King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:1 Mean?

Hebrews 10:1 in the King James Version says “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifice... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Hebrews 10:1 · KJV


Context

1

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

2

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

3

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The law had only 'a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things.' A shadow provides outline but no substance. The law pointed to realities fulfilled in Christ. The repetition of sacrifices 'continually year by year' proves they 'can never...make the comers thereunto perfect.' If they worked, the sacrifices would cease. Continuation proves inadequacy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Day of Atonement came every year (Leviticus 16), testifying that last year's sacrifice was insufficient. This endless cycle demonstrated the old covenant's inability to perfect consciences or remove sin definitively.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding OT sacrifices as shadows help you appreciate Christ's perfect sacrifice?
  2. What does Christ's single sacrifice accomplish that thousands of animal sacrifices could not?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
Σκιὰν1 of 29

a shadow

G4639

"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))

γὰρ2 of 29

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔχων3 of 29

having

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

4 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμος5 of 29

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

τῶν6 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μελλόντων7 of 29

to come

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἀγαθῶν8 of 29

of good things

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

οὐκ9 of 29

and not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

αὐταῖς10 of 29

the very

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὴν11 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰκόνα12 of 29

image

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

τῶν13 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πραγμάτων14 of 29

of the things

G4229

a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)

κατ'15 of 29

year by year

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἐνιαυτὸν16 of 29
G1763

a year

ταῖς17 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐταῖς18 of 29

the very

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

θυσίαις19 of 29

sacrifices

G2378

sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)

ἃς20 of 29

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

προσφέρουσιν21 of 29

they offered

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

εἰς22 of 29

continually

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ23 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διηνεκὲς24 of 29
G1336

carried through, i.e., (adverbially with g1519 and g3588 prefixed) perpetually

οὐδέποτε25 of 29

never

G3763

not even at any time, i.e., never at all

δύναται26 of 29

can

G1410

to be able or possible

τοὺς27 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προσερχομένους28 of 29

the comers thereunto

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

τελειῶσαι·29 of 29

make

G5048

to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 10:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 10:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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