THE EPISTLE OF THE
1APOSTLE PAUL
TO THE
2H E B R E W S

Hebrews 10

1The sacrifices of the law, being often repeated, could not take away sins. 5The abolition of them, and substitution of Christ's body in their stead, foretold by the Psalmist: 10by the offering of which body once for all we obtain perfect remission. 19An exhortation to stedfastness in the faith, and to love and good works. 26The danger of a wilful relapse after having received the knowledge of the truth; 32and of forfeiting the reward of a good beginning for want of perseverance.


1FORa1the law having 2a shadow of good things 3to come, and not 4the very image of the things, can never with 5those sacrifices which they offered year by year 6continually make the comers 7thereunto 8perfect.

a Col. 2:17; Heb. 8:5.

1 Namely, of the ceremonies under the Old Testament.

2 That is, a rough draft, as painters use first roughly to make out or delineate with certain lines and shadows a picture, which they intend to perfect afterward.

3 That is, of the spiritual and heavenly things, which would be procured and imparted to us in the New Testament, that is, of Christ Himself and His benefits.

4 Some hereby understand the perfect way of the outward worship of God, which God would institute by Christ in the New Testament, which differed from the institution of the Old Testament as a shadow or first draft of the perfect image of anything; as they are also therefore called the first principles or elements and the alphabet of the world, Gal. 4:3, 9. But seeing the apostle makes nowhere any contrast between the outward worship of God of the Old and of the New Testament in this and in the previous chapter, but only between the shadows of the Old Testament and Christ Himself with His sacrifice and benefits which He has procured for us, therefore others by these words the very image understand more suitably the thing signified itself, or the pattern according to which these shadows were held forth, even as we are said to be created after God’s image or likeness. Which sense the words adjoined the very image of the things also require, that is, the things themselves in their full proportion or shape, even as they ought and should be.

5 That is, of the same kind, or of one and the same condition and nature.

6 Gr. in continuance, or, perpetuity; that is, without omission, as long as this priesthood and this law was to endure.

7 Or, go unto God. Namely, with their sacrifices.

8 Or, sanctified. Namely, according to the conscience, by the taking away of sin, and the guilt of sin, as is previously declared in Heb. 9:9.

29For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had 10no more conscience of sins.

9 Others read, Would they not otherwise have ceased? by way of question, but the sense comes all to one.

10 That is, be no more conscious of sin, or, would have no accusation of the conscience about sin; and would no more acknowledge themselves guilty of any guilt of sin, seeing they would at once be purged or delivered from it.

3But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance 11again made of sins every year.

11 Namely, not only of the sins which were done that year, but of all the sins that were committed before. See Lev. 16:21.

4Forbit is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away 12sins.

b Lev. 16:14; Num. 19:4; Heb. 9:13.

12 Namely, by its own worth and virtue, forasmuch as that is but a corporal and transitory thing, whereas sin is a spiritual evil, and has its place chiefly in the soul, which is immortal.

513Wherefore when he 14cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrificec and offering 15thou wouldest not, but 16a body hast thou prepared me:

13 Namely, Christ, the High Priest of good things to come, in Whose Name David speaks in this psalm, and of Whose coming he prophesies, as Paul here testifies, and the thing itself shows.

14 Namely, when He assumed the human nature, and united it in one Person with Himself, as in Heb. 1:6; 9:11.

c Psalm 40:6; Isa. 1:11; Jer. 6:20; Amos 5:21.

15 Namely, to accept it for a reconciliation and satisfaction for sin, as the Jews imagined; otherwise God willed it also to be used for the faithful of the Old Testament, as types and sacramental signs, which directed them to the future satisfaction of the sacrifice of Christ; but that also no longer than until the sacrifice itself would now be accomplished, when as these shadows must cease, as is proved in this and other places.

16 The Hebrew text, Psalm 40:6, says, mine ears thou hast opened. But here the apostle follows the Greek translation, as almost everywhere in this epistle, seeing the same sense is contained in both. For, the words mine ears thou hast opened signify that Christ, now becoming Man, surrenders Himself to be a willing servant of His Father to obey Him unto the death of the cross. It is a similitude taken from the servants of the Hebrews, who, after that they had served their masters six years and would not depart out of their master’s service the seventh year, but abide in it continually until death, whereof their ear, for a testimony, was pierced through on the post of the door, as may be seen, Exod. 21:6. Even so then also God the Father is here said, to have prepared Christ a body, because Christ, having received of His Father the human nature out of the flesh and blood of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, here surrenders the same unto the service of His Father, to serve Him willingly in all things, even unto death, to be a sacrifice of reconciliation for our sins. It is therefore as much as if He did say: Thou hast given Me a body, that is willing and ready in Thy service even unto death.

