Hebrews 10:11

Authorized King James Version

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
πᾶς
every
all, any, every, the whole
#3
μὲν
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#4
ἱερεὺς
priest
a priest (literally or figuratively)
#5
ἕστηκεν
standeth
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#6
καθ'
daily
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#7
ἡμέραν
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#8
λειτουργῶν
ministering
to be a public servant, i.e., (by analogy) to perform religious or charitable functions (worship, obey, relieve)
#9
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
αὐτὰς
the same
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
#12
πολλάκις
oftentimes
many times, i.e., frequently
#13
προσφέρων
offering
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
#14
θυσίας
sacrifices
sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
#15
αἵτινες
which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#16
οὐδέποτε
never
not even at any time, i.e., never at all
#17
δύνανται
can
to be able or possible
#18
περιελεῖν
take away
to remove all around, i.e., unveil, cast off (anchor); figuratively, to expiate
#19
ἁμαρτίας
sins
a sin (properly abstract)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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