King James Version

What Does Hebrews 9:26 Mean?

Hebrews 9:26 in the King James Version says “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he app... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 9:26 · KJV


Context

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:

25

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

26

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

27

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

28

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If Christ needed to suffer repeatedly, 'He would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world.' But instead, 'now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.' The phrase 'end of the ages' (Greek 'sunteleia tōn aiōnōn') indicates the culmination of redemptive history. Christ's appearance and sacrifice are eschatologically climactic - the decisive, unrepeatable event that deals with sin finally.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'end of the ages' doesn't mean the world's end but the arrival of the promised new covenant age. Christ's first coming inaugurated the last days (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2), the age in which God's final redemption is accomplished.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that Christ appeared 'at the end of the ages,' and what does this teach about redemptive history?
  2. How does Christ's sacrifice 'put away sin' in a way previous sacrifices never could?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἐπεὶ1 of 23

For then

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

ἔδει2 of 23

must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

αὐτοῦ3 of 23

he

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

πολλάκις4 of 23

often

G4178

many times, i.e., frequently

παθεῖν5 of 23

have suffered

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

ἀπὸ6 of 23

since

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

καταβολῆς7 of 23

the foundation

G2602

a deposition, i.e., founding; figuratively, conception

κόσμου·8 of 23

of the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

νῦν9 of 23

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

δὲ10 of 23

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ἅπαξ11 of 23

once

G530

one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively)

ἐπὶ12 of 23

in

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

συντελείᾳ13 of 23

the end

G4930

entire completion, i.e., consummation (of a dispensation)

τῶν14 of 23
G3588

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

αἰώνων15 of 23

of the world

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

εἰς16 of 23

to

G1519

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

ἀθέτησιν17 of 23

put away

G115

cancellation (literally or figuratively)

ἁμαρτίας18 of 23

sin

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

διὰ19 of 23

by

G1223

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

τῆς20 of 23
G3588

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

θυσίας21 of 23

the sacrifice

G2378

sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ22 of 23

he

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

πεφανέρωται23 of 23

hath he appeared

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)


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 9:26 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 9:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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