6In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

7Then said I, Lo, I come (in 17the volume of the book it is written of me,) 18to do thy will, O God.

17 Gr. in the head, or, in the roll of the book, namely, of Thy law. For, the book of the law was wont with the ancients to be written in a roll, as maps are with us, and as the Jews still have them in their synagogues. Now there are many places in the book of the law which testified of the coming of Christ, yea, even in the beginning of the book, when God promised the Seed of the woman, Which would tread upon Satan’s head, Gen. 3:15.

18 That is, to be obedient to Thee unto the death of the cross for the reconciliation of all believers.

8Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. 19He taketh away the first, that he 20may establish the second.

19 Namely, all kinds of offerings of atonement, which were used in the Old Testament.

20 Namely, His obedience under the will of His Father.

1021By the which will 22we are sanctified 23throughd the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

21 That is, by the obedience of which will; as Rom. 5:19.

22 That is, have all that is needful to our perfect sanctification, namely, forgiveness of sins, renewal of the spirit, and eternal salvation.

23 That is, which will of God consisted therein also, that Christ would give up His body on the cross for a reconciliatory sacrifice for our sins, Philip. 2:8.

d Heb. 9:12.

11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes 24the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

24 That is, of the same kind and nature.

12But this man, after he had 25offered one sacrifice for sins 26for ever, sate down on the right hand of God;

25 Namely, on the wood of the cross.

26 This word forever is by some joined to the words had offered, but the first conjoining is the most proper.

e Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34; 1 Cor. 15:25; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:13.

1327From henceforth expectingf till his enemies be made his footstool.

27 That is, in this His Kingly and Priestly office, as He now administers it, as Mediator persevering so long, and continually attending to the execution of the same, until by His mediation and His Father’s power, all the enemies of our salvation and at last death also, shall be abolished, when He shall lay down this form of governing, and remain all in all with the Father and the Holy Spirit. See 1 Cor. 15:24, etc.

f waiting*

14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever 28them that are sanctified.

28 That is, those who by His Word and Spirit believe in Him and are regenerated. Hereby is made a definition of those who are perfected by Christ’s sacrifice. For, although His sacrifice in itself is sufficient for all men, nevertheless it perfects no man but those who are sanctified by Him.

15Whereof 29the Holy Ghost also is a 30witness to us: for after that he had said before,

29 Namely, in His Word, and especially in the form of the new covenant which He has made with us, Jeremiah 31. From which appears then that the Holy Spirit is the true God, and a distinct Person in the Divine Essence.

30 Namely, that which he said in the previous verse. For, although in the form of the New Testament, Jeremiah 31, there is no mention made of sacrifice, nevertheless, seeing perfect remission of sins is there promised and the apostle had proved thus far that the death of the testator must come between so that the New Testament might be firm and he had proved this also out of the 40th Psalm, he concludes therefore beyond all contradiction that this must be accomplished in the new covenant by this one sacrifice. Thus then the apostle here teaches us to compare the Scripture with itself, to make firm conclusions in matters of faith.

16Thisgis the covenant that I will make with them after those days, 31saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

g Jer. 31:31, 32, 33, 34; Rom. 11:27; Heb. 8:8.

31 That is, thus saith the Lord. Which words may here be taken for Paul’s words, although similar ones are also in the prophets. Otherwise there would something be lacking in the beginning of the following verse, to fill up Paul’s conclusion, namely, thus saith he, or the like, which some copies have also set before the 17th verse, because they took these words, saith the Lord, for the words of the prophet.

17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

18Now where remission of these is, there is 32no more offering for sin.

32 Namely, of reconciliation; but only sacrifices of thankfulness, which are required of us in the New Testament. See Rom. 12:1; Heb. 13:15; 1 Peter 2:5.

1933Having therefore, brethren, boldness 34to enterh into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

33 Here the apostle begins the second part of this epistle, namely, the exhortations to the indebted duties of believers. And exhorts them in the remaining part of this chapter unto boldness in the faith, unto steadfastness in profession, and unto patience in tribulations.

