King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:11 Mean?

Hebrews 13:11 in the King James Version says “For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.”

Hebrews 13:11 · KJV

Context

9

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein .

10

We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

11

For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

12

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

13

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. This verse references the Day of Atonement ritual (Leviticus 16:27) where the bodies of the sin offering animals—the bull and goat—were burned outside the camp after their blood was brought into the Holy of Holies. The Greek word for "sanctuary" (ta hagia, τὰ ἅγια) specifically refers to the holy place or sacred precincts, emphasizing the blood's destination in the most sacred space.

The phrase "burned without the camp" (katakaiō exō tēs parembolēs, κατακαίω ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς) is theologically significant. The sin offering's body was considered defiled because it bore the people's sins symbolically. Being burned outside the camp meant removal from the holy community—the offering was treated as unclean and expelled. This parallels Christ's crucifixion outside Jerusalem's gates (Hebrews 13:12), where He bore our sins and was treated as cursed (Galatians 3:13).

The author uses this typology to demonstrate Christ's superior sacrifice. Just as the high priest entered the Most Holy Place with blood while the bodies burned outside, Jesus' blood entered the heavenly sanctuary while His body suffered outside the city. The completeness of this offering—blood for atonement, body for removal of sin—fulfilled and transcended the Old Covenant pattern. This verse prepares readers to embrace Christ's reproach by going to Him "outside the camp" (Hebrews 13:13).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was Israel's most solemn holy day, detailed in Leviticus 16. Once yearly, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for himself, the priesthood, and all Israel. Two goats were selected: one sacrificed as a sin offering with blood sprinkled on the mercy seat, the other sent into the wilderness as the scapegoat bearing the people's sins symbolically.

The bull (for the high priest's sins) and the goat (for the people's sins) whose blood entered the sanctuary had their bodies carried outside the camp and completely burned—hides, flesh, and refuse (Leviticus 16:27). In Israel's wilderness period, 'outside the camp' meant beyond the sacred community's boundaries where God's presence dwelt. Later, when Israel settled in Canaan, this principle continued with offerings burned outside Jerusalem.

The Hebrews' audience, likely Jewish Christians facing pressure to return to Judaism, needed to understand that Christ's death fulfilled and replaced the entire sacrificial system. His crucifixion outside Jerusalem's walls wasn't accidental but fulfilled this typology—He was the ultimate sin offering, bearing God's people's sins and suffering the penalty of separation. The first-century Jewish Christians who identified with Christ were themselves going 'outside the camp' of institutional Judaism, facing ostracism and persecution for their faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the sin offering's complete removal 'outside the camp' deepen our appreciation for Christ's substitutionary atonement?
  2. What does it mean practically to go to Jesus 'outside the camp,' bearing His reproach in our contemporary context?
  3. How does the pattern of blood entering the sanctuary while bodies burn outside illustrate both the heavenly and earthly aspects of Christ's work?
  4. In what ways does the Old Testament sacrificial system's incompleteness point us to the superior, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ?
  5. How should the reality that Christ was treated as sin-bearing and expelled motivate our willingness to suffer rejection for His sake?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ὧν1 of 21

“whose”

G3739

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

γὰρ2 of 21

“For”

G1063

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

εἰσφέρεται3 of 21

“is brought”

G1533

to carry inward (literally or figuratively)

ζῴων4 of 21

“beasts”

G2226

a live thing, i.e., an animal

τὸ5 of 21
G3588

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

αἷμα6 of 21

“blood”

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

περὶ7 of 21

“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 21

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

εἰς9 of 21

“into”

G1519

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

τὰ10 of 21
G3588

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

ἅγια11 of 21

“the sanctuary”

G39

a sacred thing (i.e., spot)

διὰ12 of 21

“by”

G1223

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

τοῦ13 of 21
G3588

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

ἀρχιερέως14 of 21

“the high priest”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

τούτων15 of 21

“of those”

G5130

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

τὰ16 of 21
G3588

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

σώματα17 of 21

“the bodies”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

κατακαίεται18 of 21

“are burned”

G2618

to burn down (to the ground), i.e., consume wholly

ἔξω19 of 21

“without”

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

τῆς20 of 21
G3588

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

παρεμβολῆς21 of 21

“the camp”

G3925

a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), i.e., (specially), battle-array, encampment or barracks (tower antonia)

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 13:11 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 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 16:27Exodus 29:14Numbers 19:3Leviticus 9:11Leviticus 6:30Leviticus 4:11-12

Places in This Verse

Holy Place 2Room · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E23 verses across 8 books
View all places in Hebrews 13 →

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