King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:2 Mean?

Hebrews 10:2 in the King James Version says “For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more cons... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Hebrews 10:2 · 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.

4

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If the sacrifices had truly cleansed, 'would they not have ceased to be offered?' The continuation of sacrifices proved their inadequacy. True cleansing would remove 'conscience of sins'—the guilt and awareness of sin. The worshippers would be 'once purged' (Greek 'hapax'—once for all). The repetition testified to failure, not success.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The question is rhetorical—the obvious answer is yes. The very existence of the Levitical system proved it couldn't accomplish what Christ would accomplish in one sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. Has Christ's sacrifice purged your conscience of sin's guilt?
  2. Do you sometimes act as though Christ's sacrifice needs to be supplemented or repeated?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ἐπεὶ1 of 16

For then

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

οὐκ2 of 16

not

G3756

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

ἂν3 of 16

would they

G302

whatsoever

ἐπαύσαντο4 of 16

have ceased

G3973

to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end

προσφερόμεναι5 of 16

to be offered

G4374

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

διὰ6 of 16

because

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ7 of 16
G3588

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

μηδεμίαν8 of 16

no

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

ἔχειν9 of 16

should have had

G2192

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

ἔτι10 of 16

more

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

συνείδησιν11 of 16

conscience

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

ἁμαρτιῶν12 of 16

of sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

τοὺς13 of 16
G3588

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

λατρεύοντας14 of 16

that the worshippers

G3000

to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage

ἅπαξ15 of 16

once

G530

one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively)

κεκαθαρμένους16 of 16

purged

G2508

to cleanse, i.e., (specially) to prune; figuratively, to expiate


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 10:2 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 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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