34 Gr. unto the entrance of the sanctuary, that is, to go by faith, hope and prayers directly unto God in heaven, Rom. 5:2; Eph. 3:12.

h John 10:9; 14:6; Rom. 5:2; Eph. 2:13; 3:12.

20By a 35new and 36living 37way, which he hath 38consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, 39his flesh;

35 The Greek word properly signifies what is freshly slain; which he refers to the sacrifice of Christ, which was newly slain and always remains in full force.

36 That is, quickening, as John 6:51, for Christ’s death is our life.

37 Such he calls Christ offered for us, because through Him and His merits we have access unto God. See John 14:6.

38 Or, newly prepared, or set forth. See Heb. 9:18.

39 That is, His human nature, by which His Divine nature was covered, as was by the veil the ark of the covenant and the mercyseat, with the Holy of Holies in its entirety.

21And having an high priest 40over the house of God;

40 That is, the entire congregation of God. See Heb. 3:6.

22Let us draw near with a 41true heart in full assurance of faith, having 42our hearts 43sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our 44bodies washed 45withi pure water.

41 That is, an unfeigned, upright mind.

42 That is, our souls, or thoughts, will and affections.

43 Or, cleansed, that is, being purified and freed from an evil conscience by the sprinkling of the blood of Christ. See Heb. 9:14.

44 That is, our outward actions or works which are done by the body.

45 That is, by the operation of the Spirit of Christ, which is everywhere set forth by pure water. See Ezek. 36:25; 1 John 5:6.

i Ezek. 36:25.

23Let us 46hold fast the profession of our 47faith without wavering; (for he is 48faithful that promised;)

46 That is, retain steadfastly, without turning from it, or being distracted from it.

47 Namely, which is in us, 1 Peter 3:15.

48 Namely, in accomplishing of what He has promised.

24And let us 49consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

49 Or, observe one another.

25Not forsaking 50the assembling of ourselves together, as 51the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

50 Namely, in the christian assemblies, which are established for the hearing of God’s Word, public prayers, and use of the holy sacraments. See Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:20, etc.

51 Namely, they who fall away from the truth, either for fear of the Jews, or also through negligence, or out of a great opinion of themselves, or for other causes grow remiss herein. See Mat. 18:20.

26Forj if we sin 52wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth 53no more sacrifice for sins,

j Num. 15:30; Mat. 12:31; Heb. 6:4; 2 Peter 2:20; 1 John 5:16.

52 That is, willfully fall away from this faith, which the apostle has here described, as hereafter, in verse 29, this sin is declared in more detail, which the apostle, also in Heb. 6:6, has called a falling away. He does not here speak then of every kind of sin or falling away, but of that sin which Christ calls the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, Mat. 12:32, and of the sin unto death, whereof John speaks, 1 John 5:16, as appears by the following properties which are mentioned hereafter.

53 Namely, seeing such persons willfully reject and despise the only Sacrifice of the New Testament, namely, the Lord Jesus and His merit. The apostle Paul seems also here to allude to the place, Num. 15:30, 31, where, even according to the law itself, no sacrifice of reconciliation was permitted for those who sinned with an high hand, and reproached the Lord, but must without mercy be rooted out from among the people.

27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour 54the adversaries.

54 That is, the enemies of God’s truth, and persecutors of the same.

28He that 55despised Moses’ law died without mercy underk two or three witnesses:

55 That is, rejected, forsaken, denied or apostatized from it, as is declared in Deut. 13:5, 6, 7; 17:2. For, although there were more willful sins, which were punished with death, nevertheless the apostle especially respects this sin of willful apostasy, as the Greek word athetein, that is, abrogate, or, make void, and the comparison with the following verse requires.

k Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6; 19:15; Mat. 18:16; John 8:17; 2 Cor. 13:1.

29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath 56trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted 57the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was 58sanctified, 59an unholy thing, and hath done despitel unto 60the Spirit of grace?

56 That is, has willfully despised and rejected. For, that which a man tramples upon, they use with much contempt and rejection.

