Hebrews 9:22

According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Study Bible

According to the law
This phrase refers to the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites through Moses. The Greek word for "law" is "nomos," which encompasses the entire body of commandments and ordinances that governed the religious, moral, and social life of Israel. The law was a shadow of the good things to come, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. It established the principle that sin requires atonement, and this atonement is achieved through sacrifice.

in fact
The Greek word here is "kai," often translated as "and" or "indeed," emphasizing the certainty and universality of the statement that follows. It underscores the necessity and divine mandate of the sacrificial system under the Old Covenant, which was a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

nearly everything
This phrase indicates that while most things under the law required purification through blood, there were exceptions. The Greek word "schedon" means "almost" or "nearly," suggesting that blood was the primary means of purification, but not the exclusive one. This highlights the pervasive nature of sin and the need for cleansing in various aspects of life.

must be purified
The Greek word "katharizō" means to cleanse or purify. In the context of the Old Testament, purification was necessary to restore a person or object to a state of holiness, suitable for worship and service to God. This purification was a physical representation of the spiritual cleansing that would be fully realized through Christ's sacrifice.

with blood
Blood, in the biblical context, symbolizes life. The Hebrew word "dam" and the Greek "haima" both convey this idea. In the sacrificial system, the shedding of blood was essential because it represented the life given in exchange for sin. This foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins, fulfilling the requirements of the law once and for all.

and without the shedding of blood
This phrase reiterates the necessity of bloodshed for atonement. The Greek word "haimatekchysia" refers to the act of pouring out blood, emphasizing the sacrificial nature of atonement. It points to the seriousness of sin and the costliness of forgiveness, which required the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

there is no forgiveness
The Greek word "aphesis" means release or pardon. In the biblical sense, forgiveness is the act of God releasing sinners from the penalty of sin. This phrase underscores the central Christian doctrine that forgiveness is not possible without a sacrificial substitute. It highlights the grace and mercy of God, who provided His Son as the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the law and granting eternal forgiveness to all who believe.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, which included various sacrificial systems and rituals for purification and atonement.

2. The Tabernacle
The portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where sacrifices were made according to the Law.

3. The High Priest
The chief religious leader in Israel who performed sacrifices and entered the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer blood for the sins of the people.

4. Jesus Christ
The ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins, fulfilling the requirements of the Law.

5. The Israelites
The chosen people of God who were given the Law and the sacrificial system as a means to maintain a covenant relationship with God.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness
The shedding of blood is a divine requirement for the forgiveness of sins, as established in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Christ.

The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ
Jesus' sacrifice is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system, rendering the old covenant rituals obsolete and establishing a new covenant.

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin is a grave matter that requires a significant atonement, underscoring the need for a savior and the depth of God's grace.

The Assurance of Forgiveness
Believers can have confidence in the complete forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ, leading to a life of gratitude and obedience.

Living in the New Covenant
Christians are called to live in the reality of the new covenant, embracing the freedom and responsibility it brings.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement of blood for forgiveness in the Old Testament sacrificial system point to the necessity of Christ's sacrifice?

2. In what ways does understanding the seriousness of sin and the cost of forgiveness impact your daily walk with God?

3. How can the assurance of forgiveness through Christ's blood influence your relationships with others, especially in terms of forgiveness and reconciliation?

4. What are some practical ways you can live out the reality of the new covenant in your life today?

5. How do the connections between Hebrews 9:22 and other scriptures deepen your understanding of the significance of Jesus' sacrifice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 17:11
This verse explains the significance of blood in atonement, stating that the life of the flesh is in the blood, and it is given on the altar to make atonement for souls.

Matthew 26:28
Jesus speaks of His blood as the blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins, directly connecting His sacrifice to the concept of atonement.

1 John 1:7
This verse highlights the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, emphasizing that it purifies us from all sin.

Romans 3:25
Paul discusses Jesus as a propitiation by His blood, received by faith, demonstrating God's righteousness and the forgiveness of sins.