King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:22 Mean?

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Context

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

And having an high priest over the house of God;

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

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

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

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Topics in This Verse

Faith

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **Let us draw near.**—See Hebrews 10:1; also Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 11:6. **With a true heart.**—“True,” the word used in Hebrews 8:2; Hebrews 9:24, a *real*—*i.e., *a sincere heart. As in Hebrews 6 we read of “full assurance,” or rather, “fulness of hope,” so here of *fulness of faith.* “Without this there could be for us no “living way” (Hebrews 10:20) for entering into the holiest place. The thought of the whole verse connects itself with the priestly character of those who are the people of God (Exodus 19:6; Revelation 1:5-6). It is as priests that they enter the house of God, sprinkled with the blood of atonement (Hebrews 12:24; Hebrews 9:14; Leviticus 8:30; 1Peter 1:2), and with all defilement washed away (Leviticus 8:6). “Sprinkled from an evil conscience:” that is, freed by means of the “sprinkling” from a conscience defiled by guilt. In the last words there is a clear allusion to baptism, as the symbol of the new life of purity (Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5; 1Peter 3:21).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 10:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.