57 That is, the blood of Jesus Christ, by which the New Testament is confirmed. Mat. 26:28.

58 Namely, outwardly, in regard of his previous profession or confession, concerning the hearing of God’s Divine Word, the use of the Holy sacraments, and separation from other common men, namely, Jews and Gentiles. Although such a person was not partaker of true regeneration, as John testifies, 1 John 2:19, and as such still, 2 Peter 2:22, are nevertheless called dogs and swine, even though they were washed from their outward filth and had left the impurity of idolatry, and any other unholiness.

59 Gr. common; that is, profane, unholy, as Mark 7:2; Acts 10:14. For, what a man rejects or denies, that he accounts unclean or unholy in matters of religion.

l contempt

60 That is, the Holy Spirit, Who began to work in them some taste of God’s grace, for which they also rejoiced for a while. See hereof more in detail in Heb. 6:5.

30For we know him 61that hath said, Vengeancembelongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, Then Lord shall judge his people.

61 Namely, Deut. 32:35, 36, where the Lord promises that He will avenge His people upon their enemies, and judge, that is, judge and defend them against all persecutors and oppressors. Here it is to be observed that the apostle alters and amends the words of the Greek translators, according to the Hebrew Text.

m Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19.

n Deut. 32:36.

31It is a fearful thing 62to fall into the hands of the living God.

62 Namely, when He takes vengeance upon His enemies. Otherwise it is better to fall into the hands of God than of men, when He graciously chastises His own, 2 Sam. 24:14.

32But call to remembrance the former days, in which, 63after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

63 Namely, first, when you became believers, and by baptism were engrafted into the congregation of Christ. How much more than, he wants to say, must you be steadfast, and armed against all tribulations, now after that you have long professed Christ and served Him.

33Partly, whilst ye were made 64a gazingstocko both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became 65companions of them that were so used.

64 This may be taken either properly, seeing the Christians were sometimes cast before beasts in public shows, 1 Cor. 15:32, or by a similitude, because publicly they were shamefully made a spectacle and evilly entreated in the synagogues and judgment halls, as Christ foretells in Luke 12:11 and 21:12, and Paul speaks concerning himself and other apostles, 1 Cor. 4:9.

o something to stare at in wonder

65 That is, had compassion, and afforded all brotherly assistance.

34For ye had compassion of me 66in myp bonds, and took 67joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing 68in yourselves that ye have in heaven aq better and an enduring substance.

66 Namely, when I was fallen upon and apprehended at Jerusalem, and was necessitated to appeal unto the emperor to escape the violence of the Jews; when doubtless the believing Jews had great compassion on Paul, and afforded him all help. See Acts 21:33.

p Acts 21:33.

67 Namely, according to the exhortation and promise of Christ, Mat. 5:11, 12, and according to the example of the apostles; Acts 5:41. See also 1 Thes. 2:14.

68 That is, in the hope which is in you.

q Mat. 5:12.

35Cast not away therefore 69your confidence, which hath great 70recompence of reward.

69 That is, your bold confession, springing forth from the boldness of faith and hope in God, as is expressed previously in verse 23. Or, your confidence.

70 Namely, of grace, and for Christ’s sake. See Rom. 11:35; Col. 3:24; Heb. 13:21.

36Forr ye have need of 71patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive 72the promise.

r Luke 21:19.

71 That is, steadfastness and patient expectation of the fulfillment of God’s promise, as the proof, which the apostle here relates out of the text in Habakkuk, requires.

72 The thing promised or inheritance. See Gal. 3:22.

37Fors73yet a little while, and 74he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

s Hab. 2:3; Hag. 2:7; 1 Peter 1:6; 5:10.

73 Namely, there is left. These words are taken out of Hab. 2:3; Hag. 2:6, which the apostle does not produce word for word, but relates the sense of them, and applies them to his purpose.

74 Namely, the Messiah, Christ.

38Nowt the just 75shall live by faith: but 76if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

t Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11.

75 See further of this translation on Rom. 1:17.

76 Namely, from this faith and patient expectation, through apostasy, or denial of Christ and His truth.

3977But we are not 78of them who draw back unto perdition; but 79of them that believe to the 80saving 81of the soul.

77 Hereby the apostle mollifies the previous threat, namely, that he has not such an opinion of them, although he speaks as such, as he also did heretofore in the same warning in Heb. 6:9.

78 Gr. of the withdrawing.

79 Gr. of faith.

80 Gr. obtaining, purchasing.

81 That is, of the salvation of the soul, as Christ also speaks in Mat. 10:39.