King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:18 Mean?

Hebrews 10:18 in the King James Version says “Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 10:18 · KJV


Context

16

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

17

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. And their: some copies have, Then he said, And their

18

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

19

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, boldness: or, liberty

20

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; consecrated: or, new made


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. This verse draws the inevitable logical conclusion from the new covenant promise. The Greek word for "remission" (aphesis, ἄφεσις) means release, pardon, complete forgiveness. It conveys the idea of cancellation of debt, liberation from bondage. Once true, complete remission has been obtained, the entire sacrificial system becomes obsolete. No further offering is needed, wanted, or valid.

The phrase "no more offering" (ouketi prosphora, οὐκέτι προσφορὰ) definitively declares the end of the sacrificial system. Ouketi means "no longer," "not any more"—what once was necessary is now finished. Any attempt to offer sacrifices for sin after Christ's once-for-all offering either denies that Christ's sacrifice achieved complete remission or claims that sins remain unforgiven despite Christ's work. Both positions are incompatible with the gospel.

This verse has profound implications for Christian worship and theology. It means that Christ's sacrifice on the cross was not just the best of many offerings, nor the first installment requiring supplementation, but the complete and final payment for sin. No priest, no church, no religious ritual can add to or improve upon what Christ accomplished. The efficacy of His death depends on God's promise, not on human works or religious participation.

This truth undergirds the Protestant understanding of the Lord's Supper as memorial rather than re-sacrifice. If Christ's offering is complete and final, the mass as "unbloody sacrifice" contradicts Scripture. It also means that penance, indulgences, purgatory, and any system requiring ongoing payment for sin fundamentally denies the sufficiency of Christ's atonement. Where remission exists, no more offering is needed because none is possible—the work is finished (John 19:30).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse would have struck at the heart of first-century Judaism. The entire temple system, priesthood, and daily sacrifices were predicated on ongoing offerings for sin. To declare "no more offering for sin" was to announce the obsolescence of the central institution of Jewish religious life. This helps explain why Jewish Christians faced such intense pressure and persecution from their unconverted countrymen.

The fall of Jerusalem and destruction of the temple in 70 AD validated this theology in a dramatic way. After the temple's destruction, Jews could no longer offer sacrifices even if they wanted to. From a Christian perspective, this providential timing demonstrated that God Himself had ended the old covenant system, making return to it impossible. The author's prophetic warning proved accurate: those who rejected Christ's sufficient sacrifice lost even the insufficient old covenant system.

During the Reformation, this verse became a key text in debates over the mass. Roman Catholic theology taught that the mass is a true sacrifice, offering Christ anew to the Father for the remission of sins. The Reformers pointed to this verse as proof that such teaching denies the finality of Christ's cross-work. The Council of Trent anathematized anyone who denied that the mass is a true propitiatory sacrifice. Protestant confessions responded by affirming that Christ's once-for-all sacrifice is complete and that any claim to re-sacrifice Him constitutes blasphemy against His finished work.

Reflection Questions

  1. What religious practices or personal disciplines might subtly communicate that Christ's sacrifice needs supplementation?
  2. How does the finality of Christ's offering affect your understanding of forgiveness, both receiving it and extending it to others?
  3. In what ways does recognizing the complete sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice free you from religious performance and works-righteousness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
ὅπου1 of 8

where

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

δὲ2 of 8

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

ἄφεσις3 of 8

remission

G859

freedom; (figuratively) pardon

τούτων4 of 8

of these

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

οὐκέτι5 of 8

is there is no

G3765

not yet, no longer

προσφορὰ6 of 8

offering

G4376

presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice

περὶ7 of 8

for

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἁμαρτίας8 of 8

sin

G266

a sin (properly abstract)


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 10:18 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 10:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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