Hebrews 10:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Σκιὰν
a shadow
"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))
#2
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἔχων
having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#4
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
νόμος
the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#6
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
μελλόντων
to come
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
#8
ἀγαθῶν
G18
of good things
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
#9
οὐκ
and not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#10
αὐταῖς
the very
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
#11
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
εἰκόνα
image
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
#13
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
πραγμάτων
of the things
a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)
#15
κατ'
year by year
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#16
ἐνιαυτὸν
a year
#17
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
αὐταῖς
the very
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
#19
θυσίαις
sacrifices
sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
#20
ἃς
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#21
προσφέρουσιν
they offered
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
#22
εἰς
continually
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#23
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
διηνεκὲς
carried through, i.e., (adverbially with g1519 and g3588 prefixed) perpetually
#25
οὐδέποτε
never
not even at any time, i.e., never at all
#26
δύναται
can
to be able or possible
#27
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
προσερχομένους
the comers thereunto
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
#29
τελειῶσαι·
make
to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hebrews. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Hebrews Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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