries earlier, indicating God's consistent plan of salvation throughout history. This provides a strong foundation for the Christian faith, linking it firmly to the heritage of God's people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Whereof" (Greek: hothen, ὅθεν) acts as a strong connective, meaning "from which" or "wherefore." It links the Holy Spirit's testimony directly back to the efficacy and finality of Christ's sacrifice mentioned in the preceding verses, especially Hebrews 10:14. The term "witness" (Greek: marturei, μαρτυρεῖ) signifies to testify, to bear witness, or to give evidence. In a legal context, a witness provides crucial, confirming testimony. Here, the Holy Spirit provides incontrovertible divine testimony to the truth of the new covenant and the finished work of Christ.

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 10:15 offers profound comfort and assurance. It reminds us that the promises of God's new covenant are not just words but are affirmed by the very Spirit of God. This means:

  • Assurance of Salvation: The Holy Spirit's witness confirms that our sins are truly forgiven and that we have a permanent standing before God through Christ's sacrifice. This provides peace and confidence, as highlighted in Romans 8:16.
  • Reliance on God's Word: The fact that the Holy Spirit testifies through Old Testament scripture reinforces the reliability and divine inspiration of the Bible. We can trust God's promises because they are eternally true and Spirit-attested.
  • Empowerment for Living: Understanding that the Holy Spirit is an active witness in our lives empowers us to live according to the principles of the new covenant, knowing that God is at work within us to fulfill His purposes.
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 (May 20, 2025) 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 3:7 (5 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

  • Acts 28:25 (3 votes)

    And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

  • John 15:26 (3 votes)

    But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

  • 2 Peter 1:21 (3 votes)

    For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

  • Revelation 3:6 (3 votes)

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

  • Revelation 2:11 (3 votes)

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

  • 2 Samuel 23:2 (2 votes)

    The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.