King James Version

What Does Hebrews 9:22 Mean?

Hebrews 9:22 in the King James Version says “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Hebrews 9:22 · KJV


Context

20

Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

21

Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

22

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

23

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Almost all things are by the law purged with blood' establishes the principle: 'without shedding of blood is no remission.' The Greek 'aphesis' (remission) means release, forgiveness, cancellation of debt. Blood represents life given in death (Leviticus 17:11). God's justice requires payment for sin—either the sinner's death or a substitute's. Christ's blood fully satisfies divine justice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Levitical system thoroughly established the blood principle through countless sacrifices. These pointed forward to Christ, 'the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world' (John 1:29).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that blood must be shed for forgiveness deepen your appreciation for Christ's sacrifice?
  2. What would be your condition if Christ had not shed His blood for you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

And

G2532

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

σχεδὸν2 of 15

almost

G4975

nigh, i.e., nearly

ἐν3 of 15

with

G1722

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

αἵματι4 of 15

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

πάντα5 of 15

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καθαρίζεται6 of 15

are

G2511

to cleanse (literally or figuratively)

κατὰ7 of 15

by

G2596

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

τὸν8 of 15
G3588

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

νόμον9 of 15

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

καὶ10 of 15

And

G2532

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

χωρὶς11 of 15

without

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

αἱματεκχυσίας12 of 15

shedding of blood

G130

an effusion of blood

οὐ13 of 15

no

G3756

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

γίνεται14 of 15

is

G1096

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

ἄφεσις15 of 15

remission

G859

freedom; (figuratively) pardon


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 9:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 9:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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