King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:3 Mean?

Hebrews 10:3 in the King James Version says “But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 10:3 · 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.

5

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: hast: or, thou hast fitted me


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'In those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.' Far from removing sins, the annual Day of Atonement ritual reminded participants of their sins and the sacrifices' inadequacy. This stood in stark contrast to God's promise under the new covenant: 'their sins and iniquities will I remember no more' (v. 17).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Each year's Day of Atonement declared that sin remained a problem requiring fresh covering. This pointed to the need for a better sacrifice that would actually remove sin rather than merely cover it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's sacrifice remove rather than merely remind you of your sins?
  2. What difference does it make that God remembers your sins no more?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
ἀλλ'1 of 7

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐν2 of 7

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐταῖς3 of 7

those

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

ἀνάμνησις4 of 7

sacrifices there is a remembrance again

G364

recollection

ἁμαρτιῶν5 of 7

made of sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

κατ'6 of 7

every

G2596

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

ἐνιαυτόν·7 of 7

year

G1763

a year


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 10:3 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 10:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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