King James Version

What Does Hebrews 9:15 Mean?

Hebrews 9:15 in the King James Version says “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgress... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 9:15 · KJV


Context

13

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

14

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? spot: or, fault

15

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

16

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. be: or, be brought in

17

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Christ is 'the Mediator of the new covenant' so that those called 'may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.' This required His death 'for the redemption of transgressions under the first covenant.' Even OT believers were saved by Christ's sacrifice - it had retroactive effect. Reformed covenant theology sees essential unity in the way of salvation across testaments (by grace through faith in Christ) while recognizing progressive revelation and administration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

OT believers looked forward in faith to God's promised redemption; NT believers look back to the accomplished redemption in Christ. The same sacrifice saves both, demonstrating the unity of God's redemptive purpose throughout history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How were Old Testament believers saved if Christ hadn't yet died?
  2. What does the unity of salvation across both testaments teach about God's eternal plan?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διὰ2 of 26

cause

G1223

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

τοῦτο3 of 26

for this

G5124

that thing

διαθήκῃ4 of 26

testament

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

καινῆς5 of 26

of the new

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

μεσίτης6 of 26

the mediator

G3316

a go-between, i.e., (simply) an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor)

ἐστίν,7 of 26

he is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὅπως8 of 26

that

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

θανάτου9 of 26

of death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

γενομένου10 of 26

by means

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

εἰς11 of 26

for

G1519

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

ἀπολύτρωσιν12 of 26

the redemption

G629

(the act) ransom in full, i.e., (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) christian salvation

τῶν13 of 26
G3588

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

ἐπὶ14 of 26

that were under

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῇ15 of 26
G3588

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

πρώτῃ16 of 26

the first

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

διαθήκῃ17 of 26

testament

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

παραβάσεων18 of 26

of the transgressions

G3847

violation

τὴν19 of 26
G3588

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

ἐπαγγελίαν20 of 26

the promise

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

λάβωσιν21 of 26

might receive

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

οἱ22 of 26
G3588

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

κεκλημένοι23 of 26

they which are called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

τῆς24 of 26
G3588

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

αἰωνίου25 of 26

of eternal

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

κληρονομίας26 of 26

inheritance

G2817

heirship, i.e., (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession


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 9:15 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 9:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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