Hebrews 9:20

Saying, This [is] the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

Saying {G3004}, This {G5124} is the blood {G129} of the testament {G1242} which {G3739} God {G2316} hath enjoined {G1781} unto {G4314} you {G5209}.

and he said, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has ordained for you.”

saying, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.”

saying, This is the blood of the covenant which God commanded to you-ward.

Commentary

Hebrews 9:20 is a pivotal verse in the book of Hebrews, which meticulously explains the superiority of Christ's sacrifice and the New Covenant over the Old Mosaic Covenant. This verse quotes the words spoken by Moses during the ratification of the Old Covenant, drawing a direct parallel to the ultimate establishment of the New Covenant through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse directly refers to the events described in Exodus 24:8, where Moses, after reading the Book of the Covenant to the people of Israel, sprinkled half of the sacrificial blood on the altar and the other half on the people, declaring, "This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you concerning all these words." The author of Hebrews uses this historical act to demonstrate that according to the Old Testament pattern, a covenant with God required a blood sacrifice for its inauguration and validity. This historical act serves as a foundational example for the argument that without shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Ratification: The primary theme is that covenants, especially those between God and humanity, are solemn agreements that require the shedding of blood for their establishment and effectiveness. The blood serves as the seal of the agreement, signifying life given for the covenant's terms.
  • Divine Authority: The phrase "which God hath enjoined unto you" emphasizes that this covenant was not a human invention but a divine command, underscoring its binding nature and sacred origin.
  • Preparation for the New Covenant: The Old Covenant, sealed with animal blood, was a temporary and symbolic arrangement. It served as a shadow, preparing the way for the superior and eternal New Covenant, which would be sealed with the perfect blood of Jesus Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The key Greek word in this verse is diatheke (διαθήκη), translated as "testament" in the King James Version. While diatheke can sometimes mean a "will" or "last testament" (as seen in Hebrews 9:16-17), in the context of Hebrews 9:20 and the broader discussion of the Old and New Covenants, it primarily refers to a solemn, binding agreement or a "covenant." This term highlights the formal and unbreakable nature of God's promises and agreements with humanity, which are unilaterally initiated by God and require a sacrificial act for their validation.

Practical Application

Understanding Hebrews 9:20 helps us grasp the profound significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Just as the Old Covenant was inaugurated with the blood of animals, so too was the New Covenant established by the precious blood of Christ. This means our salvation and relationship with God are not based on human effort or temporary rituals, but on a divinely initiated, blood-sealed agreement. His blood purifies our consciences and provides redemption and forgiveness of sins, offering eternal access to God. It reminds us that the foundation of our faith is a covenant ratified by the ultimate sacrifice, a testament to God's enduring love and faithfulness.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 26:28 (10 votes)

    For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

  • Exodus 24:8 (10 votes)

    And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled [it] on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

  • Hebrews 13:20 (4 votes)

    Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

  • Zechariah 9:11 (3 votes)

    As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein [is] no water.

  • Deuteronomy 29:12 (3 votes)

    That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day:

  • Joshua 9:6 (2 votes)

    And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.